How important is the compensator sprocket?
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Joined: Feb 2011
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Belt drives do some compensation in the belt. Other bikes have compensation built into the clutch hub instead of at the crank. I "have read" that the newer cranks need it more because they are press fit pieces - not sure if that means the crank can be tweaked easier or what. The least that can happen is the clutch engagement could become jerkier not sure what the worst might be. I replaced the clutch basket/compensation in a dry clutch bike and it needed a couple of beveled spring steel plates in the clutch to soften up the engagement. Good luck.
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Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2014
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From: Lethbridge, Alberta Canada
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.
When riding Harleys without the compensator, did you ever experience a failure attributable to the lack of compensator?
When your compensator failed at 10k miles, what were the symptoms you heard or felt?
Jim G
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Stellar HDF Member
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From: Lethbridge, Alberta Canada
Jim G
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Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2014
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From: Lethbridge, Alberta Canada
Over the weekend, as I was talking with a respected Harley builder and tuner, Mike Lozano, I asked him about the idea of losing the compensator.
Mike said he strongly dislikes that idea - says I should not do it.
Back to the idea of changing gearing via final drive change instead of via primary ratio change, I guess, since Harley doesn't appear to offer a compensator sprocket smaller than the stock one, that will fit my '14 Breakout.
Jim G
Mike said he strongly dislikes that idea - says I should not do it.
Back to the idea of changing gearing via final drive change instead of via primary ratio change, I guess, since Harley doesn't appear to offer a compensator sprocket smaller than the stock one, that will fit my '14 Breakout.
Jim G
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Joined: Sep 2012
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From: Ct
I went to a solid front primary sproket on my 1990 evo softail when I had to go to a 1" offset set up to accomodate my new rear end. I too was nervous that it would be a big issue. After I got the bike together I went for a rip and I didnt notice any difference in the feel of the tranny or the ride or shifting in and out of gear. The bike felt and performed the same as with the compensated sprocket.
I have since gone to an open belt primary and love it.
Solid front sprocket w no comp.
I have since gone to an open belt primary and love it.
Solid front sprocket w no comp.
Last edited by ctluba; May 12, 2014 at 11:29 AM.
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From: Lethbridge, Alberta Canada
). Mike says that I have some choices:
1. He can tune my bike using my Super Tuner Pro that came with the Stage 4 Race kit, or
2. He can tune by bike by selling me a $200 Power Vision license that works with his dealer PV license, but ties me to his shop (i.e. only $200 versus street price for my own PV, but can't make changes without coming back to Mike's shop), or
3. I can buy my own Power Vision, he can use it for the tune, and I can use it to make other future changes to the ECM (not just for tuning, since it allows manipulation of other parameters)
and
If I go with either 2. or 3. above, Mike can use the PV to correct the speedometer error created by the gearing change, saving me the cost of buying a separate device like the Dakota unit.
I have sent an email though to the forum member (iclick) who wrote the "sticky" on the Power Vision in the "Tuner" section of the forum, asking questions to make sure that making either / both tune changes and speedo correction changes does not interfere with HD dealer access to the ECM for diagnostics and for factory recall reflashes, especially since I plan to tour a bit with the Breakout (yeah, I know, it's not a tourer, but it'll suffice a couple of times per year
), and want ANY HD dealer to be able to do diagnostics if necessary while on a trip.Jim G
Road Captain
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 666
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From: Ct
Holy moly!!!
That is why I dont have any guages and I bought a bike with a carb!!!
Hope things go smooth and you get her set up the way you want.
That is why I dont have any guages and I bought a bike with a carb!!!
Hope things go smooth and you get her set up the way you want.
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Stellar HDF Member
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From: Lethbridge, Alberta Canada
My bike, with its Stage 4 kit, is currently giving me 43.5 to 45 mpg, for example.
Jim G