2014 FLHX 103 review (test drive)
Former Sponsor
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 5,360
Likes: 453
From: Davie, FL
The 2014 has a positive top clamp triple tree which prevents the disconnected feeling you get with the 2013~1986 FLT due to the positive connection, the 49mm is more stiff due to cross section strength but the internals are the same as the Dyna except for the different size of the holes drilled into the damper rods. The check valve material has changed to another hard material with no sealing qualities. Expect the same signature poor handling & ride expected from a HD, the fork would handle very similar to a 46mm Dyna. I bought a 2014 front fork and measured it yesterday at the shop. Same thickness as a 49mm Dyna or V-Rod but shorter of course.
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- The top is a new V-Rod/Dyna fork tube
- The center is a Dyna damper rod, check valve, and 2014 slider
- Bottom is a 2014 FLT fork tube, same wall thickness as the Dyna & the Dyna damper rod is interchangeable except for possibly the length.
Cruiser
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 192
Likes: 1
From: Windsor, CT
Only difference I see in the reveiw is I find the stock seat fits my *** just fine.
My only bitch would be the passenger area is ugly. Always ride solo so thinking maybe to go with a new CVO without the rear pillion. Aftermarket seats all seem to move me back to far.
My only bitch would be the passenger area is ugly. Always ride solo so thinking maybe to go with a new CVO without the rear pillion. Aftermarket seats all seem to move me back to far.
Last edited by convincor; Sep 26, 2013 at 06:26 AM.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 11,476
Likes: 3,003
From: Charleston, SC
The 2014 has a positive top clamp triple tree which prevents the disconnected feeling you get with the 2013~1986 FLT due to the positive connection, the 49mm is more stiff due to cross section strength but the internals are the same as the Dyna except for the different size of the holes drilled into the damper rods. The check valve material has changed to another hard material with no sealing qualities. Expect the same signature poor handling & ride expected from a HD, the fork would handle very similar to a 46mm Dyna. I bought a 2014 front fork and measured it yesterday at the shop. Same thickness as a 49mm Dyna or V-Rod but shorter of course.
I guess the combination of all the other improvements (tree, size etc) had the greatest effect as you already noted. Interesting to see what future improvements the suspension gurus will develop for the tubes themselves on the new bikes. I haven't followed the improvements people have done to the Dynas but I would assume these "new" tubes on the 14s could follow suit in one shape or form.
lp
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 2,033
Likes: 45
From: Long Island, NY
I have yet to ride a SGS but according to HD's specs my 2012 CVO is making 105 tq at 2750 rpm and the 2014 SG is making 104.7 at 3250 rpms so I am expecting similar power and laden there is only a 22lb difference between my CVO conv and the SG which really surprised me I expected the bagger to be a lot heavier.
Thread Starter
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 3,078
Likes: 0
From: Iowa
The 2014 has a positive top clamp triple tree which prevents the disconnected feeling you get with the 2013~1986 FLT due to the positive connection, the 49mm is more stiff due to cross section strength but the internals are the same as the Dyna except for the different size of the holes drilled into the damper rods. The check valve material has changed to another hard material with no sealing qualities. Expect the same signature poor handling & ride expected from a HD, the fork would handle very similar to a 46mm Dyna. I bought a 2014 front fork and measured it yesterday at the shop. Same thickness as a 49mm Dyna or V-Rod but shorter of course.
- The top is a new V-Rod/Dyna fork tube
- The center is a Dyna damper rod, check valve, and 2014 slider
- Bottom is a 2014 FLT fork tube, same wall thickness as the Dyna & the Dyna damper rod is interchangeable except for possibly the length.
I have yet to ride a SGS but according to HD's specs my 2012 CVO is making 105 tq at 2750 rpm and the 2014 SG is making 104.7 at 3250 rpms so I am expecting similar power and laden there is only a 22lb difference between my CVO conv and the SG which really surprised me I expected the bagger to be a lot heavier.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 2,033
Likes: 45
From: Long Island, NY
Yea I was figuring there would be a lacking on the off the line performance compared to the CVO with the peak torque at 500 rpms higher on the SG
Road Captain
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 565
Likes: 2
From: Palmyra Missouri
So your say'n that the 2014 103 runs well even without the stage 1, just courious to what they did different to the 103 motor from previous years to the 2014, I was not aware of any engine changes such as cams to make them run better..
Thanks for the write up bro...
Thanks for the write up bro...
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 2,858
Likes: 217
From: Puyallup Wa.
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Tourer
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 389
Likes: 31
From: Pennsylvania
They changed the cams, upped the compression ratio, beefed up the compensator, and increased air flow.
