Compensator
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Intermediate
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 42
Likes: 2
From: Minnesota
Compensator
2015 FLHTK, 15,000 Miles and my compensator has been bad for a while. Didn't really notice until a buddy pointed it out to me. Fortunately it will be replaced under warranty tomorrow. So I am piggybacking it onto my 15,000 Service. Just a heads up they aren't getting any better. Sounds like a common problem. Which, personally I think is B.S. the MOCO won't send a service bulletin out on it.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 6,899
Likes: 3,412
From: OH
hmm.. I hadn't heard of near the dropout rate of the 14+ compensators. At least we know it's still an issue. I put a 14+ model in my 10 early last year. I was hoping that would be one and done but maybe not.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 56,052
Likes: 88,906
From: Western South Dakota
2015 FLHTK, 15,000 Miles and my compensator has been bad for a while. Didn't really notice until a buddy pointed it out to me. Fortunately it will be replaced under warranty tomorrow. So I am piggybacking it onto my 15,000 Service. Just a heads up they aren't getting any better. Sounds like a common problem. Which, personally I think is B.S. the MOCO won't send a service bulletin out on it.
I guess that they just can't get it right..
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 2,336
Likes: 415
From: Southern Maryland
help please
Not to be a wise guy, but what symptoms does it give that one can go into your dealer and have your compensator checked?
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 4,867
Likes: 268
From: People's Republic of Boulder Colorado
They're pricey, but Baker makes an aftermarket comp that permanently fixes the problem by eliminating the (POS?) MoCo comp altogether.
That'll be my fix when the time comes whether it's still in warranty or not.
That being said, there's also the issue of the primary chain auto-adjuster over-tightening the chain (which they all do, off and on, throughout the life of the bike ) and then that severe over-tightening possibly/probably leading to the demise of the comp.
I ditched the OEM adjuster and installed a Baker Attitude Adjuster (manual adjustment only that assures the proper chain-slack at all times) at 62 total miles the day I bought the bike and the chain was guitar-string tight when I took the cover off the COLD bike to install it.
Smooth, quiet shifting and finding neutral when stopped has been no problem since. Going from neutral to first is silent now, too.
I'm not affiliated with Baker in any way - just a fan of their great, functional and durable aftermarket products that actually work as advertised or you get your money back with no BS involved! Plus, they're Made In The USA, not some third-world ****-hole country.
I also run Formula+ in the primary per Baker's recommendation. For me, this combo is the grand prize winner!
That'll be my fix when the time comes whether it's still in warranty or not.
That being said, there's also the issue of the primary chain auto-adjuster over-tightening the chain (which they all do, off and on, throughout the life of the bike ) and then that severe over-tightening possibly/probably leading to the demise of the comp.
I ditched the OEM adjuster and installed a Baker Attitude Adjuster (manual adjustment only that assures the proper chain-slack at all times) at 62 total miles the day I bought the bike and the chain was guitar-string tight when I took the cover off the COLD bike to install it.
Smooth, quiet shifting and finding neutral when stopped has been no problem since. Going from neutral to first is silent now, too.
I'm not affiliated with Baker in any way - just a fan of their great, functional and durable aftermarket products that actually work as advertised or you get your money back with no BS involved! Plus, they're Made In The USA, not some third-world ****-hole country.
I also run Formula+ in the primary per Baker's recommendation. For me, this combo is the grand prize winner!
Last edited by jpooch00; Aug 25, 2016 at 07:38 AM.
Road Master
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 761
Likes: 124
From: College Station TX
Someone makes a auto adjuster I'd be interested in. I just can't remember who made it. Anyone know? If the bike had the old inspection hole on the cover like they used to, the baker would be great. But taking off the cover every 5,000 or 6,000 miles blows.
Last edited by CR3999; Aug 25, 2016 at 08:01 AM.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 4,867
Likes: 268
From: People's Republic of Boulder Colorado
there was a company that made an aftermarket auto-adjuster, but it didn't work and they're no longer available.
After the first adjustment, mine has never needed adjustment again. I plan to check it every 10-15 thousand miles.
But that's just me.
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I checked The primary chain on my 15 RG at 20k. It had the perfect amount of play. Just sayin!
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 3,036
Likes: 19
From: Savage, MN
Mines **** I have 6k on mine I brought it in they listened to it and said we need to open it up. They opened it up found nothing wrong they said and then tried to charge me 150 for labor and fluids. I said yeah that's not happening. Needless to say I paid nothing but the compensator still sounds ugly from time to time. Dumb dealerships
I see your in MN what dealership did you go to? I went to twin city in Lakeville and they did they above.
I see your in MN what dealership did you go to? I went to twin city in Lakeville and they did they above.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 2,199
Likes: 283
From: Long Island NY
2015 FLHTK, 15,000 Miles and my compensator has been bad for a while. Didn't really notice until a buddy pointed it out to me. Fortunately it will be replaced under warranty tomorrow. So I am piggybacking it onto my 15,000 Service. Just a heads up they aren't getting any better. Sounds like a common problem. Which, personally I think is B.S. the MOCO won't send a service bulletin out on it.