I have a 08 Streetglide and from time to time I have been hearing a clunk while starting my bike. I also have noticed that the bike is a little sluggish now on take off as well. The noise I here comes when I push the buttom to start the bike turns over but it sounds as if its slow and I usually hear the clunk and then its sometimes fire up. Could this be a battery going bad or starter or does it sound more like the compensator? If its the compensator how can I find out what needs to be replace without buying a whole kit?

 

Well id start with load testing the battery and tightening the cables first. Bang on start up is common with a worn comp. I would look into the Baker Drivetrain comp if it is bad.

 

Thanx

 

The bike will klunk on start up with the stock compensator.

 

One way to test out the comp that Mark at Baker once posted is to:

have your bike in first gear and while holding the front break give some gas while slowly releasing the clutch (as if you were going to do burn out). When clutch starts grabbing to the point where your ride wants to really move you might hear knocking, rattle, or other noises. If you do hear those things then the comp is on it's way out.

 

Its kinda hard to decribe...mine turns over but while still holding the start button it more or less drags while trying to start...I really cant explain it

 

Ok ...When I push the button to start it turns over but while still holding the button it will hit then drags down then hit again and start ...if it makes any sense. ....

 

 

I am on my 3rd compensator on a '10 Ultra Classic with 92,000 miles. The first went out around 50K. Clunked real bad when starting and even worse when letting out the clutch in 1st gear. "Upgraded" to SE compensator for a few bucks more which lasted another 50K. Now I have the "new design". We'll see how it holds up