Compression Releases

Energy One

jhall

New Member
Does anyone know when BD began using engines with the heads set up for the S&S compression release?

Thanks,

Joe
 

Raywood

The Pirate
Staff member
Calendar Participant
Troop Supporter
Does anyone know when BD began using engines with the heads set up for the S&S compression release?

Thanks,

Joe
Yes, in 03 but the compression releases were not available yet so they came out in 04. 03's wiring harness' were pre-wired so an easy retrofit.
I put them on my 03 cause of the starter problems.

:flag:
 

rhinoevans

Active Member
Yes, in 03 but the compression releases were not available yet so they came out in 04. 03's wiring harness' were pre-wired so an easy retrofit.
I put them on my 03 cause of the starter problems.

:flag:
I have an 107 and the head is predrilled for the CR. Are they really worth $290?
 

Raywood

The Pirate
Staff member
Calendar Participant
Troop Supporter
I have an 107 and the head is predrilled for the CR. Are they really worth $290?
I thought they were but I was riding 100 miles a day commuting so was using the starter a lot. The 03 were pre-wired don't think the 02's were so may be a bit more expensive for you to wire you're 02!

:flag:
 

rhinoevans

Active Member
Rhino was that kit from BDM or another company:confused:
From S&S

S&S Compression Release Kits
S&S Electric Compression Release Kit
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . MSRP $289.95 90-4915
S&S Manual Compression Release Kit
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .MSRP $274.95 90-4925
 

Jessff00

Member
I have manual compression releases on my 2002 Pitbull. They work great. You just have to remember to reach down and push them..
 

syclone

Member
What would you need besides the kit? any extra adapter for the 2003 model.

Or is just as simple as plug in and run.

Thanks

Edwin
:confused:
 

Raywood

The Pirate
Staff member
Calendar Participant
Troop Supporter
What would you need besides the kit? any extra adapter for the 2003 model.

Or is just as simple as plug in and run.

Thanks

Edwin
:confused:
The 03 models will require an 02 starter relay! The kit is less expensive cause your bike is already wired for them. The is a SB out on the starter relay so ensure your dealer is aware of it.

:cheers:
 

LR1755

New Member
Compression Release

Has anyone tried or tested the Spyke Firstryke Bolt-on Compression Releases?
 

jhall

New Member
I have heard nothing but bad news about the Spyke compression releases from a couple of HD friends; ditto from several HD newsgroups and the local indy. It is basically an adapter at the spark plug hole, with a provision for compression release. I understand they cause a hot spot in the combustion chamber.

Joe H
 

BigJ

New Member
I just recently bought my 1st BD, 02 mastiff, I cant find the compression release valve. One person said its in the top/center of the head, to use a pen or something to release. But I cant really reach the top of the head because of the tank. Suggestions???
 

Raywood

The Pirate
Staff member
Calendar Participant
Troop Supporter
I just recently bought my 1st BD, 02 mastiff, I cant find the compression release valve. One person said its in the top/center of the head, to use a pen or something to release. But I cant really reach the top of the head because of the tank. Suggestions???
Then you should install the electronic CR as listed above by rhinoevans. They are operated by the starter switch.

:cheers:
 

01Mastiff

Active Member
On the '02 some (not all) of the engines are predrilled in the top for electronic releases but if no one installed them they are not there, just the plug where they can be installed. Manual releases are installed on the side of the heads by the spark plugs. As far as the Spyke releases, do a search. I don't think the company even sells them anymore. Lots and lots of engines ruined by the Spyke. They had at least 3 generations and all of them have been removed from the market. At best they will burn a hole in the top of your piston. Once you get a good starter and good battery as well as using a tender, there is no reason you need compression releases on a 107. The compression isn't that high. 117 and 124 probably yes (that's why they came with them). Don't forget, they are something else electrical to go wrong (again check the site) there have been a lot of failures. Direct wire starter around EHC to eliminate headlight and all when starting and you'll be way ahead of the game and won't need releases while also eliminating other electrical problems which can interfere with starting and leave you stranded because of an EHC problem. I also slapped a manual starter plunger on the end of the starter for insurance.
 

MARV

Well-Known Member
On the '02 some (not all) of the engines are predrilled in the top for electronic releases but if no one installed them they are not there, just the plug where they can be installed. Manual releases are installed on the side of the heads by the spark plugs. As far as the Spyke releases, do a search. I don't think the company even sells them anymore. Lots and lots of engines ruined by the Spyke. They had at least 3 generations and all of them have been removed from the market. At best they will burn a hole in the top of your piston. Once you get a good starter and good battery as well as using a tender, there is no reason you need compression releases on a 107. The compression isn't that high. 117 and 124 probably yes (that's why they came with them). Don't forget, they are something else electrical to go wrong (again check the site) there have been a lot of failures. Direct wire starter around EHC to eliminate headlight and all when starting and you'll be way ahead of the game and won't need releases while also eliminating other electrical problems which can interfere with starting and leave you stranded because of an EHC problem. I also slapped a manual starter plunger on the end of the starter for insurance.
all good points!

S&S makes a manual set of releases. could make for a quick install plus they'd work well with the manual plunger on the starter.

i also think some of these start issues could also be from either too much fuel at start up, which raises compression a lot, or float bowl issues flooding the chamber which would have the same effect.
 

rhinoevans

Active Member
On the '02 some (not all) of the engines are predrilled in the top for electronic releases but if no one installed them they are not there, just the plug where they can be installed. Manual releases are installed on the side of the heads by the spark plugs. As far as the Spyke releases, do a search. I don't think the company even sells them anymore. Lots and lots of engines ruined by the Spyke. They had at least 3 generations and all of them have been removed from the market. At best they will burn a hole in the top of your piston. Once you get a good starter and good battery as well as using a tender, there is no reason you need compression releases on a 107. The compression isn't that high. 117 and 124 probably yes (that's why they came with them). Don't forget, they are something else electrical to go wrong (again check the site) there have been a lot of failures. Direct wire starter around EHC to eliminate headlight and all when starting and you'll be way ahead of the game and won't need releases while also eliminating other electrical problems which can interfere with starting and leave you stranded because of an EHC problem. I also slapped a manual starter plunger on the end of the starter for insurance.
Could you provide more info on "Direct wire starter around EHC to eliminate headlight and all when starting ". How would you do this.

On the compression release, my shop did not recommed them either for the 107. Said the electrical ones were problematic and if my bike was starting fine, which it is, I did not need them for a 107 motor.

When I look at the started plungers, I see 3 for different size starter motors. Any wat to tell which started motor is on the bike. I see no was to tell>
 

01Mastiff

Active Member
I'm not good with electrics and there was a problem because on 2001 and those around that time, you can't totally eliminate the EHC. You can but you can't use the same speedo and no one else makes one the same size. Anywho, I went to my mechanic and had the whole thing re-wired (exept for the speedo) I had a three position switch installed. The first is off, the second is starter only(no speedo, lights, etc.) then the third (once it is started) is for lights etc. I did this after driving along at 70 when to my enjoyment everything shut down (engine, lights et al) after the EHC shut down on me because of a short in a turn signal). There is an extensive recent thread on eliminating the EHC in the past couple of weeks but I can't seem to find it under search right now. Maybe someone else can find it. Believe me when I say after having bikes for the past 40 years, the BD was the worst piece of shit I ever had until it was re-wired, now it's the best. It was one electrical thing after another. I couldn't trust it on any long trips, now I wouldn't hesitate to drive it cross country. Good luck.
 
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