So, when I had my motor built up, Harley informed me that the stock starter wouldn't hold up well to the high compression of the new build, and I'd most likely have to replace it in the near future. It wasn't high enough to have compression release valves, though. That was exactly a year ago, and it appears that the starter has crapped out. It's not cranking, and wires are smoking. The bike will roll start, and a fairly new battery was put in to ensure it wasn't the battery, so it would appear there's nothing else wrong except the starter.

2001 Fat Boy with a 95" setup running screaming eagle high flow heads, high compression pistons, and 211 cams.

Anyone know the stock Kw rating? What's a good aftermarket starter. Is it wise to replace any other components when the starter is removed?

 

Reaper's engine has been punched out to 98ci, has 10.5:1 compression with release valves. Her stock starter finally died at the beginning of this season, after 11 years and over 106000 miles. In that time, it liked to eat starter clutches due to engine kickback at startup... something like 7 or 8 of them over the years (4 in one summer alone, that was traced back to a new battery that was weak from the get-go). I replaced the starter with an AllBalls 1.4 KW starter, and upgraded the original battery cables to a set of Sumax Extreme Duty 2 gauge. I also replaced the battery to be on the safe side, with a Yuasa 310 CCA GYZ20HL. Since then, she fires up better than ever, and without any engine kicking back, etc...

This is the starter I bought:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Cables:
http://www.revzilla.com/motorcycle/s...tail-1989-2007

Battery:
http://www.revzilla.com/motorcycle/y...rmance-battery

Cheers!

 

THAT is one BIG plus of having a carbed bike. If the battery or starter crapped out you could always roll start it...

Stock starter power rating is 1.2kW, I believe...

 

Done, done, and done. I appreciate the info. Guess I'll be changing the oil, too.

 

Happy to help.

Oh, I almost forgot. I replaced the starter relay too. It was about 10 bucks, and since it was the original one, I figured it couldn't hurt.

Cheers!

 

I'd do the compression releases.

I have a similar set up

95" High comp pistons, SE Performance heads, 257 cam. I had the comp releases installed and have had no issues with the starter. I use them every time I start the bike.

 

When I had the work done by Harley, I asked about whether or not it needed the compression release valves with the increase in compression, and they stated it wouldn't be necessary since the compression would be under 10.5:1 afterwards. It was a little more difficult to start on occasion, but nothing ridiculous.

But, not that I'm looking to replace the starter, it appears I should have done the release valves then. There's no way I'm paying Harley the labor rate to remove the tank, heads, drill, etc. Their techs are too damn slow to pay for labor unless it's a complete rebuild. I'd actually be concerned that when they quote me a price for the release valves, I'd flip out and never return.

Hoping the stronger starter and a better quality batter will do the trick.

 

Plenty of info on the interweb, replace the harness as well and chalk it up as experience.

 

Harness?

 

Kind of a conflict of statements...IMHO.

The higher compression will kill the starter...but you don't need CRs...???