Compensator thoughts
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From: Okinawa, Japan
Compensator thoughts
2007 Fat Boy, 20,000 miles. Bike starts great when its cold. Run it for 20 minutes stop, (achieve operating temp) and try to restart. Back fires, misses, and sounds like crap. Dealer says compensator is worn, common with early 6 speeds, $500 plus labor. FML
I see how the compensator works and understand how its responsible for my problem. But I'm developing a distrust for HD items. What compensators are best? Why? Anything else I should look at when I have it torn apart?
I see how the compensator works and understand how its responsible for my problem. But I'm developing a distrust for HD items. What compensators are best? Why? Anything else I should look at when I have it torn apart?
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From: Ft. Worth, TX
<p>Baker compensator will solve your problem......</p><p>http://bakerdrivetrain.com</p><p>You can talk to Mark@ Baker Drivetrain who is on here</p>
Last edited by Juan L; Aug 16, 2015 at 09:39 AM.
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From: San Diego, CA
2007 Fat Boy, 20,000 miles. Bike starts great when its cold. Run it for 20 minutes stop, (achieve operating temp) and try to restart. Back fires, misses, and sounds like crap. Dealer says compensator is worn, common with early 6 speeds, $500 plus labor. FML
I see how the compensator works and understand how its responsible for my problem. But I'm developing a distrust for HD items. What compensators are best? Why? Anything else I should look at when I have it torn apart?
I see how the compensator works and understand how its responsible for my problem. But I'm developing a distrust for HD items. What compensators are best? Why? Anything else I should look at when I have it torn apart?
BUT....
You'll have to please explain to me how the compensator causes backfires, misses, and makes your engine sound like crap..... as I read your explanation of the issues, the compensator has nothing to do with those issues...
Either you misunderstood the dealer, you are not describing the symptoms accurately, or your dealer is an idiot.....
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From: Okinawa, Japan
Okay, confusion on how the compensator effects the bike. First, the bike runs great and starts with ease when its cold. The problem lies in starting the bike when its hot. During subsequent starts when the bike is at operating temperature, it misses and backfires several times until it lights off. The stock compensators become worn and when the starter is turning over the primary, the compensator is slipping instead of catching and turning the crank.
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If the compensator was slipping, you would feel it when applying the throttle while the bike was in gear rolling down the road.
Is it doing that?
If yes - see service bulletin M-1170 before spending any money.
If no - (again) find a new dealer or a competent indy.
Is it doing that?
If yes - see service bulletin M-1170 before spending any money.
If no - (again) find a new dealer or a competent indy.
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Road Warrior
Joined: May 2010
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From: Mass/NH
Unfortunately my Friend, I'm in the same boat as you...I have an 08 rocker with 49k (all mine so I know how it sounded/went when younger) and it's doing exactly the same thing you said, exactly. That is the same sound as you describe. Mine is intermittent, but becoming more frequent so I know it's in the plans for the future.
I will look at the options and replace it this winter. The Baker replacement sounds very interesting.
On the sound, I think it is created because the comp. is pushing back inappropriately so on the engine trying to start. Whatever it is, at least we know what it is and good options are available. Pretty easy to change also. I have been in there twice on my bike and it is not that hard to pull/install at all. Recently changed my stator, so comp had to come off. Follow the manual/easy.
I'll try to post my results.
Hope yours works out well.
I will look at the options and replace it this winter. The Baker replacement sounds very interesting.
On the sound, I think it is created because the comp. is pushing back inappropriately so on the engine trying to start. Whatever it is, at least we know what it is and good options are available. Pretty easy to change also. I have been in there twice on my bike and it is not that hard to pull/install at all. Recently changed my stator, so comp had to come off. Follow the manual/easy.
I'll try to post my results.
Hope yours works out well.
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From: San Diego, CA
Okay, confusion on how the compensator effects the bike. First, the bike runs great and starts with ease when its cold. The problem lies in starting the bike when its hot. During subsequent starts when the bike is at operating temperature, it misses and backfires several times until it lights off. The stock compensators become worn and when the starter is turning over the primary, the compensator is slipping instead of catching and turning the crank.
But still, the compensator wouldn't just slip on hot starts... I would think it would be slipping under load while riding, too.
Sounds like something else is going on instead of, or in addition to, a compensator problem.
I'd get another opinion before giving the dealer $$$. If you are capable of getting into the primary yourself, I'd take a look see....
Good luck
If you need a compensator, I have been following several threads, on two different forums, about the Baker Compensator... it seems to be a good option to the SE compensator!
Last edited by hattitude; Aug 17, 2015 at 09:31 AM.
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