When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
Engine Mechanical TopicsDiscussion for motor builds, cams, head work, stripped bolts and other engine related issues. The good and the bad. If it goes round and around or up and down, post it here.
Just clear up a couple comments here... I run a S&S585 cam and run about 1000rpm idle.... I have 56k on this comp and clutch.. and I run the crap out of it both on the highway and short trips, it never fails to find the rev limiter on every ride! I also pull a small trailer on trips, see pic below. I cruise at about 80mph or so WITH the trailer.. Additionally, I have run a comp eliminator on my Fatboy.. S&S585 and some... hated it because I had to run about 3000rpm to have smooth ride and everytime I hit a bump I could hear the tire chirp as it bounced... took it out and put a Baker in....
Yes,those are sportster wheels.... yes, it has hydraulic surge brakes.... yes, it is a 4-link suspension.... I'm retired and like to build stuff! LOL!
Ive shimmed a couple compensator spring packs with excellent results. Harley actually sells the shims. Takes a noisy, clanging SE compensator to whisper quiet (as long as there is no damage already).
I had good lunch replacing my 12 with the Baker compensator. It went 30,000 miles with no issues when I sold the TriGlide. Why replace the springs every 10K?
My ‘17 Limited went 45,000 miles before I sold it with no issues on the original comp.
BTW, not that it seems to matter. But, I’ve never understood why the ramps are not machined smooth.
I just had to rebuild the primary on my '07 FLHTCU.
New clutch ( aftermarket Kevlar, basket & cage)
New chain (HD)
Tensioner (HD) - I had the Hayden sitting there ready to go in, but the other 96" touring bike next to it just had the Hayden installed and the thing was LOUD, so no thanks.
Compensator (Darkhorse Man-O-War) - This unit can be rebuilt if/when needed.
I've got about 50K on a second gen. It has one extra small spring, one spacer and the later Peek Thrust washer. The second spacer is needed to take up the slack caused by the difference in the Peek washer to the needle thrust bearing. It rattle a under light loads but is working fine. Motor is a 10.5 to 1 107..
I suspect that they are rough because they are hard to machine and they expect them to wear in..
Add:
I've got over 50K on a 17RK with no issues with the comp. Later ones are great..
Last edited by Max Headflow; Mar 7, 2023 at 02:45 PM.
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Slideshow: The bar-and-shield logo shows up on far more than motorcycles, some of the company's most unexpected products have nothing to do with riding.
Slideshow: From the troubled AMF years to modern misfires, these bikes earned reputations for reliability issues, questionable engineering, or disappointing performance.
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Slideshow: The Swiss custom shop has taken a Harley Softail and stretched it into something so long and low that it looks closer to a rolling sculpture than a conventional motorcycle.
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Slideshow: A standard cruiser becomes an intricate metal canvas in the hands of a Swiss custom house known for pushing Harley-Davidson platforms far beyond their factory brief.
Slideshow: Harley-Davidson's challenges aren't abstract; they show up in dropping shipments, shrinking dealer traffic, and strategic decisions that aren't yet translating into growth.