We all want more; more money, more power, more hours in the day, more horsepower, more bang for our buck, etc. Actually the last two might be top priorities for Harley-Davidson enthusiasts. Therefore we thought it was a pretty smart idea that Harley decided to offer a PowerPak option on select models for 2011.
Power, peace of mind, and performance, the PowerPak is like hitting a trifecta. For $1,995 more on top of the base price, certain 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 ’11 Road King Classic, Electra Glide Ultra Limited, and Road Glide Ultra models and is offered as a factory-installed option on ’11 Street Glide and Road Glide Custom models. We see the PowerPak as a great alternative to those that want more oomph than the base 96ci mill, but don’t want to pony up 10-plus Gs to get into the saddle of a 110ci CVO model. With the PowerPak option you can get some of the most desirable upgrades people often want for quite a bit less than the cost of a CVO.
The heart of the PowerPak is the 103ci engine. The 103 features 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. To help keep the less honest at bay, the Smart Security System offers automatic self arming and disarming through a hands-free fob, which communicates directly with the security module on an individualized frequency. So when the rider switches off the ignition and leaves the proximity of the motorcycle, the Smart Security system disables the starter, ignition, and EFI. In the braking department, the ABS works in conjunction with Brembo dual four-piston calipers up front and a solo four-piston caliper out back gripping down on 300mm rotors to help maintain control during braking events, especially those that occur in less than optimal conditions. The ABS system isn’t linked which means that the rider still maintains independent control of front and rear brakes.
Our local fleet center, which houses all H-D’s press models, had an ’11 Street Glide with the PowerPak installed and we were lucky enough to get our hands on it for about a month. The first thing we’ll say about the SG we tested is that the solid Sedona Orange paint scheme was beautiful. It had a deep rich hue in the shade or dark lighting, but then when the sun hit it, the orange shimmered as mini specs and flakes reflected the sun’s rays. Aside from the PowerPak upgrade, which we identified right away by the 103 badges on the air cleaner and primary cover, for 2011 H-D made some slight changes to the Street Glide. Gone is the 2-into-1 exhaust system that was found on the previous year’s SG and Road Glide models. For 2011 both models feature the 2-into-2 under slung exhaust system found on the other touring bikes. 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.