Guys, I am thinking about doing the 103", but I seem to remember a bunch of you guys having problems with it. Hard starting, etc. Please vote, and list anything you have done to remedy it, like compression releases or whatever.....

 

Just get the compression releases and it's fine, imho.

 

Starting.
Paid the dealership to do the 103 stage II last fall, along with pipes, tuner, dyno tune. Right off the bat experienced occasional hot start kick-back. No warranty as it was not evident when I took it back to the dealership, they couldn't repeat it, so, I paid it out of my pocket to tear down the heads and cut them and install compression releases. This seemed to cure hot start kick-back problems with the compression released, and I have gotten along fine until just lately when the starter, once again occasionally, has developed a rapid machine gun sounding clatter on start-up. Sounds like an impact wrench hammering on it. Took it back to dealer, and tried starting up a dozen times and couldn't repeat the hammering noise, so, I am going to pay R&R out of my pocket for a new 1.4KW heavy duty starter and see if that won't end my starting problems. I don't know why the damn thing is intermittant. The dealer won't warranty until complete failure, and of course that would entail me towing it back to him for repair. By the time I get done with that I just as well buy a new starter and get it over with, which is my action taken. I hate INTERMITTANT PROBLEMS!!!!!!!! I hope this ends it.

 

No Issues with my 103 Running Strong and Dependable, just did a 800 mile trip with no Issues at all.

 

You need to find another dealer. My dealer has worked with me to resolve that very same problem. The hard start on the 103s is common knowledge to all dealers and they don't have to have it repeated in front of them to take care of the problem. PM me if you need additional information.

 

I have a 2008 Dyna but same 96" the baggers use. I have a ton of stuff done to my motor and there is no starting issues at all. Although I have ACR's on it too, I have the screamin' eagle CNC high flow heads and they are drilled and tapped for ACR's from the factory. I highly reccomend a 103" build. My dyno sheet is in my photo album but that is not a good representation of what the numbers are. Close tho. It was dyno'd running a little rich and with the stock clutch that slipped during dyno runs. I will re-dyno and tune next week, check back for new dyno sheets.

 

Done the 103 this winter with SE 255 cam and when my head was off i do the compression release just to be safe,the bike run great no problem

 

103 is wonderful. Couldn't be happier. You will not be upset when you build it. If you use the SE255 cam you may have starting problems. You should do Compession Releases.

 

a 103/107 build from someone who is in the business of making power is worlds apart from a screaming seagull build from the stealership. Just food for thought. I ran with a guy the other week that had a 103 bb from harley. He didnt believe all I had was a little 98ci. Cant be sure but I think he turned around to go and try to get his money back. You would be better served talking to Scott at Hillside Cycle, Randy at Hyperformance, or Reggie at R&R. Starting problems will be the least of your worries, because the motor will be setup correctly.

 

Screw the 103 build....bleh.

Do an HQ 107 build...same money...waaay more power.