Have an 08 Ultra Classic, 96 CC, no mods except for Xeids. Sometimes, when I start it when bike is hot, grinds like "compensator" bad. I had SE Compensator put in a few thousand ago. Now, I live in Texas and of course now over 100 degrees. Ne suggestions on how to start w/o this problem???

 

Sounds like your starter clutch is going bad thanks to your old bad compensator. Real easy fix. Replace it with the All ***** starter clutch and will be good as new.

2010 Limited with some stuff

 

It sounds like the same problem that I had on my '08 softail. The mechanic I use tells me it's a known problem on some models/starters. I can't explain it properly, but, he replaced an internal spring in the starter - no problem since. Apparently this happens more in hot conditions that weaken the original spring.

 

I would agree with the other comments about it being the starter clutch. I had the same issue on my 09 SG and replaced it with the stock HD starter clutch but have heard great things about the all *****. Here is a link to the thread I started about replacing it. I think the 08 models would be the same and a pretty easy repair. I think the older bikes like 06 have a bolt the requires the outer primary to be removed. Good luck and a like previously said pretty easy repair. Good luck as I hated that sound!

https://www.hdforums.com/forum/touri...-on-09-sg.html

 

Does it start fine when it's cold every time and then grind when hot almost every time

 

Starts fine cold, grinds sometimes when HOT, since it is like 100 degrees here

 

It's a centrifugal type starter clutch. When hot, and with a weak(er) battery, it can't spin the starter over fast enough. The starter clutch needs to 'lock up' to stay engaged, and if it can't spin fast enough, it won't engage correctly and that's the cause of the grinding.

I agree with all the posters, probably your starter clutch. Mine went out while doing the same grinding when hot. Check your battery while you are at it, it may be going bad. Mine was, and the weak battery is what made the starter clutch issue even more noticeable.