Problems with Compensator
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 3,900
Likes: 4
From: way down upon the Suwannee River
Never heard of one going out with no warning. Thats scary. Mine went out at 30,000 mi. But it started making a hell of a racket every time I started up. Sounded like a bad starter.
Tourer
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 294
Likes: 0
From: Lake Ozark, MO.
ping?
Jollyroger, I have a 2010 Triglide with same problem from 5 miles to current 6000 miles ,all stock between 2800 and 3000 cruising slight roll on will hear a slight ping? not all the time, but intermittent. roll on more or less goes away. Ask dealer did not know. I don't think in primary. Any body know if MOCO installed sreamineagle compensators in mid year 2010 ,103 Triglide Ultra Clasics. I don't have any clunk or bang on start up and don't hear any unusual noises . engine has factory compression releases, maybe thats why.
Road Warrior
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 1,437
Likes: 80
From: currently an Okie
SE upgrade
I upgraded mine under warrenty and it cost me $75. From what I've seen, most pay a little more than that. $125 seems to be pretty average.
Road Master
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 881
Likes: 13
From: ONT
I'll be watching this thread. I have an 09 Ultra Classic and it's makes a loud bang sometimes when I start it. Usually when it's hot. Also seems like the drive belt is slipping or whipping. Is there a test one can perform without taking the bike apart to determine if the compensator is going bad?
Road Master
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 1,028
Likes: 1
same only a loud clunk when hot start. i`m at 30k i had a stator replaced maybe they tightened it up.
I'll be watching this thread. I have an 09 Ultra Classic and it's makes a loud bang sometimes when I start it. Usually when it's hot. Also seems like the drive belt is slipping or whipping. Is there a test one can perform without taking the bike apart to determine if the compensator is going bad?
Novice
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 23
Likes: 0
From: Charleston, SC
No test needed. If your getting a clunk on start up, it's the compensator.
I upgraded to the SE and the bike is smoother in other ways too, like when you go from off thottle to on. The slack between is almost imperceptible compared to before.
I paid the upgrade of $150. then a month later got a gift certificate for $150 with a letter saying I overpaid. Write that one down in the record books!
I upgraded to the SE and the bike is smoother in other ways too, like when you go from off thottle to on. The slack between is almost imperceptible compared to before.
I paid the upgrade of $150. then a month later got a gift certificate for $150 with a letter saying I overpaid. Write that one down in the record books!
Tourer
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 263
Likes: 0
From: st.charles mo.
I just had my oem compensator replaced with the SE compensator under warranty at no cost to me. I have 18,000 miles on a 2009 ultra. My dealer took it in and said Harley would replace it if it was making noise. I have not put any miles on it because of snow on the roads. I had the compensator replaced when I first bought the bike,at that time they only replaced it with the oem compensator. This is the third compensator on my bike .Hopefully the SE version will be better
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 2,951
Likes: 6
From: Kingman, AZ
The guys getting them replaced from no charge (a few), to $50-$150, to "no way" is dependent on the dealers and what they are willing or able to get pushed through the warranty process.
My local dealer said they would look into it, but I needed to know that SE race part would void my warranty "in there."
I am going to see if I have any refund left on my extended warranty plan and do the compensator myself.
Intermediate
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 30
Likes: 0
From: MN
We all need to file a complaint
I have yet to have this issue on my 2010 SG (1400 miles- and waiting for SPRING here in MN). I know what to look out for now though.. I am very concerned and have filled out a online complaint form. We all need to voice are concern even if the dealer stepped up and fixed the problem. This could be a fatal situation for are fellow bikers. My bet is we all know someone who owns a effected bike but never knew there was a problem. Harley"s have many sounds and vibrations no doubt but this is not one of them. Take a few minutes and voice a concern..
https://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/ivoq/online.cfm
https://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/ivoq/online.cfm