Compensator problems solved for 2014--newer touring models ?
Road Warrior
Joined: Jan 2018
Posts: 1,272
Likes: 443
From: SETx
As far as I know, mine is stock in my '13. Sometimes neutral is a ***** to find but no noises and nothing unusual at shut-down or start-up. Nice to know though that there is a later design available if I ever go into it. I believe next oil change I'll go ahead and pull the primary cover and have a look around.
Road Master
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 1,053
Likes: 982
From: Kansas
Just took my 2015 Ultra (36k miles) in to the dealer because of a noisy primary. Diagnosis: Bad compensator. Prognosis: The service writer (friend of mine) said that they will replace it with the newest updated compensator under ESP warranty. We were on the phone and he was busy, so I didn't get to ask many questions. I'll go in tomorrow or Monday and get the info on the "latest and greatest" compensator and report back. After watching the video above, I assumed my 2015 had the new/newest one, but apparently they've come up with another rendition. 
They didn't have one in the parts room, so it won't be in until middle of the week. In the meantime the weather turned great and is perfect for riding and my bike is in the shop. (sigh)
.
They didn't have one in the parts room, so it won't be in until middle of the week. In the meantime the weather turned great and is perfect for riding and my bike is in the shop. (sigh).
.
Last edited by Frank the Real Biker; Mar 5, 2018 at 12:46 PM.
Road Captain
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 628
Likes: 129
From: Mn
Thank you!
Road Master
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 1,053
Likes: 982
From: Kansas
Update...5,000 miles later
2015 Ultra Classic with 40k miles. As noted earlier in this thread (post #11) I had the compensator spring pack replaced about 5k miles ago. (Not the entire compensator, just the spring pack.) Last week I noticed a noise in the primary that was similar to what I heard the first time. Took it in and spoke directly to the tech. He heard the noise, too, but said it wasn't terrible and didn't think there was anything drastic going on in there but it did warrant some "exploratory surgery." After he opened it up he noticed the shims that were installed with the spring pack. He said that he probably wouldn't have used them. Apparently sometimes the shims help, and sometimes they can cause premature wear. The latter is what he thinks happened. So...they are going to replace the entire compensator this time. He took me to the shop and showed all the parts to me. The compensator didn't have abnormal wear, but he said the ESP would cover it, so why not replace it? They are also replacing the primary chain adjuster. Tech said it was beginning to wear, and once they start doing that they wear out fast.
He wasn't able to say definitively what was causing the noise, but he suspects it is the compensator. The adjuster might have been causing a bit of slop in the primary chain, too. He claimed that the worn shoe changes the angle of the chain just a hair as it goes over it. The tech said that can make a lot of noise and it is fairly loud because the primary is essentially hollow.
We'll see how it sounds when I get it back in a couple days.
He wasn't able to say definitively what was causing the noise, but he suspects it is the compensator. The adjuster might have been causing a bit of slop in the primary chain, too. He claimed that the worn shoe changes the angle of the chain just a hair as it goes over it. The tech said that can make a lot of noise and it is fairly loud because the primary is essentially hollow.
We'll see how it sounds when I get it back in a couple days.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 11,730
Likes: 9,163
From: Georgia
Thanks for the updates Frank. Please continue to do so through your journey with this problem. I think mine is starting to make a little more noise than it used to and I don't have an ESP, or friends at a Harley dealer. The information you're sharing really helps us that have to spin our own wrenches to save a buck.
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Road Master
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 1,053
Likes: 982
From: Kansas
Got the bike from the shop yesterday. Rode it about 15 miles home, but haven't had time to ride it farther. I really didn't notice any difference in the noise. Sounds about the same. It might be a bit quieter. But...I noted a new "click" from the primary when releasing the clutch while up-shifting. It might be that the new automatic chain tensioner hasn't done its thing yet. I'm told your supposed to to some "hard" upshifting and downshifting to make the chain flop around, allowing the tensioner to tighten up. I dunno. There is a lot going on in there that could make noise. Once I get a chance to ride the thing and put some miles on it I'll report back.
I used to do most of the wrenching on my bike, but not so much anymore. Why? I'm getting old...the kids are all out on their own now and I have a little more money at the end of the month...I'm lazy, etc. I bought the ESP on my previous bike (2005 Standard) and it paid for itself after a couple of rather major problems. Figured I'd roll the dice on the 2015, too.
.
I used to do most of the wrenching on my bike, but not so much anymore. Why? I'm getting old...the kids are all out on their own now and I have a little more money at the end of the month...I'm lazy, etc. I bought the ESP on my previous bike (2005 Standard) and it paid for itself after a couple of rather major problems. Figured I'd roll the dice on the 2015, too.
.