The damned compensator
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 14,161
Likes: 11,252
From: San Diego, CA
This video is worth a look.... he's obviously an HD guy, and he gives HD more credit than I believe they are due, when he talks about how the engineers, "got to work" to improve the early revised-comp failures (yeah, right.... it took 7 years to fix it and some still have problems), but his explanations of the comp revisions are pretty accurate...
Last edited by hattitude; Aug 22, 2019 at 09:48 PM.
I thought about going that route. dont like to go into my primary every 5k since I ride 1900 miles a month. I like the 32t setup . Brings the gearing tighter between gears . 34t really space out gears between shifts making them feel tall.
Stage IV
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
From: New Mexico
2013 Electra
Yeah I herd my comp making noise at 5k miles and dealer said normal. Now at 11k I just replaced it no under warranty. If happens again a baker set up will be going in. But with this scramming eagle one it seams the only change is the glue in oil deflector.
Road Captain
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 658
Likes: 52
From: Lakeshore Wis.
I am looking into the new Baker myself. I had 2 of the previous version. And the tensioner. Not impressed. I'm hoping the new one is better. It's time to change mine,.......again. Only 33,000 miles. And i don't ride it hard!
FWIW, I tried about 4 different tensioners, and I really like the stock one the best. I know that's weird, but every time I take the primary off, it's perfectly in adjustment. NEVER over tight !! ( I don't do burnouts anymore) You kinda grow out of that. (trust me)
FWIW, I tried about 4 different tensioners, and I really like the stock one the best. I know that's weird, but every time I take the primary off, it's perfectly in adjustment. NEVER over tight !! ( I don't do burnouts anymore) You kinda grow out of that. (trust me)
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 4,459
Likes: 2,896
From: Oklahoma
If it is just noisy, there are shims to tighten up the spring preload. The design isn't bad, but the QC on springs seems to be. %10 to $20 in parts plus a primary cover gasket if you don't want to re-use the present one is obviously cheaper than the Baker comp. There is an entry in the pre-Rushmore forum regarding "hard starts", no more precise than that, but he installed a new starter and the Baker comp and the problem remains. If it isn't battery or battery cables, the Baker comp may also have too much easy travel. (Just a guess) I shimmed my comp and the noise is gone and starts are crisp and dependable. For what it is worth.
Road Captain
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 658
Likes: 52
From: Lakeshore Wis.
I have shimmed. It's a looooooooong story. It don't make any weird sounds starting or taking off est., but it's starting to be noisy @ idle. Usually, the ramps are worn enough, in regards to lash, that shimming won't fix. It's not going to break or anything, but it is embarrassing when you start your bike with a bunch of people around.
I have shimmed. It's a looooooooong story. It don't make any weird sounds starting or taking off est., but it's starting to be noisy @ idle. Usually, the ramps are worn enough, in regards to lash, that shimming won't fix. It's not going to break or anything, but it is embarrassing when you start your bike with a bunch of people around.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 3,654
Likes: 362
From: Mansfield Texas
I have switch to the solid 32 and love it . I just ordered a 30t that comes with a chain to work with the stock shoe. Not really worried about the rpm increase at highway speeds. Remember riding a 5 speed??? 😆
I don't tour much, longest rides are about 300 miles. With the 32 my buddies hate the way I drop into 5th and leave them far behind 😉.
I don't tour much, longest rides are about 300 miles. With the 32 my buddies hate the way I drop into 5th and leave them far behind 😉.
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