Got a couple questions going from my 09 to a 13. On the 103, does it run considerably hotter than the old 96? Also, is the pull noticeably different going from the 96 to the 103, I have heard they have a good pull off the line? Thank you all in advance!
I don't have any proof like oil temps, but the roadie (103ci) feels cooler to me than the Heritage (96ci) I had before. I think it's a combo of the oil cooler that's on the 103, and the seating position of the Heritage. Seems like there's more space between rider and engine on the RG than the Heritage. Riding the Heritage was like being right on top of the motor. It was a real cooker on those hot days. Especially when cruisin around town. Would definitely like to see actual temps between the two though. Curious how much of a difference the oil cooler makes...if any at all.
the 08 did not have the cat , but otherwise I think the engine heat is similar , and the 103 IMO may be a bit cooler thanks to the oil cooler , nothing scientific , just seat of my britches observation ..
the 103 has more torque than the 96 , and the rear pulley is a 68 tooth instead of 66 , so rolling off in first isn't the clutch feathering nightmare it sometimes was with the old gearing .. it pulls stronger thru all the gears with the pulley change ...
Put a 68 tooth rear pulley on the 96 , and doubt there would be much difference in the two
the 08 did not have the cat , but otherwise I think the engine heat is similar , and the 103 IMO may be a bit cooler thanks to the oil cooler , nothing scientific , just seat of my britches observation ..
the 103 has more torque than the 96 , and the rear pulley is a 68 tooth instead of 66 , so rolling off in first isn't the clutch feathering nightmare it sometimes was with the old gearing .. it pulls stronger thru all the gears with the pulley change ...
Put a 68 tooth rear pulley on the 96 , and doubt there would be much difference in the two
The gearing difference is from the years, not the engine size. Gearing is the same for a 96 or 103 of the same year.
I test rode both before making my decision. And really couldn't tell any difference.
I talked to my favorite tech, and he did say the 103 really benefits from the stage 1 more than a 96. Since I didn't want to do any engine mods, he suggested the 96. And he knows how I ride. I'm not a throttle jockey.... and I like 50 MPG
I have an 2009 96" with Andrews 48H cams, slip-on mufflers, A/C and a tune. I can leave my buddies stock 2010 103" Limited in the mirrors without any problem.
I know.... I just wanted to make it a little more obvious..... there's a lot of confusion among the masses about gear ratios on the different years. Some people don't know that they change from time to time. Like in 2007 6th gear was pretty unusable until you were at about 75 mph.... and my 2011 I can run 6th gear at 55 all day long. 6th gear on my 2011, is pretty close in RPMs as 5th gear was on my 2005..... maybe just a smidge higher in gearing, but close.
fifth in the six speed runs almost , if not identical rpm/ground speed to fifth in the five speed EVOs .. 3000 at 65 or so ..
I still wish the six was a bit taller , not much just a bit , been considering doing a compensator/clutch ring gear swap , easier and cheeper than the front pulley
fifth in the six speed runs almost , if not identical rpm/ground speed to fifth in the five speed EVOs .. 3000 at 65 or so ..
I still wish the six was a bit taller , not much just a bit , been considering doing a compensator/clutch ring gear swap , easier and cheeper than the front pulley
Totally agree...... I thought of doing that too. But on my 2011 1st gear is pretty tall. If I change the whole range, it will make 1st gear even taller. Just can't win
Absolutely.... I should have mentioned that.... My 05 had a 1st gear that was made for pulling tree stumps out of the ground. But made you shift way to soon to get into second.
I got rid of an '08 Wide Glide w/ a 96 ci (stage 1 mods) to get my current bike. I can tell you first hand, before installing the SE255 cams in this bike, with only the stage 1 done to it I raced my buddy on his '07 Wide Glide w/ a 96 ci & stage one. Both bikes basically the same mods, my heavier bike with the bigger ci versus his lighter bike with the 96 ci, he never had a chance. As he put it, it hurt his "feel goods" when I walked away from him. Now with the SE255 cams in it isn't even close. Makes me wonder why I never put cams in the last bike so I could enjoy how much better the bike runs.
TLKurtz, did you put the cams in yourself or take it somewhere? Also is it an expensive upgrade to do, I have always thought the more you get into the motor, the more you make it unreliable though! But I do like alot of torque though so maybe something for me to consider when I get my new one.
I did not install the cams myself. I had the dealer put them in at the 600-mile mark and had them do the first service at the same time. The dealer claims that having them install them covers the new cams under my 7-year warranty I bought, just like the rest of the bike is covered. It was a little pricey having the dealer do the work, around $1100 compared to a local shop that would have done the work for around $800-900.
As for reliability, I doubt it will change anything. I ride with too many people that have built their 88ci to a 95ci, and the 96ci up to a 103ci. Most have done the jugs, a little higher compression, head work, cams, etc. and they ride all over including Sturgis and back, etc. None seem to have any problems, and speaking for mine it starts super easy and runs fantastic. The only thing to be aware of is that with bigger cams you will hear some additional noise out of your engine (valve noise, etc.) due to the bigger cams. As my buddy put it, it makes them sound a little more mechanical, but if you don't mind a little extra noise the power improvement is impressive.
I think the 103 is a better choice. It does have more power which helps the baggers. I will say it is not that impressive stock. I would have been very unhappy if the U came with a 96.
It is much better when the cats, stock exhaust and intake are changed.
The U can pull with the 96's on the smaller bikes in sixth gear now, blow them away in 5th unless they have had motor work.
I had a 2009 FLHTCU with a 96 before this 2012 FLRTX.
I literally took the same air cleaner and slip ons, stage one on both, and the 103 is hands down better.
Now with the Power Vision tuner, not even in the same class.
Now if I can just get around to getting a good head pipe one of these days it will be even better!
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