Find the best deal on an '09 up bike ya like. Stock 96" and 103"s are both dogs compared to your sporty and it will cost about the same to make any power out of either.

 

The stock 96 touring bikes were dogs. The 07-08 bikes were the worst of the lot, as far as performance, saddled with a motor that was tuned too lean, and the way too-tall 32/66 final drive. The 88/5-speed bikes were better off the line than the 96/6 speed bikes, although the six speed bikes had a more relaxed cruise at highway speeds, and gas mileage stayed fairly comparable.

The 103 motor has acr's and oil cooler from the factory, if you do decide you need more performance, it's a matter of doing a basic stage I upgrade, and a decent set of cams. A few years ago, we were paying big bucks to squeeze 100/100 out of a stock tc88. If you're starting with a 103, you're pretty much there with a stage I, cams and a tune.

 

My 1st Harley was a new 09 EG Classic with a 96. I'm now on a 2011, 103 Limited Ultra. The 1 thing I noticed was, on a 2-lane at 60 to 65 in 6th, on the 96 I had to go down to 5th to pass somebody so I wouldn't spend alot of time in the opposite lane. On the 103, I can stay in 6th & go right around them without shifting down. I'm not an aggressive rider either, so I'd be fine with another 96. So, I'd have to go down to 5th to pass somebody. Big deal. If the 96 is alot less money than the 103, you'll be fine with 96.

 

I had an 80" shovel, then 80" evo and now tc88" each was an upgrade from last. so if you never had it you wont miss it and will enjoy what you get 96" or 103"

 

Listen to us complain about 96 cu in "not being enough". We've gotten jaded - the 88 TC motor was "enough". All else is just gravy...
That being said, I do enjoy my 103" RK, it feels like a big block compared to the 96" RK that I had previously.

Buy the bike that has the lowest miles/best value and don't worry about the size of the motor.

Joe

 

I bought a used 08 HSC with a 96 motor. I recently did a stage 1 upgrade and tune with a SEPST. Big difference for only roughly 800 bucks. But it depends all on your riding style and where you ride.

 

I have been told by a few people that a 96s with new cams have more power than a stock 103s. I don't watch the prices close enough to see if the difference in price of the two bikes is worth modding the 96 or just getting the 103. But if you find a good deal on a 96, at least you know more power is easy to get if needed.

Beary

 

6'1 285 with an 09 RK with stage 1...runs great and I have no desire to move up. If I did, I would go 110.

 

Well all this info puts my mind at ease. I plan on getting the newest bike I can afford. I feel more at ease now about the 96 motor. I appreciate all the replies. Ryan

 

I made my 96 2011 street glide into a 103 for less then 40. and you would never know the difference . ,, lol I bought the side cover on the primery case . no just kidding . but I was thinking about it