As I read these words of wisdom and experiences, I have found myself in a small delemma as well. The starter went out with a big bang! And the compensator was shot as well. Thankfully it's still under warranty but I'll with out the ride for a week while we wait on parts. THe bike is an 09 FLHT, nothing radical changed other than the down load, Big Sucker and Fatshotz insalled. Your right, it does sound like there is a construction crew inside the primary when you start it or attempt to start it. Being **** about taking care of it, I wondered if there was something I could have done to prevent this from happening? (feed back would be appreciated). According to service, I'm doing all the right stuff, its just a failure on the material. What really sucks, my last week of vacation and I'm without my wheels...... That's what really sucks. Other than that, I can't complain about how the dealership is taking care of me and the bike. I'll post the outcome when we're back out on the road.
Tom

 

OK, I have not read allot on the Compensator. It seems that the symptom on this is the "Bang" on start? Mine does this, and it seems like it may be getting worse, is this a recall? What have I heard about them being replaced under warranty, and if they do you can pay the difference and get the SE one?

If someone can direct me to a thread that explains exactly what it is, or could explain it briefly it would be awesome.
Thanks,

 

Just got mine back from the dealer Sat. The fixed an oil leak caused by the bolts that hold the head pipes to the lower trans mount. I also mentioned about the compensator causes vibration between 2800 and 3100 rpm's. They changed the comp. with another stock one. Harley wouldn't ok the SE comp. If enough people complain about it, maybe Harley will recall them. They know there is a problem because the're putting the SE comp. in the 2011's.
The new comp. did help a little with the viberation, but not with the big bang on start up.

 

Mine is in the shop now for a free SE comp. upgrade. I think alot of it depends on your service manager and how much he is willing to help. John at Chunky River in Meridian, Ms. went the distance for me and got the auth. # form home office, I just hope it cures the hot restart kickback and starter grinding issues. I just gota beleive they will find some bad spots in the clutch basket ring gear when they get in the primary. Time will tell.

 

Keep us posted please.

 

subscribed

 

What are you planning on using to recal the speedo? Sending in the SERT to upgrade to the TTS or buying the other module to recal?

 

That's what my local Indy told me.

 

during my 103 build i got the s.e. compensator. no longer do i get that whack like someone slapped my primary cover with a 1x4" piece of wood. the contact between the throttle and the tire feels much more direct without that loose stock compensator. i've got the same build as smokin dave and several other guys, and the s.e. compensator is needed. heck even in a totally stock bike it would provide that direct connection rather than loose feeling.

 

Lets not be polite about the stock compensator........IT'S JUNK!!! The MOCO has sold us new bikes with this piece of crap in it and expects us to fix the problem. Replacing mine made a huge difference in starting and that was before my engine mods. The constant kickback on hot starts will destroy your starter and ring gear on the clutch basket. If you are lucky this will happen while still under warranty, otherwise be prepared to spend $250 just for the comp. Did you also know your clutch baskets are out of round also, creating noise reverberations in the motor that alot of people are complaining about? Try putting your clutch hub on a dial indicator.

Yes, somebody pissed on my cornflakes this morning. It has taken me 2 years to sort through the the MOCO's mistakes on my scoot. Now that they have all been taken care of by me (except the lousy gearing) I have bought my last new Harley and will ride this one till the wheels fall off. I have been loyal to the HD brand since 1963 and feel the new bikes are reminiscent of the AMF days, when Quality Control was lacking on the factory floor.