Does HD have a problem with loose compensators?
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Road Master
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 818
Likes: 1
From: S/W Ohio
Does HD have a problem with loose compensators?
Since I bought my 2009 Ultra Ive had an occasional issue when taking off riding two up and especially on a hill. As I let out the clutch the bike shudders and it sounds like the jiffy stand is slapping the frame and feels like something very heavy is rotating out of balance, its very unnerving when it happens! Since it only happened maybe once in fifty times I thought it was just me being too heavy or light on the clutch.
While riding yesterday it did it again and I took it straight to my dealer. The service manager is great guy and he had me initial a work order jumped right on it. The mechanic took it out and when he returned the service writer said it sounded like a loose compensator and mentioned that they had to buy a special tool because you have to torque them at 280 ft pounds. In about an hour the bike was ready and as they pulled it out I asked what they did. The guy said the paperwork wouldnt be ready for a while and the guy who worked on it was at lunch. He said I know they put some parts in it but not to worry they fixed it and its all covered under warranty. I had an appointment and couldnt wait and on the way home it was a different bike, I couldnt make it repeat the problem and it even felt different sort of smoother when taking off.
I went back today and there was a different crew working and when I asked for my paperwork the guy looked it up and said oh yeah here it is the primary leak. The order had a list of parts, primary cove gasket, o-ring, formula and lubricant and an hour tech time. Am I being paranoid or are they hiding something??? Anyone else having issues like this with your dealer?
While riding yesterday it did it again and I took it straight to my dealer. The service manager is great guy and he had me initial a work order jumped right on it. The mechanic took it out and when he returned the service writer said it sounded like a loose compensator and mentioned that they had to buy a special tool because you have to torque them at 280 ft pounds. In about an hour the bike was ready and as they pulled it out I asked what they did. The guy said the paperwork wouldnt be ready for a while and the guy who worked on it was at lunch. He said I know they put some parts in it but not to worry they fixed it and its all covered under warranty. I had an appointment and couldnt wait and on the way home it was a different bike, I couldnt make it repeat the problem and it even felt different sort of smoother when taking off.
I went back today and there was a different crew working and when I asked for my paperwork the guy looked it up and said oh yeah here it is the primary leak. The order had a list of parts, primary cove gasket, o-ring, formula and lubricant and an hour tech time. Am I being paranoid or are they hiding something??? Anyone else having issues like this with your dealer?
Supporter
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 6,723
Likes: 233
From: Altoona, Pa.
My buddie with a 09 Ultra with 5000 miles took his bike in for a inspection today and lead tech said they were keeping it cause of comp noise. I got involved and talked to the mech and aksed if my buddie could pay the price difference and have a SE comp installed. Cost for the upgrade was 250 as per the dealer. Hope my bud goes for it. Think this is an ok price difference?
Road Master
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 1,066
Likes: 4
From: Central Coast CA
Dawg,
Can you elaborate a bit on what you did exactly and what the difference is now without it?
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 5,578
Likes: 4
From: Northern California
The parts you describe are consistent with taking off the primary cover to get to the compensator. Sounds like they did what they said they would do, but I would think that they would mention tightening up the compensator nut.
Cruiser
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 164
Likes: 0
From: Waupun, Wisconsin
Isnt running without the compensator hard on the chain? Not to mention the Crank and main shaft of the trans.
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Advanced
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 98
Likes: 0
From: Northern Utah
My 2010 Road King was making a lot of noise @ 3000 RPM, when I took it to the dealer they said the compensator was loose. They replaced a few minor parts and tightened it. Most of the noise is gone however now it shudders while braking in gear! Is this part of the original problem or something new?
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Joined: May 2010
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From: Tucson, AZ
