I am purchasing a 2103 Street Glide with 103CI motor and trying to decide whether to bother with putting a cam in it or not. I have had TC 96 and TC88 models in the past some with and some without cams.

My question is, how comparable to a 96 CI with a cam is a 103 CI without a cam? if that comparison can even be made.

I can always wait a bit and see how it feels after I get it before doing a stage II with a 255e cam, but am just wondering what experiences and feedback anyone may have to offer.

My only thought for having it is merging and running with interstate traffic when riding 2 up with bags and gear on the bike, which will not be my primary riding anyway.

Thanks in advance for any feedback!

 

All I can tell you is my best riding buddy bought a 103 Street Glide brand new. He did: SE air cleaner; Vance & Hines true duals (the one that has the crossover "x" where the cat used to be); SE mufflers; a SE-255 cam; and the SE race tuner. Dealer did the install and the dyno tune.

I forget now what his numbers are on his dyno sheet, but I can tell you from riding it and from trying to keep up with it, it runs and sounds amazing... and is still pulling like a freight train at 120 MPH.

 

What cam is in the 96? A 96 with a 255 has more low end torque than a stock 103. The stock 103 is very satisfactory for most riders. Most of my friends riding them say I'm not messing with it, it has adequate power. In a new bike with warranty I would go with a dealer installed 254E for hot starting reasons. It moves the torque band up by just a couple hundred RPMs over the 255s and is a little quicker. BTW, as far as I know there is no 255e.

 

That is basically the same set up I am considering, just not sure whether I "need" the cam or not, thanks!

 

I might be wrong, it may be the 254E, not 255E!

 

FX4, I honestly don't remember which cam I had in my 2010 FLX, I remember it being a "mid range" cam, I might can dig up some old info on it, that was 2 bikes ago and I have regretted getting rid of that bike since the day I did, that's why I am going back to a new Street Glide now!

 

I have the SE 255's in my bike now. only wished id went with the SE 254E for a little more top end.but im not tearing it down for just a couple hundred more rpm of pulling. bike runs solid now and pulls me and the wife around easily

 

You won't need the cam but it will make the bike pull harder and more fun to ride. All in all, my cams including the install and dyno tune cost me $1,600. Was it necessary? No but it was worth it to me.

 

I have had 10 Ultra with FM 107, then an 11 Ultra LTD (103) with 255 cam and then a 13 SG with just stage 1 (fuel moto head pipe, Supertrapps, PV tune).

IMO, the SG without the cam was PLENTY. I would say ride it with stage 1 and see. I bet you think its enough power as well. If you are gonna do ALOT of 2 up riding, a 255 would be nice, but not necessary.

Again, an Ultra (heavier) and a passenger (even more weight) and I'd do a 255. Mostly solo on a SG......good stage 1 is enough. If ya need big power, by a V-Max.

 

You haven't even bought a bike and you are worried about a cam already? This forum really throws a lot of hexes on people!