If you have the 103 kit installed on your bike and have this problem, please post here. I am building a case to bring to HD corporate to show them that they need a recall or service bulletin to fix this issue. If you had compression releases put in and it fixed the issue or what you did to resolve the problem post it here too. I just called and spoke with Ola and she said she has to talk with the techs there and the dealer has to duplicate the issue and they will see what can be done then. If you call, add your name to:

Case: 968269
103" Hard Starting 2007-UP

PLEASE MAKE THIS A STICKY.

 

Dealer just replaced my starter after this build, I am not convinced it is more than a bandage.

It seems we will need automatic compression releases to really fix.

Mike

 

I had hot starting problems with my 103" and resolved with a high-torque starter.

To my mind, compression releases are an answer, but not necessarily the best one. I know this idea goes against popular opinion, but look at it this way. Compression releases are unknown in the world of high performance, high compression automobiles. Motors with 8 cylinders and much larger displacement with compression ratios north of 12:1 crank right over without compression releases. What's the difference? Why haven't some engine builders even heard of compression releases? Because the larger, more powerful starters used on cars eliminate any need for them. Motorcycle starter specialists like Tech-Cycle and others understand this fact and have developed powerful, high-torque starters, some no bigger than your stock starter, that easily crank over the largest, highest compression bike motors out there. And they do it without the need of compression releases. Personally, I think these high-power starters are the simplest, most reliable solution. The one downside is that they aren't always the least expensive solution though, in some cases, they can be. In my case, it cost me only $330 and about 30 minutes time to swap out my stock starter for the high-torque starter I'm using now, so the starter was the simplest, easiest, and cheapest solution for me.

Understand that the last thing I want is to start a 'compression releases vs starters war'. It's not about that anyway because there's no question both options work. I'm just offering a little food for thought for those who don't relish the idea having to remove their heads again to fix their hard starting problems.

 

Mike,

If your dealer simply replaced your stock starter with another stock starter (and not the H-D 1.4 kW version), I don't see how that could possibly solve your problem.

 

I had my starter and clutch pack replaced last December on my '07 Ultra under warranty. I had the Big Bore 103 kit installed on purchase. It starts fine when cold, but when hot, watch out. Had this happen a couple of Saturdays ago, so the problem is still an issue with me.
--
Kevin

 

The 103 motors do need a compression release. This 100% the fact and there is nothing else that will fix it!!

 

I had serious problems with starting my 08 Ultra w/103 when hot. Dealer replaced starter with 1.4 SE and it seems to have helped about 80%, but it's still there. I had a 103 on my '05 and never had this issue. What would the difference be?

 

Well, it's 100% fact that the "there is nothing else that will fix it" part of your statement just isn't true. Tech-Cycle and others make starters that will spin a 117" high-compression motor with no problem and no compression releases. The downside is that these 'super starters' are larger than stock so if you can't make room for them, then compression releases are your only answer. In the case of most 103" builds, a stock-sized high-torque starter like I'm using should be all you need.

rapz: I wouldn't recommend anyone buy the H-D 1.4 kW starter because it has the same light-duty clutch as the stock one. The H-D version is only half a high-torque starter.

 

I didn't pay for the upgrade...I just took the bike in when it was hot...let it sit about 5 minutes and tried starting it in front of the service techs...all I had to do.

 

Well, that's the good part, but if it doesn't solve your problem, then the 'fix' is worth what you paid for it.