what is the difference in the A motor and the B motor ?

 

The b motor is balanced to reduce the vibration.

 

A motor is rubber mounted.

B motor is solid mounted and has a counter balanced crank.

 

The 88A engine is rubber mounted and is used on Touring models and Dyna models. The 88B engine is a counter balanced (2 chain driven counter weights inside engine) and is used on Softail models. Same holds true for the 96A and 96B as well as the 103A and the 103B engines.

I think they developed the "B" engine so they could set the engine lower on the Softails, but don't hold me to that because I'm no H-D designer. If you notice, the Softails all sit lower than Touring models. Also, the rear suspension on the Softail is horizontally mounted under the frame, not vertical on each of the rear wheel like a Dyna or Touring model.

I'm starting to ramble, so I'll shut up. Hope some of that helped.

 

I miss the B engine 88" in my 2003 Softail. Smooth running, no vibration and great power. Especially after I put a 95" kit in it. Unlike my Touring bike, the front end didn't shake like a 2 dollar hooker at idle.

 

So why don't they put the B engines in the touring models?



cheers

 

The B motor also has the oil tank mounted under the seat.

 

Less power. The chains and counterbalance rob the engine of some horses.

 

Not the OP but thanks guys. I just learned something today.

 

will the b motor work in the touring bike ?