My dealer is stepping up to the plate on this one so hopefully it will take care of the problem. I will leave it with them this coming Saturday.

 

I totally agree with your statement. I believe it is starter noise that is making some of the "bang" that most are hearing.

But, I went ahead and changed-out my compensator to the SE version on my 2010 Limited. There was nothing wrong with the stocker, other than it was just a stock compensator. Lots of stories about guys having their compensator bolt "come loose" after the dealer did the work. That was probably because it was not torqued properly or torqued using the sprocket lock tool instead of holding the 1.75 inch nut with a big *** wrench and torquing to specs with appropriate red locktite. (initially to 100 lbs, then back off a full turn, then torque to 140 ft lbs). I used the "grind" method and did not have to remove the clutch or the inner primary. It was pretty easy.

The bike does start easier now. The spring pack in the SE is a real step forward compared to the stocker.

I believe proper lubrication is essential to keeping spoke erosion to a minimum. A good synthetic oil with good shear rating would be a fine choice for the primary compartment. Be sure to make sure the lube is clutch-friendly.

 

Could someone explain to me what this compensator is and what the change is about, etc.?
I searched and didnt come up with anything.

 

'audible loud knock coming from the primary chain case on each engine startup. knock appears to originate from the compensator sprocket assembly which cushions the drive side crankshaft sprocket and the primary drive assembly when striking each other at engine startup. many compensator sprocket assemblies have been found in failure mode and have been replaced with a more robust unit (factory installed on 2010 and later models) under warranty. failure in service could be catastrophic and operator injury or death could result. manufacturer is aware of issues but have not recalled any units for refit of upgraded component.

Read more: http://www.faqs.org/car/harley-david...#ixzz1iLqA7B8E

 

The OEM stock comp sitting on my desk from my '07 Ultra apparently didn't get the required oil either... I'm guessing that OE or SE doesn't matter. It's just a poor bearing design.
37k miles and the bearing surfaces of both the extension and the primary gear are worn to the point of seeing a good inch of the bronze base metal at 6 and 12 O'clock.
On a $500 chinese scooter--meh, ok.
On a $20k touring bike - total crap.
Jus' Sayin


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O.K. So its NOT supposed to make that noise when it starts up?
I thought it was kinda cool. Sounded like it was exploding to life.
So if it does make that knock, what is happening, and how long do I have before I need to replace it?
I bought this bike a weak ago, and I cant afford to be replacing parts on it already.

 

You will hear a loud bang usually followed by gears grinding. It ain't kinda cool and in my case replacing the starter cured it.

 

Naw, I dont hear any gear grinding noise. Just that bang or clack noise, then its running.

 

I've had mine for a couple months now and thinking the same thing. Bought mine used with a little over 20k miles. 2010 Ultra. I just put on a new rear tire, new front brakes (nothing wrong I just wanted to know what condition the brakes were in) and had a bad rear fender tip light (water inside destroyed the circuit board). Going into the primary without riding a complete season was not what I had in mind. What happens when/if this thing fails? What is the best case? Worse case? Will it start making a lot of noise and let you know when its going bad? Any feedback is much appreciated.

 

New used bike here as well. What years are of concern?
I know there is no knock or gear noise on start-up. Maintenance wes on schedule and I'm considering swapping oil and lube to synthetic.
I have an 04 w/ 16k miles.