08 ULTRA 27000 miles. Stage 1 with FUELPAK. Runs awesome. Original compensator. Remember it's a touring bike. Ride it like such and you'll get many many enjoyable miles.

 

my stage 1 96" is fine, plenty of power for 2 up loaded.

the 103 has a torque advantage- 15% more power to get moving off the line and in the twisties.

the 103 also requires comp releases and is more likely to suffer the fretting issue which is compounded by vibration ( the fretting TSB is specific to 103's).

when I bought my bike the 103 was a near $2k package.

the 96 is fine- I have other bikes which go fast, stop quickly and turn. the bagger is a touring bike for me with some light canyoneering

I suppose it is really about use and expectations and what you are willing to pay for power


once you start talking about heads, cams etc then you are comparing apples to oranges
mike

 

So now your saying SnS makes a Easy Start SE 255 Cam?? I guess this is Common Knowledge Also!!

 

09 Road King with 60000 miles. No complaints and all stock except for the slip on mufflers. Has all the power I need for riding solo or 2 up. Everyone wants more power but is it needed.

 

Depends on the tune.my buddy has one in his roadking had a pcv map in it and it had hot start problems,he took it to a local tuner that is really good now it run strong and doesn't have trouble with it at all.

 

Don't bother with the know-it-all.....he just likes to troll my posts.

The high CCP of the 255's can strain a failing starting system. Once I replaced my starter clutch I had zero problems for 2 years.

 

I have a 2011 which is all stock until the last few days. 25K miles on it and no problems with it at all....so far. Riding with a passenger and loaded up, I have no complaints with the power or performance.

 

09 Ultra with 117,000 trouble free miles on a stage 1 96ci runs almost as strong as my brand new 14 Limited 11,000 miles, with 103HO and twincooled heads with 10.0-1 compression!

 

My 07 Fat Boy has the 96 motor. All stock it ran too hot and was sluggish compared to my 04 Sportster 1200 (which was hopped up) So after stage 1 (2 into 1 pipe, high flow AC, and Power Commander V), it ran MUCH better. Rode it for several years, then put in Andrews 48H cams with upgraded inner cam bearings performance lifters, and a re-map. Doing all the work myself, it was around $500. Now it is a monster! Much more fun to ride.

In hot states like Florida, it is almost mandatory to at least do a stage 1. In stock form and tune they run way to lean causing major heat issues. Probably not a problem in northern states...

 

I was very happy with my 07 with TX 96 75,000 great miles on it. But truth is the 2 normal 103 I had sense then we're better as was the new frame. The 3rd 103 the twin cooled wet head is so much better.
That said I could live with my old 2007 if I had to.