Harley Davidson Question

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chubbs

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Do the 103's have the so called "parade mode"? Something about running on one cylinder because of heat. I ask because the last new HD I owned was and 2001 EG and I thought it ran hot.

Just the touring line of bikes. At a stop you simply roll the throttle foward to activate it. The stock 103ci does have noticeable increase in power over the stock 96ci, if you buy it, I would reccomend spending the extra money and get a big bore installed. I ride a stock 2010 Screaming Eagle StreetGlide that has a 110ci, a well built 103ci will outrun my bike anyday.
 
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Just the touring line of bikes. At a stop you simply roll the throttle foward to activate it. The stock 103ci does have noticeable increase in power over the stock 96ci, if you buy it, I would reccomend spending the extra money and get a big bore installed. I ride a stock 2010 Screaming Eagle StreetGlide that has a 110ci, a well built 103ci will outrun my bike anyday.

I'm not concerned about being outrun. Let the young pups that can afford it find the cops and get the tickets before I get there. I was thinking of riding down the interstate without the engine sounding and feeling like it was strained just trying to maintain highway speeds. The 103 with 6 speed has been described to me as driving down the road with cruise control. Low RPM with minimum engine effort, but power if you needed it.

At one point, I was considering changing out the engine and transmission. Not going to happen. First I couldn't find in the catalog that there was an "upgrade" for my year bike and secondly, the price just for the engine and transmission (before installation and labor) was $8000.00. Cheaper to just get a new bike.
 
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Super Dave

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It is real, and you are supposed to get a price break, as I recall. They had a really nice red in 2006. Ask at Harley-World too, and see if the price is the same. Just need your commission #.

If you want the big bore, I have at least 20 sets of cylinders around here. Gives it more humpf, but I was perfectly happy with the stock bagger I had, and that was an '06 88" 5 speed. Smooth!
 

JesseR

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The heat is an EPA thing. The 96" in stock configuration run 300* -320* in town idle/ stop and go. 260* going down the road. The 103 also gets warm and when you add the hot oil bag between your legs you feel it.

The heat can e controlled with less restrictive cams, and exhaust. Have a piggy back fuel management installed and the bike tuned.

I ride a 96" that I've wrenched on and have reduced my temps to 270* in town and 240* on the highway.

The best part is my 96" easly pulls my friends stock 103 and can in all RPM ranges. If you get a little oil under the fingertips, you can really benefit. Most projects are easy for the mechanically inclined.
 

UnSafe

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I'm not concerned about being outrun. Let the young pups that can afford it find the cops and get the tickets before I get there. I was thinking of riding down the interstate without the engine sounding and feeling like it was strained just trying to maintain highway speeds. The 103 with 6 speed has been described to me as driving down the road with cruise control. Low RPM with minimum engine effort, but power if you needed it.

At one point, I was considering changing out the engine and transmission. Not going to happen. First I couldn't find in the catalog that there was an "upgrade" for my year bike and secondly, the price just for the engine and transmission (before installation and labor) was $8000.00. Cheaper to just get a new bike.

Granted that the new HD bikes offer nice improvements, but as for a cruising speed power increase, you might want to test ride 2-3 before selling yourself on a trade in. Because of emissions rules and HD's tendency to de-tune their engines, the stock 103's aren't all that strong and you'll find yourself surfing the catalogs for performance parts soon.

If you do your own work, you can build a surprisingly strong 95" motor and install a Baker 6 speed gear set for about $4000-$4500. Choosing mods that work best together and the final tuning are what make it strong between about 2-4K rpm. Of course, it's still a 6-12 year old bike, with normal wear and tear problems, which is a big reason that many riders trade in for newer models. Reliability is king.
 
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This has been a good discussion so far and I've learned a bit. BUT, everything may be moot. The original owner just called me a couple of hours ago and said he wants it back. I told him he could buy it back if he wanted to. Just waiting on the funds at this point.

Two decisions I have to make now.

1. Do I want to get another bike?
2. What will I get if I do?

I just saw a "switchback" in the catalog that looked really nice.
 

steelhorse

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It's hard to beat the Ultra Classic for comfort---especially for the passenger. I have friends with StreetGlides and Road King Classics that have told me that they wish they would have gotten the Ultra instead. I would test ride a few before you make your decision.
 

JesseR

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Only you can decide if you want another bike and all that goes with it, but will anything else put that type of smile on your face and keep your blood pressure as low?

As for which one, only you can decide. Personally, if you aren't going the Touring model route, I'd go with either a Heritage or Fatboy. Both can be fully fitted with hard bags and fairing for the experience, were as a Dyna just can't fit the bill and the switchback fills a space, but doesn't measure up for experienced riders.

I think the 103's are nice, but with all the great deals to be had on 07-11 bikes, I'd buy used all day long. A quick test ride can let you know if there are any problems. I saw a nice full dresser on Craigs list for $13K that was in great shape.

Heck I picked up my 07 fatboy two years ago with 6K miles for just 9100. Just look and you can find some killer deals and then use the extra cash to make it your own.

www.jessereich.com_OSA_bike_072012_HD_Audio04.JPG


www.jessereich.com_OSA_bike_072012_HD_Audio05.JPG


Good luck!
 

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