Compensator for an 09
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 14,156
Likes: 11,247
From: San Diego, CA
Agreed... but it does have a small amount of cushioning that a solid sprocket does not have...
Most certainly it is quite different than an OEM (or SE) comp, but it basically and simply provides some shock relief that my current solid sprocket does not have have. As such, my solid front sprocket is a little noisy.
Also, I know several people who have put a solid front sprocket on an OEM HD bottom end.... something I wouldn't do. I would be less adverse to that, with the Man O War and it's limited cushioning
That's why I think of the Man O War as in between a solid sprocket and a comp... But yes, if I had to list it in one of those two categories. I would call it a solid sprocket.
The Man O War was just announced when I got my solid front sprocket. I often wish I had waited a bit to see how it performed before getting the one I have now. While some people have reported they thought the Man O War was noisy, most reports I have read don't make that claim...
So far, my Vulcan solid front sprocket isn't annoying enough that I want to spend the extra money to replace it with a Man O War...
Last edited by hattitude; Aug 1, 2023 at 03:58 PM.
Thread Starter
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Cruiser
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 221
Likes: 45
From: wisconsin
Talked to the dealer today, they are a Darkhorse dealer and have installed several Mon O War's . Their suggestion was to stay with SE , they rather see it on high Hp bikes, people who are constantly on the throttle etc. His "opinion/experience" was it's a little noisier and just not as smooth. He likes their products, but just not for every application.
Banned
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 14,866
Likes: 31,162
From: Whiskey Falls, Texas
Agreed... but it does have a small amount of cushioning that a solid sprocket does not have...
Most certainly it is quite different than an OEM (or SE) comp, but it basically and simply provides some shock relief that my current solid sprocket does not have have. As such, my solid front sprocket is a little noisy.
Also, I know several people who have put a solid front sprocket on an OEM HD bottom end.... something I wouldn't do. I would be less adverse to that, with the Man O War and it's limited cushioning
That's why I think of the Man O War as in between a solid sprocket and a comp... But yes, if I had to list it in one of those two categories. I would call it a solid sprocket.
The Man O War was just announced when I got my solid front sprocket. I often wish I had waited a bit to see how it performed before getting the one I have now. While some people have reported they thought the Man O War was noisy, most reports I have read don't make that claim...
So far, my Vulcan solid front sprocket isn't annoying enough that I want to spend the extra money to replace it with a Man O War...
Most certainly it is quite different than an OEM (or SE) comp, but it basically and simply provides some shock relief that my current solid sprocket does not have have. As such, my solid front sprocket is a little noisy.
Also, I know several people who have put a solid front sprocket on an OEM HD bottom end.... something I wouldn't do. I would be less adverse to that, with the Man O War and it's limited cushioning
That's why I think of the Man O War as in between a solid sprocket and a comp... But yes, if I had to list it in one of those two categories. I would call it a solid sprocket.
The Man O War was just announced when I got my solid front sprocket. I often wish I had waited a bit to see how it performed before getting the one I have now. While some people have reported they thought the Man O War was noisy, most reports I have read don't make that claim...
So far, my Vulcan solid front sprocket isn't annoying enough that I want to spend the extra money to replace it with a Man O War...
You used a Vulcan sprocket on one of your builds?
Hell if it fits...it's probably as well made as anything....
Speaking of which, Dark Horse Crankworks are very well respected (their products) as you well know. That's a very important thing to consider when putting together an expensive build.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 14,156
Likes: 11,247
From: San Diego, CA
Man O War works great, I love mine, but there's a couple of things you have to check. You need to check for excessive runout and you have to check alignment. If either of those things are off you will end up with noise, not to mention potential issues for sure down the road.
You used a Vulcan sprocket on one of your builds?
Hell if it fits...it's probably as well made as anything....
Speaking of which, Dark Horse Crankworks are very well respected (their products) as you well know. That's a very important thing to consider when putting together an expensive build.
Checking runout and alignment only makes sense. Kinda like the S&S gear drive cams. Many people don't check the backlash when doing the install of gear drive cams, then complain they are noisy..
I used a Vulcan kit that included a 32 tooth front sprocket (instead of OEM 34 tooth) and a proper sized manual primary chain tensioner, instead of requiring a shoe that fits on the OEM tensioner. It's a little noisy, but other than that, I like it. It's on my bagger with a 124" S&S engine, so I'm not worried about crank issues.
I am well aware of the Hoban Brothers and Dark Horse Crankworks. Their work and reputation are very well respected by people in the know. A good friend who used to race Harleys in the early to mid 1980s, had all his engines worked on by the Hoban Brothers.
Last edited by hattitude; Aug 1, 2023 at 09:38 PM.
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Road Master
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 798
Likes: 726
From: Moncton, NB
I have a MOW compensator (actually called a motorsprocket) on the FB along with the Hayden chain tensioner. Works great for the last few years. On the RK, the second SE style compensator is beginning to give up the ghost at 60K.
Since I am replacing the inner primary race/bearing/seal, I just ordered a MOW motorsprocket along with the infamous shifter lever seal...
Last edited by ahhlou; Aug 2, 2023 at 05:59 PM.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 19,922
Likes: 8,027
From: poway
I've seen the stock SE comps on the 2012 RGs gos 115000 miles before replacing. I have the latest SE comp on a 107 eg 2007 that has 50000 miles on it. You can rebuild them but it's typically reshimming the spring stack or replacing the springs.
Anyone got more than 50000 anyone the after market stuff?
Anyone got more than 50000 anyone the after market stuff?