Sportster Models 883, 883 Custom, 1200 Custom, 883L, 1200L, 1200S, 1200 Roadster, XR1200, and the Nightster.
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by:

compression test

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Sep 14, 2008 | 01:26 PM
  #1  
blurat's Avatar
blurat
Thread Starter
|
Stage III
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
Default compression test

Hi, I just bought a 93 1200 from a guy that says he just had new pistons and cams put in. He says it doesnt have as much power as it did before.
I got it for my wife for 2300 bucks. Looks great, seems to run well but I never had a Harley so I dont know what to expect.
I checked the compression and get 120 in the back cyl and 110 in the front.
These numbers seem a bit low to me. If they are, does someone have a suggestion what might be the problem?
Thanks....B
 
Reply
Old Sep 14, 2008 | 01:33 PM
  #2  
mrb302's Avatar
mrb302
Road Master
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 1,183
Likes: 1
From: Graham, NC
Default

You have any specs on the pistons and cams? Both of those can affect the compression ratio dramatically.
 
Reply
Old Sep 14, 2008 | 01:57 PM
  #3  
blurat's Avatar
blurat
Thread Starter
|
Stage III
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
Default

No, i think he put in stock pistons but not sure. I dont have a clue what cams he used. I scoured the paperwork he gave me but only saw mention of r/r the cams because the bike wouldnt run at all after the rebuild
 
Reply
Old Sep 14, 2008 | 03:22 PM
  #4  
mrb302's Avatar
mrb302
Road Master
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 1,183
Likes: 1
From: Graham, NC
Default

Well according to the HD manual for the newer rubber mounts:

883 125-140psi
1200 200-225psi

Unfortunately I don't have the manual for the older models like yours. It's prob close but yours definitely has different heads and cams, maybe other parts as well.

Even with the differences I'm guessing that the 110 is a little low. If you have a air fitting that connects to your sparkplug hole you can fill the cylinder with air from a compressor. With the engine on the compression stroke you should hear the air bleeding down if it is leaking.

Most popular culprits would be the rings or valves. Remember that a leaking valve can be caused by other things too, like the cams, rockers, pushrods, etc.
 
Reply
Old Sep 14, 2008 | 04:55 PM
  #5  
blurat's Avatar
blurat
Thread Starter
|
Stage III
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
Default

Thanks, I really appreciate the input. I think Ill make an air fitting and see if I can hear anything leaking in the cylinder. Probably save me from taking something apart that I dont have to.
Thanks again
B
PS.. I have the 92 93 Harley manual but dont seem to see the figures in it. I'll look again
 
Reply
Old Sep 14, 2008 | 05:54 PM
  #6  
mrb302's Avatar
mrb302
Road Master
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 1,183
Likes: 1
From: Graham, NC
Default

Originally Posted by blurat
I think Ill make an air fitting and see if I can hear anything leaking in the cylinder. Probably save me from taking something apart that I dont have to.
Most likely the compression test fitting can be treaded onto an air compressor quick connect. At least worth a try.

PS.. I have the 92 93 Harley manual but dont seem to see the figures in it. I'll look again
If it helps, I found it in the "Troubleshooting" chapter of the newer manual.
 
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
eazyrider
Sportster Models
12
Jul 5, 2021 08:25 AM
03dragonRK
Engine Mechanical Topics
5
Apr 27, 2015 06:29 AM
Phat09flhx
Touring Models
19
Apr 21, 2011 06:01 PM
Ironhead Ed
Ironhead
9
Apr 20, 2011 06:43 PM
1sportytrike
Exhaust System Topics
1
Mar 21, 2008 12:23 AM




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 06:05 PM.

story-0
7 Times Harley-Davidson Chucked Tradition Out the Window

Slideshow: Harley-Davidson built its reputation on nostalgia, but every so often, the company took a hard left turn into the future.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-20 11:18:19


VIEW MORE
story-1
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles

Slideshow: The bar-and-shield logo shows up on far more than motorcycles, some of the company's most unexpected products have nothing to do with riding.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-29 16:50:35


VIEW MORE
story-2
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever

Slideshow: Not every Harley gets it right, but these are the ones that genuinely earned their reputation.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-04-15 14:23:21


VIEW MORE
story-3
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever

Slideshow: From the troubled AMF years to modern misfires, these bikes earned reputations for reliability issues, questionable engineering, or disappointing performance.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-04-01 20:01:09


VIEW MORE
story-4
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In

Slideshow: Killer Custom's "Jail Breaker" build focuses more on stance and visual aggression than mechanical overhaul.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-18 19:20:32


VIEW MORE
story-5
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?

Slideshow: The Swiss custom shop has taken a Harley Softail and stretched it into something so long and low that it looks closer to a rolling sculpture than a conventional motorcycle.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-07 16:15:30


VIEW MORE
story-6
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept

Slideshow: Harley-Davidson's new RMCR concept revives the café racer formula with modern hardware-and it may be exactly the reset the company needs.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-04 12:23:37


VIEW MORE
story-7
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II

Slideshow: A standard cruiser becomes an intricate metal canvas in the hands of a Swiss custom house known for pushing Harley-Davidson platforms far beyond their factory brief.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-02-24 18:19:44


VIEW MORE
story-8
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy

Slideshow: There is no shortage of great motorcycles to buy, but we would avoid these ten.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-02-19 14:50:51


VIEW MORE
story-9
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026

Slideshow: Harley-Davidson's challenges aren't abstract; they show up in dropping shipments, shrinking dealer traffic, and strategic decisions that aren't yet translating into growth.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-01-13 18:33:17


VIEW MORE