I have an 08 Road King classic. So about two weeks ago, I noticed some play in the primary chain when letting off throttle and then reeengaing. About a week later while stopping for gas, I went to restart hot and noticed an unusual sound and then a loud clunk coming from the primary. I tried again and it started up but still hard.

When I went to start again the next day, cold, no issues. Stopped for a quick pit stop and tried to hot start and then the noise and a loud clunk and took another try to start.

I am thinking that it is the compensator. The bike has 13k on it. Other tell me it could be the Starter, the Battery, or the clutch, but that doesn't make sense to me since it only happens when hot starting. The clutch does take some time to engage... more towards the end of the cable, but that doesn't seem like it wold cause the issue, but I don't want to spend $409 on a new SE compensator (which apparenty comes with a new rotor) only to find out it is something else.

Does anyone one else have a clue what this might be?

 

When they say clutch I'm almost certain they're referring to the starter clutch. Starter clutches are known to fail over time. Most times they fail because of the compensator starting to go south. Next time you're out, try starting it just as soon as you turn the ignition on. 8 out of 10 times it will start fine. When you get to the point that you're getting the "grind" on every hot start regardless of how you try to start it, go ahead and replace the starter clutch with one from All *****.

 

Sounds like classic compensator to me and yes the kit comes with a new rotor and you will need a #70 torx bit for the new main bolt not a hard job just takes a little time

 

That's exactly what my '09 did before I had the Compensator replaced.

 

i wonder sometimes...i was headed down the same path (when it got hot, when i tried to start it got that clunk, then hesitation then it would start up) and after installing my FP3 which made it run alot cooler no more hard starts. Starts as if its first thing in the morning. Do you have aftermarket pipes with a fuel management system on it?

 

Has VH pipes. Not sure which FP as it was purchase used a few months ago.

 

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And to add to that good explanation of what a starter clutch/drive does on an HD when going bad is if/when the OP's bike makes a loud clunk & or bang sound when hitting the starter it's a good indication the compensator is shot requiring replacement.

Been there done that on my 09 FLHTCU with basically stock 96" where original stock comp was completely shot @ 10k miles making the classic loud clunk @ startup while also making all sorts of jingling metallic noises when engaging clutch from a stop taking off in 1st gear.

That was 2 yrs ago when I installed a new SE comp kit along with GMR's Compensaver oiling tray that applies additional oil to compensator to hopefully extend it's srv'c life ,2+yrs/18k miles later & all is still good thus far with HD's SE comp kit.

BTW,If OP's comp is bad & keeps it in the bike too long like you said it will likely take out the starter drive if not the entire starter in the process too.

A hi output quality battery like Yusas'a GYZ32HL maint free fact act AGM with 500cca's will also help with hot starts as long as the starter is in good cond not being somewhat tired/old enough to have lost just enough cranking pwr/trq making it part of a starting issue thats not always easily noticed as a prime issue.

Old dirty battery/starter cables or dirty/corroded connections in starting & or charging systems can lead to hot start issues too due to poor current flow to starter and or poor charging of the battery not always being kept at full charge voltage & amp capacity too.

I got that battery from Phattperf online for only $132 to my door vs HD's approx $175-180 (not in tax & core/recycle fee too) pushing cost to $200+ not to mention it put out considerably less cca's (approx 80-100less cca's!) too when talking like maybe 2015 or older HD touring bikes but dont know if newer HD's with 107 M8 motors get a diff or more powerfull then 500cca battery .

Happy Motoring!

Scott

 

Try this next time you stop OP;
rather than just turn the bike off immediately upon stopping let it run for a minute or so and then turn it off.
It does help on the hot start issues.

 

Sounds like comp to me....

 

I bought an 09 street glide 103" with 58xxx miles and it had a sound on hard start that I would describe as the worst sound a bike makes except when it is crashing. and blow back, etc.

I started with the cheap stuff. Charged the battery and checked the cables...Nope.

So, I ordered the starter clutch ($23 delivered in 3 days. Figured i could up grade to AllBalls later if the cheap part wears out) While i checked my tools, i broke loose the two bolts that hold the starter on then tightened them back up waiting for the part. The problem was solved!!!!

Until 2 days later. Sound comes back!

So, part comes in and sure enough the teeth on the starter clutch have about 1/8 of wear. No wear at all on flywheel. then on reassembly,(easy to replace btw) i noticed that both of the "dowel pins" are missing. $1.60 at the dealer later, and 500 miles later, no hard start at all, no sound.

1. Look for the dowels! Don't drop them in the primary. and 2. there is a bolt that looks like a Phillips head with powder coating on it but it is also a bolt that a socket fit on. these tips saved me a lot of aggravation.

i wanted to post this because this forum saved me a lot of time and hassle and I wanted to pass it on. I am trying to find the post that told me to watch out for the dowels. Then I will give proper credit.

Let me know if you have any questions.