https://www.sscycle.com/products/hea...for-m8-models/

 

So… I take it no one has used the spring?

 

We've used a handful of solutions for spring packs to tighten up Twin Cam & M8 compensators over the years including the Evo Industries and Feuling spring kits, they work well and help eliminate excessive play while still allowing the compensator to do its job. We typically disassemble and service a handful of primaries every day here, the ramp wear we see firsthand is not limited to just Cycle Rama ramps,we commonly see it on others as well. In most cases this wear does not affect the operation and I've never seen an aftermarket ramp fracture. There are a lot of variables that play into that including but not limited to the specific primary lubricant, the surface condition on the spokes the ramp mates to, the engine combination, how the bike is ridden, and also the spring pack being discussed here.
As for the Baker Compensator, we really like them as well and have installed many, many of them. I run one in my personal Road Glide that makes just under 170Hp and it's worked flawless. When doing research note there have been several generations of Baker comps, however the M8 units were completely redesigned from earlier versions (Twin Cam was updated as well). I don't believe we've ever seen an issue or warranty on a M8 Baker unit.

 

@fuelmoto

So it's ok if the surface of a compensator ramp smears?

I'm guessing using a heavier primary oil will help slow this down. I'm going to change from various primary oils (including Formula+ 20W-50 engine oil) to the newer 80W-140 Heavy Synthetic Gear Oil. I changed to this in my transmission for similar reasons (high load, high heat) and it performs much better - shifts better, finds neutral better.

If the latest Baker harmonic balancer works for high hp builds, why is anyone still using ramps & clutches? I would like to know because I installed the Cycle Rama compensator ramp.

 

Because the ramp runs metal to metal there is going to be some smearing/galling, some of this is pretty normal however there is no blanket statement.

I feel there is really a few things going on in the primary related to lubrication, there are difference components with different requirements lube wise. For example the comp ramp needs lubricant with sheer strength to help protect surface galling as the comp runs metal to metal. On the other hand the clutch needs lube that will allow for proper clutch pack engagement, clutch specific lube typically lacks friction modifiers that are found in other general engine lubes. Because the primary shares components there is some compromise for which lubricant works best.

Its really price that drives the option of replacing the comp ramp vs replacing the entire assembly. The ramps start at about $439 where the Baker compensator runs $599.00.

 

So do you guys at FM still recommend the Belray for the primary for a cammed M8?

 

Not a surprise. Arrogant as F over there

 

They assured me mine is ok also. I'm skeptical too, not using it again. Just can't bring myself to use their ramp again. I'll go with a different supplier.

 

Since you do see a lot of bikes roll through there, how many actually come in with fractured ramps? All I have is a mild cam (22x), and I am a temperate rider. Mostly hilly 2-lane and a few 80MPH Slab runs, with the occasional "Italian Tune-up". Seems to me if one buys one of the ramp, it would already be closing in on "baker" territory as far as price goes.

 

What's yours look like?