2011 Street Glide 103ci PowerPak Review

Harley-Davidson Street Glide riders want the same things – more horsepower and more bang for their buck. Realizing that, Harley Davidson is now offering a PowerPak Option on select models for 2011.

Providing power and performance, the PowerPak is a great option. For  an extra $1,995 over the base price, new bike owners have the option of receiving their bike with a 103ci engine, H-D Smart Security System, and ABS brakes. The PowerPak comes standard on the 2011 Road King Classic, Electra Glide Ultra Limited, and Road Glide Ultra models and is offered as a factory-installed option on 2011 Street Glide and Road Glide Custom models. The PowerPak option is a great alternative to those that want more a bit more output than the base 96ci mill, but don’t want the extra cost of a 110ci CVO model. With the PowerPak option you get some of the most desirable upgrades Harley owners want for quite a bit less than the cost of a CVO.

The PowerPak option is built around the 103ci engine. The 103 has the same 4.38-inch stroke as the stock 96, however the bore is punched out from 3.75 inches to 3.875 inches. According to Harley the increase in displacement equates to 102 lb-ft of torque at 3,500 rpm, versus the 92.6 lb-ft of torque the 96 puts out, an increase of nearly 10 percent in peak torque. The package also includes the Smart Security System, an automatic self arming and disarming alarm system operated with a hands-free fob that communicates directly with the security module on an individualized frequency. With the Smart Security System, when the rider switches off the ignition and leaves the proximity of the bike, the Smart Security system disables the starter, ignition, and EFI. Also included is the ABS braking system. The ABS works in conjunction with Brembo dual four-piston calipers up front and a single four-piston caliper out back clamping down on 300mm rotors to help maintain control during braking, especially when conditions are less than optimal. The ABS system isn’t linked front to rear, which means that the rider still maintains independent control of front and rear brakes.

Some other changes to the Street Glide and Road Glide models for 2011 include a change back to the 2 into 2 exhaust system from the 2 into 1 system that was standard for 2010. According to H-D this change came due to feedback from customers and dealers as it was much more costly for customers to switch their 2-into-1 system to a 2-into-2. Another change is a new sculpted seat that has been reshaped for better styling and comfort.

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The power of the 103 is not that noticeable at lower RPM ranges, but let it wind up above 3,200 rpm and the engine’s power comes on strong. Loaded up with gear or even riding two-up with gear, the 103 has no problem putting big rigs and slower moving vehicles in their place, in the rear-view mirror. Even when you are in Sixth gear and cruising down the freeway, the motor still has plenty of power when you twist the grip. Of course it’s not the same as the CVO 110 but a definite improvement over the stock 96ci motor. Speaking of gears, the Cruise-Drive six-speed smoothly shifted from gear to gear. The incorporation of the Isolated Drive System helps to reduce overall noise and vibration making for a pleasant ride.

One thing about riding with the PowerPak, is that with the extra power, and the ABS brakes when in need, you find yourself pushing the bike a little harder in the turns and generally getting to your destination a little quicker. The single spar, rigid backbone frame and swingarm with its deep drawn shell and forged pivot section adequately handled all the twists and turns, a big improvement over pre-2009 models.

Aside from the PowerPak, new seat, and dual exhaust, the Street Glide has a long list of standard features, including 18-inch front, 16-inch rear black slotted cast aluminum wheels, Streamliner floorboards, brake pedal, and passenger pegs, and Harman/Kardan 40-watt, two-speaker Advanced Audio System with CD/MP3 player. With its lowered stance and 2 inches of travel on the short rear air-adjustable shocks, and 4.6 inches of travel on the 41mm frontend with triple circuit damping, the suspension does its job well.

When you take into consideration that the H-D 103 kit costs $899.95 (not including labour) and the ABS/Security package costs $1,195, the PowerPak option at $ 1,995 is a great deal. As it includes the 103 kit and the ABS and Security package. Best of all you’ll still have plenty of cash to make your ride your own before even coming close to the cost of the 110 CVO at $ 32,500.