Motorcycle Repair: Harley Starter problem, starter clutch, starter solenoid

Question
QUESTION: I have a custom built high compression '97 80" Evolution motor. I am trying to determine if my starter clutch is bad or something else. My starter/solenoid was tested "as good as new" last year, the battery is nearly new & tests good, and the starter clutch was just replaced a 3-4000 miles ago. (Bike only has 15K miles on it). Sometimes, (now MOST of the time), when I try to start it the solenoid clicks & kicks out/engages the starter gear fine, and the starter motor spins fine, but won't crank the engine. All the gears/bearings look/turn fine, but I did notice that sometimes I can rotate the starter easily in both directions, while others only one. As for the bushing & gear shaft that's in the primary housing, it looks good & turns easily in both directions... anyway, i don't know what I'm looking for on the clutch itself.

Having read many of your/others' answers, I am thinking the high compression engine may be frying the starter clutches, and compression releases (whatever they are) may be in order? Am I right to assume these allow for easier turnover while starting, then are closed for riding? I have read about some that can be installed in the spark plug holes without any drilling. Any good.

Thanks a lot sir!!!

ANSWER: What kink of compression are you running?
Mike

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: I was afraid you'd ask that. I'm not sure exactly, just know it's more than stock. 10:1 or more sound right? I never got all the specs in writing as promised by the consignment broker. It has always turned over hard/slow compared to stock bikes even when everything was almost brand new, (5000 miles when I bought it in '99). And takes a LOT of speed to bump start & still locks up & almost throws me. But it usually only takes 2-4 cranks/revs to fire up cold & 1-2 hot, so the starter never worked too hard for very long.    

Thanks again Mike!

David

Answer
There are a coule different routes you can go. I would suppect that you running 10:1 or 12:1 compression. You can get compression releases. One type goes in the heads and the heads have to be removed and drilled and there is one form Spyke that just screw into the spark plug holes. The Spyke one have to use a special spark plug however.
The other way is to get a high output starter and high output battery. You can also change the jackshaft gear so there is more torque on the motor when the starter is engaging.
Good luck and happy riding
Mike