I did not get compression releases and don't see that there is a need for them. The dealer generally does not recommend them either.

Not everyone will agree on this issue.

Andy

 

Why waste your money on HD "performance" parts? Get a GMR, HeadQuarters, hillside or other independent kit - look at a 107 vs a 103, why spend the labor on a 103 when a 107 cost the same?

 

If you get a Harley kit yes its worthless. But Harley makes good parts you just need to mix and match to build your own kit. The parts from harley work fine. Headwork is a bonus more airflow equals more power.

 

I'm not sure of the basis for your opinion, however, I did have the HD 103 Stage 2 kit installed at a reasonable cost. The performance increase was well worth the money and knowing that it would not violate the HD warranty was a plus.

I did not have any head work done either. I felt pretty comfortable that the manufacturer of the engine would have the knowledge and ability to produce engine parts that would reliably improve performance.

It really is up to the individual to decide what works best for them. In my opinion, the HD kit was not a waste of time!

Andy

 

Mine runs fine and will run hard against any HD, I installed the SE Comp which helped with hot starts.

 

I'd suggest while it is tore down get the comp releases installed. Save you money later.

 

HD kit isn't a bad way to go if you're looking to save some cash. You can get most of the kits online at 20% off or more. It's pretty good bang for the buck.

 

Have to agree with Andy! I also did the HD 103 Stage II on a relatively new bike back in '07. The kit was definitely not a waste of time or money! The warranty was priceless as the bike had a problem after the build, not related to the build, but it took a good Harley shop the better part of a day to figure out the problem. All covered under warranty. This was a failed Harley part. I believe that if I had gone with another build, other than Harley, there would have been a lot of finger pointing getting the problem resolved and would have been more of a headache.

With that said, if you are looking for more power the Headquarters, GMR or Hillside kits appear to be great builds from what I've seen and heard.

IMHO - I just wanted a decent power increase at a fair price and to maintain the warranty on a $20K bike. I like to ride, so I figured, if I had a problem on the road, I could find a Harley dealer and get back on my way.

 

I have 200 mi on the 103 upgrade. Bought it at the dealer and installed there as well. Mechanic programmed the tuner w/ a general tune from a motor same as mine. I need another 300 mi to break in the new parts. I'll get on the dyno after 2000 mi for the final tune. At 1000 mi service I added V&H slipons, SE intake and stage 1 download. Helped a lot. At 10,000 did the 103 SE 103 kit. So far it does everything much better. This is no doubt my final engine up grade. As far as compression releases go I personally don't see the need. The compression at start up is basically same as stock. Not trying to start a fight just don't see the need so far on my bike. I have noticed no difference in starting hot or cold. Not sure yet but my fuel mileage seems to be a little better. Valve noise is about the same volume but a different tone. Exhaust is a bit louder and idle has a little more stumble. You can definately tell something has changed.

 

i hope this thread continues for a while. i don't mind spending money, but i sure do hate it when all is said and done, that i should have gone with another kit, or another shops kit to get far more of an increase. good information.