Compensator Sound?
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 24,650
Likes: 9,112
From: Snow Hill, NC
Same here.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 4,445
Likes: 2,809
From: Oklahoma
One caution, you may not see much wear on the compensator. The problem is a weak spring and the pieces aren't pushed together hard enough to cause much wear. The weak spring allows the comp to go to full travel and hit the limit hard. That makes the "clunk", or I call it a hard "crack". Some of the crank shaft extensions absorb some of the shock and are worn or damaged also. The latest version of the comp seems pretty good to me, the design addresses the previous weak spots. When you are told the new comp will require a new rotor, it is the truth, the old rotor is not compatible with the new spring stack arrangement. There are step by step installation threads with pictures in here and videos on youtube. It isn't a bad job for an experienced do it yourselfer but is a bit daunting for a beginner. The next time it is running, listen carefully with the transmission in gear, but the machine not moving. Then put it in neutral and let out the clutch. If there is a noticeable increase in noise, your inner primary bearing is probably shot also. More complication.
Club Member
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 5,760
Likes: 3,754
From: Cape Cod
....and i replaced the inner primary bearing with a Baker unit as well.........the inner race had WALKED in towards the trans and it was a real PIA to remove......had to cut it off....hoping the Baker bearing works ok.....been about 5k miles so far and no problem with it......
Road Warrior
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 1,800
Likes: 307
From: Houston, Texas
I wouldn't worry about it until it happens regularly. It's getting weak but it's not going to hurt anything. Get some more miles out of it and when it does it more times then it doesn't, then change it.
Compensators wear out but there are occasions a good one can be pushed to the limit. It's supposed to act as a shock absorber. Like a shock, they occasionally bottom out.
I just had mine replaced for the second time at 127,000.
Compensators wear out but there are occasions a good one can be pushed to the limit. It's supposed to act as a shock absorber. Like a shock, they occasionally bottom out.
I just had mine replaced for the second time at 127,000.
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Road Master
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 1,067
Likes: 339
From: Northeastern Indiana
All the information is appreciated ... I will pass this along to the bikes owner and what we do will be his call ... I'm glad to know I was thinking in the right area.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 17,136
Likes: 6,160
From: SE Michigan
Because if you arent getting enough cranking power, even slightly low, it will kick back and make that hard clunk sound, or even slight grinding.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 24,650
Likes: 9,112
From: Snow Hill, NC
I’ve got to say that I think that the compression releases really take the hit out of the compensator and I wish I had them on my original motor ,but as soon as I had them activated on my new motor I heard and felt the difference, I wish it had been on there when I had my 3rd compensator installed.
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Road Master
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 1,067
Likes: 339
From: Northeastern Indiana
Makes sense ... I will need to find out how old his battery is and possibly do a load test on it as well.
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