Night Train 08 problems starting
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Intermediate
Joined: May 2022
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From: Sweden
Night Train 08 problems starting
I first started to notice some problems starting the motorcycle when the engine was hot. Left it to a workshop which came to the conclusion that it was a bad compensator. Compensator switched, but the problem is still there and actually worse off. It barely even started yesterday on the first start. See attached video.
I'll of course contact the workshop and tell them this issue, but would be very grateful for any advice or possible solutions.
The battery is new and the compensator is new. Any other ideas here?
I'll of course contact the workshop and tell them this issue, but would be very grateful for any advice or possible solutions.
The battery is new and the compensator is new. Any other ideas here?
Last edited by Eikinskjalde; Jun 25, 2023 at 08:17 AM.
Road Captain
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 719
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From: SE New Hampshire
OK, so my first question are you talking about the primary "compensator" sprocket assembly that was changed ? If yes , bring it back to the "workshop" who diagnosed a bad "compensator" and have them fix it right this time. Your starter issue has NOTHING to do with the compensator. Your starter has a issue within the starter pinion drive. Common issue with Harleys. Sorry but your story is lacking a lot of specifics and doesn't make sense.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 14,144
Likes: 11,219
From: San Diego, CA
Based on the video, if that is how it sounded when you took it to the shop, I question their abilities or integrity... 
That does not sound like a failing compensator to me...
A failing comp will often have a loud clunk at start up and shut down, the starting issues are often a grinding or skipping as the pinion gear engages the ring gear on the clutch basket especially when hot starting, and it can sound like marbles/rocks are banging around in your primary.
As mentioned by Road Clam, that sounds more to me like a starter clutch/pinion gear problem... or maybe even the solenoid, but ceratinly not the compenesator. It doesn't sound like your pinion is contacting the ring gear on your clutch basket...
I would check that your 12V power is good... Yes, I would load test that new battery and then check the cables and grounds. Then I'd pull the primary cover off and see what happens when you try to start it... Does the pinion gear come out and engage the ring gear? That would tell me if it's time to pull and disassemble the starter..
That does not sound like a failing compensator to me...A failing comp will often have a loud clunk at start up and shut down, the starting issues are often a grinding or skipping as the pinion gear engages the ring gear on the clutch basket especially when hot starting, and it can sound like marbles/rocks are banging around in your primary.
As mentioned by Road Clam, that sounds more to me like a starter clutch/pinion gear problem... or maybe even the solenoid, but ceratinly not the compenesator. It doesn't sound like your pinion is contacting the ring gear on your clutch basket...
I would check that your 12V power is good... Yes, I would load test that new battery and then check the cables and grounds. Then I'd pull the primary cover off and see what happens when you try to start it... Does the pinion gear come out and engage the ring gear? That would tell me if it's time to pull and disassemble the starter..
Last edited by hattitude; Jun 25, 2023 at 09:35 AM.
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Intermediate
Joined: May 2022
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From: Sweden
The sounds you're describing with the loud clunk and ''grinding'' did actually happen prior to the compensator change. Now it's like that of the video.
Could you screw up something when assembling the compensator so that a new problem is born here? Thinking if the workshop in question has assembled it improperly, seeing that they've ****ed up a few other things. Believe it or not, it's a certified HD workshop.
Thank you for your very detailed answer.
Could you screw up something when assembling the compensator so that a new problem is born here? Thinking if the workshop in question has assembled it improperly, seeing that they've ****ed up a few other things. Believe it or not, it's a certified HD workshop.
Thank you for your very detailed answer.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 14,144
Likes: 11,219
From: San Diego, CA
The sounds you're describing with the loud clunk and ''grinding'' did actually happen prior to the compensator change. Now it's like that of the video.
Could you screw up something when assembling the compensator so that a new problem is born here? Thinking if the workshop in question has assembled it improperly, seeing that they've ****ed up a few other things. Believe it or not, it's a certified HD workshop.
Thank you for your very detailed answer.
OK, that is good info.... now sounds like you needed a new comp.
I would now check the battery and the cables (especially grounds). Not just for voltage, but for a load test...
Many wisely disconnect the battery when working on the primary... you don't want the engine to start turning those parts when your hands are in the primary....
It's possible they didn't reconnect the power properly after fixing the comp. It could be there is not enough power, to provide the amperage necessary for the solenoid to have the starter clutch pop out, so the pinion gear can engage the ring gear.
The other possibility is the grinding of the starter on a bad comp, has damaged the starter clutch and/or pinion gear....
I still don't know how the shop can return a bike that doesn't start.... Didn't they test their work...?
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