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Compensator clunking.

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Old Jul 7, 2018 | 09:26 PM
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Default Compensator clunking.

My 2014 FXDB has started making a clunk at idle on cold starts in the compensator area. Going to replace it soon along with tensioner. Havent even pulled it apart yet to know what type I have. Any recomendations on which one to go with? Just spent a bunch on the bike and really trying to keep costs down right now. Thanks.

 

Last edited by Simplespeed; Jul 7, 2018 at 09:27 PM.
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Old Jul 7, 2018 | 09:29 PM
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Dont buy a Chinese one!
Also-you dont have to run a compensator....choices.
 
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Old Jul 7, 2018 | 09:29 PM
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I have heard the Baker one is good, I have also seen a video of an SS Motors one, which people seemed to like....
 
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Old Jul 7, 2018 | 09:36 PM
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Originally Posted by Kingglide549
Dont buy a Chinese one!
Also-you dont have to run a compensator....choices.
With harley's bottom ends it worries me putting a sprocket on on there lol.
 
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Old Jul 7, 2018 | 09:39 PM
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im going baker for sure when mine starts to go.
 
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Old Jul 7, 2018 | 09:45 PM
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AFAIK it just gently takes up the slack at slow speed, just off idle.
There are thousands of bikes running around without a compensator.
I deleted a compensator in a BIG Sportser and could not tell the difference.
I dont think any belt drives use a comp, and yes I know the belt might absorb some vibration.
But truly when reading belt specks there is not much stretch to them.
In aircraft where four or six cylinders are calculated for power impulses with belt drives in use, there is no allowance made because of it.
Personally-If I did not have a belt drive I would go without the comp.
Next, - belt drive- Mine is twenty-two pounds lighter than a chain unit.
That right there is something to think about.
 
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Old Jul 7, 2018 | 09:52 PM
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Originally Posted by Simplespeed
My 2014 FXDB has started making a clunk at idle on cold starts in the compensator area. Going to replace it soon along with tensioner. Havent even pulled it apart yet to know what type I have. Any recomendations on which one to go with? Just spent a bunch on the bike and really trying to keep costs down right now. Thanks.

how many miles on your bike? It could well just be the starter clutch. If it is indeed the compensator it is likely not actually bad, and simply needs to be shimmed to tighten the spring tension up, per the sb.
 
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Old Jul 7, 2018 | 09:58 PM
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Originally Posted by crusader1xxx
I have heard the Baker one is good, I have also seen a video of an SS Motors one, which people seemed to like....
i read a thread about it when mine started clunking and most had recommended Baker. Haven’t replaced mine yet but I also plan to replace the chain and tensioner. Possibly a manual tensioner.
 
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Old Jul 7, 2018 | 10:30 PM
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I just replaced mine on a 2010 Ultra Classic, I wanted to get a Baker but they were back ordered for 6 to 8 weeks. Bought an SE one at the dealer the next day, pretty easy install, all is well, made a HUGE difference. Surprisingly my original compensator did not seem that worn, but man the new one made a difference.
 
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Old Jul 7, 2018 | 10:55 PM
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Originally Posted by Kingglide549
AFAIK it just gently takes up the slack at slow speed, just off idle.
There are thousands of bikes running around without a compensator.
I deleted a compensator in a BIG Sportser and could not tell the difference.
I dont think any belt drives use a comp, and yes I know the belt might absorb some vibration.
But truly when reading belt specks there is not much stretch to them.
In aircraft where four or six cylinders are calculated for power impulses with belt drives in use, there is no allowance made because of it.
Personally-If I did not have a belt drive I would go without the comp.
Next, - belt drive- Mine is twenty-two pounds lighter than a chain unit.
That right there is something to think about.
there are some locals running around with sprockets. I have bounced around the idea of a sprocket. Harley's pressed cranks really give me little confidence. Same reason im hesitant to add more compression. I may be completly wrong but i FEEL like a somewhat loose motor is a more reliable one and in this case, i need reliability.
 

Last edited by Simplespeed; Jul 7, 2018 at 11:01 PM.
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