I went to the local HD dealership and fell into the hands of the sales staff. They wouldn't leave me alone till I took a test drive on a 103. I was really impressed with the ride and extra power of the 103 over my 88. I have heard that the " seat of the pants " feel of the 96 is about the same as the 103. That, and I think there are no Cats on the 96 and there is less complexity, without the oil coolers and all, that make me think a 96 might be a better option. So, is that extra 7 cuin. that big a deal ? Gotta go, but will post a few more thoughts shortly.

 

My opinion, going from a 88 to 96 isnt that much in terms of power upgrade. Sure, you would get a little bump.
If you can swing it, an 88 to 103 would be the cats meow. I went from 96 (which couldnt get out of its own way) to a 103. Much mo betta!

 

I’ve owned both 96s and 103s. The 103 run much better, it is not just the 7 cu in the gearing also changed.

 

They are RELENTLESS aren't they ? The local dealer here, they practically greet you in the parking lot
And yes, there is a BIG difference between an 88 and a 103. The biggest I've ridden is the 114
Those things haul a$$ right out of the box.

 

Well, I'm not real unhappy with the 88's power. It's got more than my 95 FLHPS had, and I loved that Evo. This 88 is skittish, quick steering and feels uncertain. It's the first bike I've had in a decade, and it's unpleasant to drive, especially at 70mph. It has a wobble there. I feel uncertain and shaky driving it. That 103, just driving it four miles, was so smooth and sure that it was a dream to drive. All my skills and smoothness came roaring back. I was gobsmacked by the difference between my 88 and the 103. Then to top it off, the additional power was breathtaking. Sadly, you don't get squat for trade in on an 88.

 

Get the new saddle bags, they are worth it

I do think 103 is geared better.

Lot more to think about. You could bore a 96 too.

 

I had the 96 on my 09 Heritage, ran good no problems. Went to a 103 on my Road Glide Special, loved it. Had a 107 on my 20 Heritage, seemed to run to hot and a 107 on my 2017 Street Glide special. Of these I’d take the 103, great engine and seemed bullet proof.
Also have a 114 on a 22 Heritage and all I can say is it’s EVIL. Love it.

 

Something is very wrong with your chassis setup, 88's handle just fine unless something is up....usually tires in my experience. My favorite TC88 ever is a Road King I put a 95" Big Bore on, had the heads flowed and added SE203 Cams....I look forward to it coming in for a service because it is soooo nice to ride.

 

Don’t try a 114”

 

What is the 88 you have in ?????
Another motor ain't gonna change handling problems that much.
Sounds like you have somethings to ck before throwing another motor at it or trading

WP