96 vs 103 SG?
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Intermediate
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 47
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From: Copperopolis, CA
96 vs 103 SG?
Currently have a FXDL with an 88" with Stage II, cams, exhaust & dino that runs pretty damn fast. Looking for a SG for the wife and I to be more comfortable on the long cruises. Wondering if there is a big difference between the 96 vs 103 motor. Planning on just doing exhaust, stage 1 and retune. Thanks in advance for the input........
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 14,744
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From: Phoenix '53, '88, '09 Big Twins
the 103 has more torque- about 7 or 8 ft lbs.
in practical terms it means you can shift into 6th at a lower road speed- 65 MPH and not lug the motor.
the bike is a little more spritely in city traffic/canyons
also consider:
the 09 will have no cat in the header- unless a CA model
the 10 SG will have a 2 into 1 pipe stock ( cat)
the 11 will have a 2/1/2 pipe stock (cat)
when I was shopping in 2010, the 103 was a $2k upcharge as part of a package- I went with the 96, and am perfectly happy with it. A Pal stores his 103 with me in the winters and I ride it some
. the difference is not night and day.
If you are looking to be more comfy on long rides- look at a FLHTC or FLHTCU- big seat, longer rear shock travel, more space for junk, tourpak gives passenger a backrest ---and stereo control on the Ultra
mike
in practical terms it means you can shift into 6th at a lower road speed- 65 MPH and not lug the motor.
the bike is a little more spritely in city traffic/canyons
also consider:
the 09 will have no cat in the header- unless a CA model
the 10 SG will have a 2 into 1 pipe stock ( cat)
the 11 will have a 2/1/2 pipe stock (cat)
when I was shopping in 2010, the 103 was a $2k upcharge as part of a package- I went with the 96, and am perfectly happy with it. A Pal stores his 103 with me in the winters and I ride it some
. the difference is not night and day.
If you are looking to be more comfy on long rides- look at a FLHTC or FLHTCU- big seat, longer rear shock travel, more space for junk, tourpak gives passenger a backrest ---and stereo control on the Ultra
mike
Last edited by mkguitar; May 6, 2013 at 09:33 AM.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 3,504
Likes: 12
From: DOWN SOUTH
As Mkguitar stated, the difference will not be that much, a 103 will have a little more umph (lol) out of the box. My guess (yes guess, havent rode it,lol) is that your stage 2 88 will probably walk away from a bone stock 103. If it didnt it would be close.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 17,138
Likes: 6,163
From: SE Michigan
the 103 has more torque- about 7 or 8 ft lbs.
in practical terms it means you can shift into 6th at a lower road speed- 65 MPH and not lug the motor.
the bike is a little more spritely in city traffic/canyons
also consider:
the 09 will have no cat in the header- unless a CA model
the 10 SG will have a 2 into 1 pipe stock ( cat)
the 11 will have a 2/1/2 pipe stock (cat)
when I was shopping in 2010, the 103 was a $2k upcharge as part of a package- I went with the 96, and am perfectly happy with it. A Pal stores his 103 with me in the winters and I ride it some
. the difference is not night and day.
If you are looking to be more comfy on long rides- look at a FLHTC or FLHTCU- big seat, longer rear shock travel, more space for junk, tourpak gives passenger a backrest ---and stereo control on the Ultra
mike
in practical terms it means you can shift into 6th at a lower road speed- 65 MPH and not lug the motor.
the bike is a little more spritely in city traffic/canyons
also consider:
the 09 will have no cat in the header- unless a CA model
the 10 SG will have a 2 into 1 pipe stock ( cat)
the 11 will have a 2/1/2 pipe stock (cat)
when I was shopping in 2010, the 103 was a $2k upcharge as part of a package- I went with the 96, and am perfectly happy with it. A Pal stores his 103 with me in the winters and I ride it some
. the difference is not night and day.
If you are looking to be more comfy on long rides- look at a FLHTC or FLHTCU- big seat, longer rear shock travel, more space for junk, tourpak gives passenger a backrest ---and stereo control on the Ultra
mike
Big Kahuna HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 20,530
Likes: 2,305
From: texas panhandle
For what it's worth, the SE Compensator is something you are going to buy. Might as well just buy a newer model. If you are looking for comfort on a harley, I could never get comfortable with a stock saddle. I went to corbin and am very comfortable for the 12 hour days that we often ride.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 4,579
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From: S.E. MO
I have a 2011 with a 103 and a buddy has a 2011 with the 96 both in the beginning just had slipons. There wasn't much difference. Mine was slightly faster but not by much.
Current set ups mine has increased over his but he still has stock head pipe and just a dealer download. Were I have power duals and a power vision so not the same comparison.
I went with the power pac in 2011 more for the other options. 2k got abs, security, oil cooler, ACR, the 103 was just bonus.
Point is they added more things with the 103 than just the added CC's so take that into account as well.
Current set ups mine has increased over his but he still has stock head pipe and just a dealer download. Were I have power duals and a power vision so not the same comparison.
I went with the power pac in 2011 more for the other options. 2k got abs, security, oil cooler, ACR, the 103 was just bonus.
Point is they added more things with the 103 than just the added CC's so take that into account as well.
Last edited by bberck; May 6, 2013 at 11:28 AM.
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Intermediate
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From: Copperopolis, CA
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Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2010
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From: Jayhawk Country
I have had both, the 96" in a 2010 EGC, the 103" in a 2011 Limited and now the 103" in a 2011 RKC. I think the 103" is hands down the better motor. Pulls harder, makes 6th gear more useable and 2 up riding is waaaaaaaaay better. Our first trip with the 2010 EGC with the 96" motor my wife said, " this thing is a dog". So it went bye bye. Love the new Road King with the 103. Could I have spent money on the 96 and made it better?, sure.
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Road Warrior
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 1,575
Likes: 7
From: Wisconsin
All else being equal, get the 103".
My Ultra had a 96" in it from the factory, my RGC has a 103". The 103" runs really well with just a stage 1. The 96" still needed help after I did a stage 1 on it, hence the FM107 kit in my signature.
BTW - the comment about the '11s and up is a good one. I had to put the SE compensator in my '10 Ultra. It's not really expensive to change out, but if you have the opportunity get an '11 or newer (with a 103") with the better compensator.
Good luck.
My Ultra had a 96" in it from the factory, my RGC has a 103". The 103" runs really well with just a stage 1. The 96" still needed help after I did a stage 1 on it, hence the FM107 kit in my signature.
BTW - the comment about the '11s and up is a good one. I had to put the SE compensator in my '10 Ultra. It's not really expensive to change out, but if you have the opportunity get an '11 or newer (with a 103") with the better compensator.
Good luck.
Road Captain
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 588
Likes: 1
From: North Carolina
I had a 2008 FXDF with the 96ci prior to getting my 2013 FHLX WITH THE 103ci. Prior to my mods, I could tell the 103 pulled a little stronger but not a huge difference. The main difference I noticed is that 6th gear is much more usable on the 103. If you find a good deal on a 96ci and find it to not have enough get up and go, you can always drop some good cams in it for not too much money. Plenty of threads on here related to cams to get the info to make an educated decision. Good luck in your search for a "Bagger". You will not be disappointed. I should have purchased one sooner.