Hello all, 2012 SG with 12,000 miles lately have been noticing a strange noise (like a metal to metal sound) on start up, mostly (cold) on the primary side in the front, sounds fine afterwards. Anyone have any ideas what it may be? Thank you...

 

Compensator?

 

Mine went around 15k.

 

What is the compensator? also easy fix ??? Is this common ?

 

Any Harley help if that's what it is????

 

When you say "on startup and sounds fine afterwards," do you mean when cranking or after it has turned over? If it is only when cranking it over, it could be the starter clutch. In any event I'd pull the primary cover and have a look-see at the compensator. Many an issue with the compensator. It is an easy fix for either the compensator or the starter clutch.

 

My first thought is compensator also.

 

All 3 of my failed comps would grind on a hot start, never on a cold start.

 

Mine started 'clacking' at shutoff, three days prior to 15k ESP service date.
On the drop off day, rode to work and home and 'clacked' at start up and shutdown. Cold or hot.
Dealer replaced under warrenty.

 

Just had mine done