How important is the compensator sprocket?
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Joined: May 2007
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From: 40 miles Northeast of Indy..
The article explains the concept nicely, but doesn't address how "important" it is to have it.
I contacted Baker, and they referred me to Evolution Industries, which does sell an entire primary drive ratio change kit, with the sprocket having no compensator in it. Their view is that the HD compensator is such a flimsy design that most people end up taking it out because it gets too noisy, or fails.
By the way, Evolution Industries said that SOME Harley models, like the "Rocker", require an "offset" sprocket to match the HD factory alignment. Since the Rocker and the Breakout are so similar in multiple ways, it is POSSIBLE that the primary drive in the Breakout is offset like the Rocker, in which case you buy a different kit from Evolution Indsutries, but they can still supply you.
Anyone know: does the Breakout uses the same alignment a regular Softail, or does it use an "offset" alignment (like the Rocker, but not necessarily the same)?
Jim G
I contacted Baker, and they referred me to Evolution Industries, which does sell an entire primary drive ratio change kit, with the sprocket having no compensator in it. Their view is that the HD compensator is such a flimsy design that most people end up taking it out because it gets too noisy, or fails.
By the way, Evolution Industries said that SOME Harley models, like the "Rocker", require an "offset" sprocket to match the HD factory alignment. Since the Rocker and the Breakout are so similar in multiple ways, it is POSSIBLE that the primary drive in the Breakout is offset like the Rocker, in which case you buy a different kit from Evolution Indsutries, but they can still supply you.
Anyone know: does the Breakout uses the same alignment a regular Softail, or does it use an "offset" alignment (like the Rocker, but not necessarily the same)?
Jim G
Had our 07 since new,, and Sons had 3 new bikes since 07,, plus I have rode and talked to many - many others..
Never have I heard anyone replacing their comp..
Does it Happen,, Yes,,, I have read some in here that have..
But it a long way from making the Statement "That Most People Change them out"""
To me making a "MOST" statement, means over 50% ,,,, IMO "NO WAY" is that happening,, its just another way to make them more money
.
How important is the comp, not important at all. It is just a comfort thing. Harley used straight sprockets for 70 years or so. The stock compensator are failing left and right let me see what I can find out on the offset.
Thread Starter
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Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2014
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From: Lethbridge, Alberta Canada
Your finding that offset info would be really great, Mark! THANK-YOU!
Jim G
Jim G
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From: San Diego
Jim, I believe it is the same offset as the Rocker. the reason I say this is that the inner primary cover is for sure wider than the standard Softail one. Also, unrelated, the tranny side cover is wider than a normal one as well. Let me do some part number research and get back to you on this in a few minutes.
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Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2014
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From: Lethbridge, Alberta Canada
Jim, I believe it is the same offset as the Rocker. the reason I say this is that the inner primary cover is for sure wider than the standard Softail one. Also, unrelated, the tranny side cover is wider than a normal one as well. Let me do some part number research and get back to you on this in a few minutes.
Jim G
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From: San Diego
Ok, here's the best I can find. The Breakout and Rocker use the same part number for the compensator, but this is different from the rest of the Softails. (Breakout/Rocker #40370-08A Softail #42200064A)
They all use the same primary chain part number.
For the inner primary cover, the Rocker uses part #60774-08A. Breakout uses #60776-08A. Other Softails use 60791-06C.
So, I do believe they are offset differently and it would make sense that the Breakout and Rocker are the same in this area, just not sure why they have a different part # for the inner primary?
They all use the same primary chain part number.
For the inner primary cover, the Rocker uses part #60774-08A. Breakout uses #60776-08A. Other Softails use 60791-06C.
So, I do believe they are offset differently and it would make sense that the Breakout and Rocker are the same in this area, just not sure why they have a different part # for the inner primary?
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From: San Diego
Nevermind, I figured out the # variance in the inner primary. 60774-08A came on the standard Rocker, and 60776-08A came on the Rocker C and also the Breakout. The difference is the color. The standard Rocker cover is silver, while the other 2 are black.
Based on this research I believe you want to go with the kit that is offset for a Rocker.
Based on this research I believe you want to go with the kit that is offset for a Rocker.
How many revs have you got on for god sake, to do 51 MPH in first gear??
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Thread Starter
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Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2014
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From: Lethbridge, Alberta Canada
Nevermind, I figured out the # variance in the inner primary. 60774-08A came on the standard Rocker, and 60776-08A came on the Rocker C and also the Breakout. The difference is the color. The standard Rocker cover is silver, while the other 2 are black.
Based on this research I believe you want to go with the kit that is offset for a Rocker.
Based on this research I believe you want to go with the kit that is offset for a Rocker.
The kit itself that includes the sprocket, a spacer for the sprocket (because Stators apparently changed a few years back), and the correct length of primary chain.
Evolution said I also need to buy a new bolt kit for the sprocket, since HD says to replace it each time (probably because it is torqued to a very high torque value - 100 or more ft lb as I recall reading somewhere, and ALSO still needs RED threadlock.
I will also need a new primary gasket, and fresh synthetic lubricant.
Any other parts or consumables?
(I'm not asking about tools because I can't do the work myself in my driveway, and although djl has made a generous offer to let me use his garage and lift, he is a long ways away, and it would require two trips: car trip both ways to get the parts there, and bike trip each way before and after the swap. There is a big downside risk too: if for any reason the parts don't in fact fit right, I'd be stuck at his place with a disassembled bike in his garage - not good. So, I need to find someone local who also has access to parts if we run into a surprise.)
I'm also going to wait until I address the whole dyno thing that appears to be indicating the dyno tune was not done very well at the dealership.
Jim G
Last edited by JimGnitecki; May 8, 2014 at 06:54 PM.
Big Kahuna HDF Member
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From: .....
I know I never had one on my older bikes. But whatever they're good for, mine went out after 10k miles. Why? Was it something I was or wasn't doing? I don't know. I was just glad it was under warranty. Maybe that's what they're good for...warranty work for the shop.