Problems with Compensator
Road Warrior
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 1,943
Likes: 3
From: NYC
There's an even newer compensator. difference is thrust washer number 5 in my picture. it has spiral grooves and seems to be made of plastic. maybe the plastic thrust washer is having trouble holding a torque.
Novice
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 15
Likes: 0
Compensator
Rode my 2011 Ultra Limited to Sturgis and started getting a knocking noise. The noise is when the engine is leveled off. When I accelerate or slow it gets quiet. I figure if it was ping it would do it when accelerating, it would sometimes knock loud when at low RPM and pulling off. Any ideas as to what it could be. It's still under warrenty but I like to be informed when I go in.
Tourer
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 346
Likes: 0
I just started noticing the noise after returning from sturgis when I first start the bike, mostly when cold but also after an extended stop like lunch, the sound of a marble bouncing around in the front of the primary. So much that even my passenger asked what that noise was. it quiets down after it totally warms up. Does this sound like a compensator issue? I will gladly pay for the SE upgrade under warranty if so. I only use Redline in the tranny and primary, and mobil 1 vtwin in the engine.
Last edited by kipd; Sep 3, 2011 at 11:38 PM.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 2,404
Likes: 11
From: Southern Nevada (Pahrump)
Alright fella's, my turn! I'm occasionally having a starting issue. Occasionally I'm getting a grinding noise from my started when starting my bike. Not sure if my starter is going TU or if it has something to do with the compensator. I purchased the ESP with this bike since it's an 08 & out of the factory warranty so it should be covered either way. It definitely has the normal HD clunk at startup which is normal to me anyhow but the occasional grinding definitively has gotten my attention but just not sure what to make of it. Any insight would be appreciated.
Clay
Clay
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 2,404
Likes: 11
From: Southern Nevada (Pahrump)
Alright fella's, my turn! I'm occasionally having a starting issue. Occasionally I'm getting a grinding noise from my starter when starting my bike. Not sure if my starter is going TU or if it has something to do with the compensator. I purchased the ESP with this bike since it's an 08 & out of the factory warranty so it should be covered either way. It definitely has the normal HD clunk at startup which is normal to me anyhow but the occasional grinding definitively has gotten my attention but just not sure what to make of it. Any insight would be appreciated.
Clay
Clay
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 66,948
Likes: 4,573
From: TOAK western branch
Alright fella's, my turn! I'm occasionally having a starting issue. Occasionally I'm getting a grinding noise from my starter when starting my bike. Not sure if my starter is going TU or if it has something to do with the compensator. I purchased the ESP with this bike since it's an 08 & out of the factory warranty so it should be covered either way. It definitely has the normal HD clunk at startup which is normal to me anyhow but the occasional grinding definitively has gotten my attention but just not sure what to make of it. Any insight would be appreciated.
Clay
Clay
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 2,404
Likes: 11
From: Southern Nevada (Pahrump)
Sounds more like a starter clutch. When mine went bad it would only happen at gas station stops. A grind then bang then it would start. I replaced the HD starter clutch with a lifetime warrenty one:http://www.mesmotorcycle.com/street.htm
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 66,948
Likes: 4,573
From: TOAK western branch
No just the starer clutch. In my opinion the bang from the weak style comp hammers the over run clutch in the starter.
Cruiser
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 123
Likes: 2
From: dual locations: wash. & az.
Me, I'll replace my Stock compensator with Just another Stock one, UNTIL HD comes out with a better OILED mouse trap..
signed....REDHEAD