Compensator?
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6th Gear
Joined: Sep 2025
Posts: 13
Likes: 5
From: Wisconsin
Compensator?
So last week I installed new grips, didn't recalibrate my throttle. Took it for ride last week after grips, rotors and pads. Today after work I stopped for fuel, it bucked hard when I restarted it. When I got home I reset the throttle and haven't been able to replicate the issue. The start up has a slight clunk and slight at shutdown. Is the Comp bad or was it the throttle not getting along with whatever?
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2015
Posts: 2,958
Likes: 1,004
From: Winnipeg
Was it clunking before last week? I wouldn’t immediately conclude it’s the compensator on a bike with 15k. Check your clutch adjustment at the primary and the bar. Check primary fluid level as well.
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6th Gear
Joined: Sep 2025
Posts: 13
Likes: 5
From: Wisconsin
Not that I noticed. Never had it buck on a start or have a hard time starting. Actually checked primary fluid maybe 3 weeks ago and bike was gone though at a shop by the previous owner last year.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 19,997
Likes: 8,065
From: poway
The 2010 still has the old style comp in it. At 15000, they are typically OK but with a built motor they only last 20000 to 30000 miles. If you are getting clanking on startup, the first place I'd look is the condition of the battery and connections. If OK and it starting to rattle at startup and stop, I'd replace the comp.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2015
Posts: 2,958
Likes: 1,004
From: Winnipeg
Agree on the weak battery check. I only mention other causes before replacing comp because I had similar symptoms and ended up replacing starter clutch and been 100% for over 30k
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Road Master
Joined: Feb 2021
Posts: 1,094
Likes: 489
From: Phoenix Arizona
As above, 15k miles seems way too early. NOT improbable, just likely not.
easy to check battery first. Doesn't take much to pull primary cover. Need primary oil to refill. Watch videos how to do. Pull off, check comp ramp.
easy to check battery first. Doesn't take much to pull primary cover. Need primary oil to refill. Watch videos how to do. Pull off, check comp ramp.
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Grand HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 4,463
Likes: 2,902
From: Oklahoma
The old style comp, installed by the factory until 2011, had frequent problems with the advent of the 96 ci engine. The factory still used that design with the first 103 engines and it was a matter of luck if you got a comp that was adequate during that time. . For my 08 Road King with the 96 engine, there was a loud "crack" or bang on almost every start. It being my first Harley, I thought it was preignition. Only later did I find out it was the compensator SLAMMING against the full travel stop. That destroyed my starter clutch in about 10,000 miles. After installing the Screaming Eagle improved compensator and an All ***** starter clutch, there was no more problem. My old style compensator LOOKED new when I removed it, the too weak spring caused very little wear on the ramps.
The current version compensator has solved the problems in the first designs. I believe there is still a kit that comes with the compensator and a new rotor. The old rotor is not compatible with the belleville springs used in the new compensator. There are many videos showing how to do the job if you are tempted to do it yourself. The clank or bang will only get more frequent with more miles, The harshness in the drive train is pretty well gone with the new comp, I recommend it sooner rather than later.
The current version compensator has solved the problems in the first designs. I believe there is still a kit that comes with the compensator and a new rotor. The old rotor is not compatible with the belleville springs used in the new compensator. There are many videos showing how to do the job if you are tempted to do it yourself. The clank or bang will only get more frequent with more miles, The harshness in the drive train is pretty well gone with the new comp, I recommend it sooner rather than later.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2017
Posts: 3,908
Likes: 1,036
From: Southern Virginia
I went through the exact same thing btsom did with my 2010 Ultra Classic. The telltale sign is when the motor is good and heat soaked, when you shut it off do you hear a clunk from the primary? If you do, bad comp.
For me it started out with hard starting when hot. If I was riding for a while and stopped for gas, it was hard to start again because the worn out comp (looser because of the hot primary oil) slammed back against the starter clutch. Eventually the worn out starter clutch caused a screeching sound when trying to start a hot motor. Everyone tried to blame the battery and everything else, but at the end of the day it required the updated compensator and an All ***** starter clutch to finally fix the problem.
For me it started out with hard starting when hot. If I was riding for a while and stopped for gas, it was hard to start again because the worn out comp (looser because of the hot primary oil) slammed back against the starter clutch. Eventually the worn out starter clutch caused a screeching sound when trying to start a hot motor. Everyone tried to blame the battery and everything else, but at the end of the day it required the updated compensator and an All ***** starter clutch to finally fix the problem.
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