Should I check my compensator , vibration ?
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2018
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From: Canada Flats
Should I check my compensator , vibration ?
Last week I developed a vibration . I thought I had it beat when I changed out my front wheel bearings , which needed changing . This vibration happens throughout all speeds , but it really depends on what rpm the bike is at . I pull in the clutch and the vibe goes away , unless I work the throttle to the specific rpm , then it will happen , clutch still pulled . I have checked everything on the bike including both front and back wheel bearings , motor mounts , exhaust ( including baffles ) and various nuts and bolts from front to back .
The way I see it , the bike would vibe all the time if it were tires or bearings , tires are good ( stopped by my indy to verify ) . Loose stem bearing would cause more of a shake or wobble , I could be wrong though .
When the vibe starts I can really notice it through my handle bars , road pegs and seat , even when my boots are planted on the floor boards .
I have read some threads where a loose compensator bolt can cause a vibe , would you tear into it if you were me ? Not a big job , but if I'm wasting my time I'll go another direction .
I haven't done any recent work on the bike other than the usual maintenance ( oil changes , brake fluid etc ) .
My bike is a 2010 Road King ( 38000 km ) with a Stage one , been running like this for the past couple of years with no issues .
What do you think ? Should I check the comp bolt or am I wasting my time ? , anything else I should check ?
Hoping I gave enough info to help you , help me !
The way I see it , the bike would vibe all the time if it were tires or bearings , tires are good ( stopped by my indy to verify ) . Loose stem bearing would cause more of a shake or wobble , I could be wrong though .
When the vibe starts I can really notice it through my handle bars , road pegs and seat , even when my boots are planted on the floor boards .
I have read some threads where a loose compensator bolt can cause a vibe , would you tear into it if you were me ? Not a big job , but if I'm wasting my time I'll go another direction .
I haven't done any recent work on the bike other than the usual maintenance ( oil changes , brake fluid etc ) .
My bike is a 2010 Road King ( 38000 km ) with a Stage one , been running like this for the past couple of years with no issues .
What do you think ? Should I check the comp bolt or am I wasting my time ? , anything else I should check ?
Hoping I gave enough info to help you , help me !
Last edited by MyFavRk; Sep 7, 2020 at 08:30 AM.
Thread Starter
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2018
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From: Canada Flats
Belt looks really good , gave it a close inspection when I checked the rear bearings . I loosened the belt and spun the wheel to have a listen to the bearings . I torqued it back to the way it was exactly as before and aligned wheel , vibe still there .
Thread Starter
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2018
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Likes: 6,485
From: Canada Flats
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2019
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From: OH
Does it vibrate with the bike not moving, revving engine and clutch pulled in?
clutch drum doesnt spin in this mode
that may confirm or deny possiblity of the ipb mentioned above
just a thought
clutch drum doesnt spin in this mode
that may confirm or deny possiblity of the ipb mentioned above
just a thought
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Thread Starter
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2018
Posts: 10,833
Likes: 6,485
From: Canada Flats
On my last ride ( 4 hrs ) It would only vibrate at a certain rpm and all gears , sorry no tach , while rolling , I pulled in the clutch and the vibe would disappear , but if I readjusted the rpm's ( clutch still pulled in ) it would vibrate . I did this a few times to verify my findings .
Now , I'm not sure what to think . I just came back from a 1hr ride and I didn't feel the vibration at all , other than your standard road feel , When I got home , I left the bike in neutral , pulled in the clutch and slowly rolled the throttle up to 3000 rpm , and then back down . I didn't feel anything ! Wondering now if maybe the comp bolt may have tightened itself back up ( which I've heard it can ) or possibly the ipb got the oil it needed to work as it should , if that makes any sense . I still think it would be wise to check the comp bolt and make sure it's torqued to spec .
When I first started it cold , I could hear a low pitched howling for awhile until it started warming up , then go away . I used a small length of hose as a stethoscope and it was more noticeable at the center of the primary , where the chain rides on the tensioner . It was not nearly as noticeable over the comp or clutch pack . I checked the oil level and it was good . The next time I start it , I will take a short video and hopefully capture the sound it's making and post it .
At this point , I think all I'm going to do is re torque the comp bolt and go from there , see if the vibe comes back .
Thanks for the help , keep you posted .
Now , I'm not sure what to think . I just came back from a 1hr ride and I didn't feel the vibration at all , other than your standard road feel , When I got home , I left the bike in neutral , pulled in the clutch and slowly rolled the throttle up to 3000 rpm , and then back down . I didn't feel anything ! Wondering now if maybe the comp bolt may have tightened itself back up ( which I've heard it can ) or possibly the ipb got the oil it needed to work as it should , if that makes any sense . I still think it would be wise to check the comp bolt and make sure it's torqued to spec .
When I first started it cold , I could hear a low pitched howling for awhile until it started warming up , then go away . I used a small length of hose as a stethoscope and it was more noticeable at the center of the primary , where the chain rides on the tensioner . It was not nearly as noticeable over the comp or clutch pack . I checked the oil level and it was good . The next time I start it , I will take a short video and hopefully capture the sound it's making and post it .
At this point , I think all I'm going to do is re torque the comp bolt and go from there , see if the vibe comes back .
Thanks for the help , keep you posted .
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Joe Kucinski
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Joined: Jan 2012
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From: Oklahoma
What compensator do you have. the 10s still came with the old style inadequate comp from the factory. Sooner or later you will have to update the comp if it hasn't been done already.
do you get any rattling noises out of the primary, especially at idle and when "floating" neither accelerating nor coasting (engine braking). Do you get a loud bang or crack sometimes when pressing the starter button? Any or all of these symptoms indicate the comp is tired and on the way out. How many miles on this load of primary lube? Have you checked for engine codes to see if there might be some record of mild misfire that could be more noticeable at some rpms and load than at others?
do you get any rattling noises out of the primary, especially at idle and when "floating" neither accelerating nor coasting (engine braking). Do you get a loud bang or crack sometimes when pressing the starter button? Any or all of these symptoms indicate the comp is tired and on the way out. How many miles on this load of primary lube? Have you checked for engine codes to see if there might be some record of mild misfire that could be more noticeable at some rpms and load than at others?