Engine Upgrades on the '09 - 96 - Harley Forum

The Jester · #1 09-21-2008, 01:55 PM

I am thinking of purchasing an '09 Road King Classic, I have a Heritage now that is upgraded from an 88 to 95. I was thinking of rolling in the upgrade on the new bike at purchse which if done by the dealer it will be included in the new bike warrenty. I would like to hear back from anyone with suggestions and/or ideas on either a 103 or 110? What cam? Exhaust? How about adding an oil cooler?
Thanks,
The Jester

BlueBob · #2 09-22-2008, 12:05 PM

If you have the dealer do all the work, your warranty should hold. Even better if you're buying a new one, order it from the factory that way.

From everything I've READ, the 103 is the best bang for the buck. Of course, I have no experience to back that up.

JCourneyaP · #3 09-23-2008, 01:43 AM

I dunno. I would ride it around a bit before I messed with it. Heck break the motor in. You might like it as is.

#4 09-26-2008, 12:20 PM

If you want to roll the upgrades in to the purchase, I would go with the 103. You would probably have to go with a Screaming Eagle (SE) cam to keep the warranty intact. Not sure on which exact one-depends on if you do head work or bump up the compression ratio. Talk it over with an engine builder. It all depends on the type of riding you plan on doing. I think low and mid-range power is the most useful. Most of us aren't worried about max HP and top end. Too many guys have had oil leaks and other problems with the 110's. Not worth it to me. Whatever you do, DO install an oil cooler. No matter what upgrades you do, it will help your engine life to run cooler oil. Go with a Jagg 10 row for maximum efficiency. I have one on my 07 Fatty and it lowered the oil temp. 30 degrees.

Wrightturn · #5 09-26-2008, 11:34 PM

Hey Jester,

The standard engine in the 09 is a 96 inch. The big bore kit takes you to 103 . After that you need a different crank to get to a 110. I have little experience with the 96. I have zero experience with the 103 or 110. There have been problems with the 110 according to some of the members here. Might want to ask some of the membes here. The engines are new and time will tell.

tommyglide · #6 09-27-2008, 12:15 PM

I had the heads done and installed SE 255 cams on my 07 Electra Glide and left it a 96" and I'm quite happy with the results.

Lowrider103 · #7 09-28-2008, 08:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tommyglide

I had the heads done and installed SE 255 cams on my 07 Electra Glide and left it a 96" and I'm quite happy with the results.

I have the same setup with 103 and 255 cams (Keep the warranty) I love it. It is strong and pulls hard down low where I mostly ride. I run it in the heat of Dallas and no heat problems don't have an oil cooler. The bike is quick and will suprise a few if I get on her. I have over 8k on the build.

street bob · #8 09-28-2008, 06:34 PM

From reading and talking to others on different forums, the 110 c.i. motors are not reliable. From strong running, high compression, there is talk of flywheels slipping out of "true". People have begun to have the wheels welded to avoid the "slipping".
Alot of fantastic reviews on the 103 upgrade. Lots of power and still maintain reliabilaty and longevity.. Just my 2 cents.

Saddleup · #9 10-14-2008, 09:39 PM

UPgrade the stock heads.
Woods has a good 6H cam, bolt in. SE probably has simillar spec cam
New intake and good 2-1 exhaust.
Will really do 98% of what you want.

tommyglide · #10 10-15-2008, 01:06 AM

That is a good combo, isn't it Low? The machinist that did my heads also polished my stock throttle body and flow tested everything. My baby brother did the same as Lowrider103 on his FLHX and the difference in fuel consumption is negligible while riding aggressively.