SE Compensator Questions
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Tourer
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 251
Likes: 2
From: Upstate, NY
SE Compensator Questions
I've been following threads on the subject for quite awhile. Looking to do a few mods to the '07 Ultra this winter. This mod. is high on my list. Before I make the jump, looking for some additional feedback from individuals that have made the mod. It appears that most are very happy with this upgrade, the only negative that I have read is that it may be a little noisier than OEM compensator. Any negatives after the upgrade and any issues that I should know beforehand with the install, since I will be doing it myself? Thanks in advance - Ted.
Banned
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 7,580
Likes: 7
From: The Internet (& Dyer, Indiana)
I have no extra noises on mine, less noise actually.
I do have a smoother ride.
Been to Sturgis and back with plenty of local miles too. Great improvement.
Cons? Mine was a pain to install. I wished I had removed the inner primary because I had plenty of surface grinding to do to get the old one to clear the inner primary while removing it. That was with all the bolts removed from the inner so it can move around. Royal pain. (But worth it).
This was on a "B" motor, your results may vary.
I do have a smoother ride.
Been to Sturgis and back with plenty of local miles too. Great improvement.
Cons? Mine was a pain to install. I wished I had removed the inner primary because I had plenty of surface grinding to do to get the old one to clear the inner primary while removing it. That was with all the bolts removed from the inner so it can move around. Royal pain. (But worth it).
This was on a "B" motor, your results may vary.
Banned
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 1,551
Likes: 6
I place the SE comp on my REQUIRED list and feel HD should have made it OEM just like IDS and a third link.
I think those who don't swap to it will eventually experience starter and/or ring gear problems due to the extreme shock loads generated when starting their engines.
No, you should not expect higher noise levels once installed. Instead, expect no-knock starts and no chattering when lugging along at slow speeds or attempting to take off when headed up steep ramps.
Depending on your accumulated mileage and how you drive your scoot, you might decide to also replace the whole clutch assembly with SE stuff while you are in there.
The SE compensator isn't just a performance part, it is a shoulda-been-there from the start item.
I think those who don't swap to it will eventually experience starter and/or ring gear problems due to the extreme shock loads generated when starting their engines.
No, you should not expect higher noise levels once installed. Instead, expect no-knock starts and no chattering when lugging along at slow speeds or attempting to take off when headed up steep ramps.
Depending on your accumulated mileage and how you drive your scoot, you might decide to also replace the whole clutch assembly with SE stuff while you are in there.
The SE compensator isn't just a performance part, it is a shoulda-been-there from the start item.
Road Master
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 868
Likes: 51
From: Illinois
I've been following threads on the subject for quite awhile. Looking to do a few mods to the '07 Ultra this winter. This mod. is high on my list. Before I make the jump, looking for some additional feedback from individuals that have made the mod. It appears that most are very happy with this upgrade, the only negative that I have read is that it may be a little noisier than OEM compensator. Any negatives after the upgrade and any issues that I should know beforehand with the install, since I will be doing it myself? Thanks in advance - Ted.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 11,615
Likes: 50
From: Baton Rouge, LA
I installed the SE comp a few months ago while my primary was apart for a tranny mainshaft-bearing replacement. Had it not been apart I probably would not have made the upgrade since I really had no major complaints about the stock comp, and the starter knock everyone complains about was not an issue for me. The tech who was doing the warranty work on the bearing was high on the SE comp and advised me to make the change since there was no cost to me except for the part. These were back-ordered everywhere at the time and my dealer had one in stock, so I saw that as devine providence that I should grab it. Sometimes one must grab the gusto when in presents itself.
I haven't noticed any additional noises since installing it, and if you count the lack of starter knock I would have to say it is quieter overall. Also, the drivetrain seems to be smoother with less clunkiness in shifting. I could've lived without it but under the circumstances I'm glad I made the upgrade.
I haven't noticed any additional noises since installing it, and if you count the lack of starter knock I would have to say it is quieter overall. Also, the drivetrain seems to be smoother with less clunkiness in shifting. I could've lived without it but under the circumstances I'm glad I made the upgrade.
Last edited by iclick; Nov 29, 2009 at 04:06 PM.
Intermediate
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 25
Likes: 0
From: Arizona
Yeah, its a great upgrade. As far as installation- have your locking tool
ready and be prepared to grind a little off the inner primary. In my case it
didn't take much grinding and the aluminum is soft so its not a huge PIA.
Good luck, it will be worth it.
Boxs
ready and be prepared to grind a little off the inner primary. In my case it
didn't take much grinding and the aluminum is soft so its not a huge PIA.
Good luck, it will be worth it.
Boxs
Intermediate
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 28
Likes: 0
From: Texas
My 07 Roadglide has 62000 miles on it and had the transmission main bearing fail in Co(I'm from TX) at abot 50000 which cost me dearly. Since then the noise in the primary kept getting worse and the clutch action was jerky and noisy. Loud clicking sound when riding next to a wall. I was about to replace the clutch when I ran into this forum with the compensator issue. I replaced with the SE part and did no clutch work. No more starter bang or engine reverse runs. Clutch is smooth with no jerking. I did grind the inner primary with a head porting tool, no sweat the aluminium is soft and it is not that much to remove. Lots of chips though, helps having a compressor.
This cored almost all the ills on the bike, never had the noisy 5th gear. Much improved smoothness and quieter primary. The parts I took out were realy wasted, spring loose, chips out of the shaft extension and sprocket, and bad brindeling and chipping in the flat surfaces.
Hope my observations help you decide. Mine is high mileage so yours might be different.
This cored almost all the ills on the bike, never had the noisy 5th gear. Much improved smoothness and quieter primary. The parts I took out were realy wasted, spring loose, chips out of the shaft extension and sprocket, and bad brindeling and chipping in the flat surfaces.
Hope my observations help you decide. Mine is high mileage so yours might be different.
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Road Captain
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 577
Likes: 4
Added one to my RG a couple months ago. Getting rid of the "bang" when it starts is nice, but the real imporovement is the smooth take off. Really makes a difference. Plan to add one my Dyna.
These ought to be stock...shame on HD
My buddy did mine in his garage, took maybe 2 to 2 1/2 hours total. Looked easy to me (watching)
These ought to be stock...shame on HD
My buddy did mine in his garage, took maybe 2 to 2 1/2 hours total. Looked easy to me (watching)
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Road Warrior
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 1,423
Likes: 0
From: Southern California High Desert, here and there....
Curious, what is this "starter bang", or the "reverse engine starts" mentioned in this thread? In spite of experience with numerous bikes, and close to 100K on my current scoot, not aware of these problems.
