Starter Kick Back
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 10,602
Likes: 721
From: Bellevue, NE
If I were you I'd put extra extra cash toward the high torque starter. I have the SE Comp and my bike still kicks back when hot.
Thought I would give you guys an update and ask for some advise. I took my bike into the shop to look at the starter kick back issue yesterday. I just got a call from them that the starter was weak and they are going to replace the starter under warranty. When I took the bike in, I told them I had read online that this issue is likely fixed by replacing the compensator or upgrading it to a SE compensator. However, Im guessing that they did not take the primary apart to inspect the compensator.
The questions I have are:
1. Should I request that they take the primary apart and inspect for any further damage; and
2. Should I pay extra to have the high torque starter put in (not sure how much the stock starter is, but the HT one is $450USD).
The questions I have are:
1. Should I request that they take the primary apart and inspect for any further damage; and
2. Should I pay extra to have the high torque starter put in (not sure how much the stock starter is, but the HT one is $450USD).
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Cruiser
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 226
Likes: 8
From: Creola, AL.
Don't know about the SE compensator, it was just advice posted here earlier. Also you may need the "High Torque" starter because of your 103 build. Mine is a stock 96. I do know my compensator was badly worn and was replaced with a stock 96 compensator. It solved the problem. My worry is that it will return in another 20K. I think it is a poor design.
Good Luck
Good Luck
Road Master
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 1,108
Likes: 1
From: Lakeland Florida
Had the same issues with mine, replaced the comp. with the SE comp and the kickback has gone away. I still cringe when i hit the starter expecting kickback but so far all is good. 2007 with stage 1
6th Gear
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
From: Vancouver, British Columbia
I talked to my dealer this morning, and they are willing to install the high torque starter under warranty if I pay the difference (~$75CAD). I guess I'll see how this works for the time being, and upgrade the compensator myself if I continue to have kick back problems.
Im not looking forward to replacing the starter every comple years and the threat of it quitting when Im touring...
Im not looking forward to replacing the starter every comple years and the threat of it quitting when Im touring...
Road Master
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 963
Likes: 145
From: Displaced hillbilly
My 2008 had this issue, I went with the Baker compensator and manual chain adjuster, no more issues now.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 2,178
Likes: 600
From: SoCal.....I'm only here for the weather
I had the exact problem you are describing on my '07 FLHTCU. I have completely solved the problem and I still have the stock compensator in place.
My solution was S&S Easy Start Cams.
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Road Master
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 963
Likes: 145
From: Displaced hillbilly
There may be more to it than a new compensator. Many here have done that only to have the problem repeat itself. The compensator is not the cause of the problem but merely a symptom caused by other things, in many cases. Some have replaced their stock comp with SE and or Baker and still have the problem.
I had the exact problem you are describing on my '07 FLHTCU. I have completely solved the problem and I still have the stock compensator in place.
My solution was S&S Easy Start Cams.
I had the exact problem you are describing on my '07 FLHTCU. I have completely solved the problem and I still have the stock compensator in place.
My solution was S&S Easy Start Cams.
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