Problems with Compensator
Tourer
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 361
Likes: 3
From: Nashville, TN
Took my 2010 Limited in yesterday for 1000mi. fluid change and complained about the horrible noises from the compensator/loud bang when starting/next to impossible to find neutral/frequent difficulty in downshifting into second and first gear. Service writer was very friendly, but was obviously under orders not to do warranty work. He told me that the tech said everything was in specs(must have xray vision as he didn't take off the primary to check torque on the compensator nut)and that he heard no abnormal noises(must also be deaf). I told the Service Writer that it was a safety issue and that I was very disappointed in their lack of concern for their customers and got a blank stare. He said if it gave problems to bring it back. I asked him "why would I bring it here, you can't find a problem and obviously won't honor a warranty". Another blank stare. Paid my bill and left. Won't spend any more money at this dealership.
Thread Starter
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 2,573
Likes: 0
From: Minneapolis, MN
Thanks for filing a complaint! If every single HD owner who had this problem did the same, we would have a massive recall and ALL owners would get this remedied for FREE by the company, and we would all be safer.
I just got mine back from the dealer (after two weeks in the shop), and I got the SE compensator installed. I had to pay the difference between the stock compensator and the SE compensator unit (about $120), but it definitely sounds better now. Still not happy that it happened in the first place, because it could have been a major catastrophe, maybe involving death or serious injury! I'm taking a long ride tomorrow, so I'll get a better feel for the repair and whether or not it seems to be the right fix.
Ride safe all!
I just got mine back from the dealer (after two weeks in the shop), and I got the SE compensator installed. I had to pay the difference between the stock compensator and the SE compensator unit (about $120), but it definitely sounds better now. Still not happy that it happened in the first place, because it could have been a major catastrophe, maybe involving death or serious injury! I'm taking a long ride tomorrow, so I'll get a better feel for the repair and whether or not it seems to be the right fix.
Ride safe all!
Tourer
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 361
Likes: 3
From: Nashville, TN
Filing a NHTSA complaint is a simple online form. You will receive an email confirmation. In the event of a fatal accident you will have proof of the complaint. Won't help the rider in the accident, but may help all HD riders down the road. We shouldn't have to pay for an upgrade of an inferior, potentially dangerous, repair. My .02. If enough HD owners filed a NHTSA complaint, HD would be forced to recall. The feds carry a lot of clout. Just ask Toyota.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 8,039
Likes: 1,305
From: Jayhawk Country
What are the symptoms of the compensator problem. This is my first Harley, a 2010 EGC. I have around 2k miles on it. To me the bike makes all kinds of noises compared to my VTX and Roadliner. I'm not really sure what to be looking for. It does kinda make a knocking noise when engaging the starter but I just thought it was normal.
Thread Starter
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 2,573
Likes: 0
From: Minneapolis, MN
What are the symptoms of the compensator problem. This is my first Harley, a 2010 EGC. I have around 2k miles on it. To me the bike makes all kinds of noises compared to my VTX and Roadliner. I'm not really sure what to be looking for. It does kinda make a knocking noise when engaging the starter but I just thought it was normal.
Road Master
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 931
Likes: 11
From: Orlando, FL
Sounds like time to find a different dealer. Got mine replaced yesterday. '08 under ESP. My service manager rocks!
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 3,341
Likes: 9
From: Woodinville, WA
I am definitely having the "symptoms". At cold start up there is a some serious extra noise that subsides slightly after a minute or 2 of warm-up. My "screwdriver" stethescope tells me the noise is right at the compensator. Also, at hot starts after a fuel stop the violent kick can be so bad that I'm thinking something has to break soon. I'll be taking it in this Friday for another minor warranty issue. When I do, I will explain the symptoms. If they don't play ball, or if they tell me everything is "normal" or "within spec" I will VERY NICELY tell them that I want the following entered into my service record and that I want a copy of the printout to give to my wife in case anything happens to me.
"Customer states that motorcycle is exhibiting symptoms of a failing compensator and has requested that it be replaced. Customer further states that he is concerned that a failure of the compensator while operating the vehicle could cause a catisrophic event resulting in serius injury or death."
If the dealer will not enter that into my record, then I will send a Certified Receipt letter to the service department.
"Customer states that motorcycle is exhibiting symptoms of a failing compensator and has requested that it be replaced. Customer further states that he is concerned that a failure of the compensator while operating the vehicle could cause a catisrophic event resulting in serius injury or death."
If the dealer will not enter that into my record, then I will send a Certified Receipt letter to the service department.
Road Warrior
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 1,717
Likes: 35
I ordered a SE compensator today for my 2007 Roadking Classic. no symptoms yet, but I read enough about the benefits to do a preventative maintenance change. The part is only 209.00 from New Roc HD and my independent certified HD wrench said he can install it for 60 bucks. sounds like cheap insurance against failure to me, but I agree it should be covered as a recall.
When the MOCO starts replacing a stock part with a SE part as a model year change you know that they know the original part was a POS. same as the IDS is now standard equipment.
When the MOCO starts replacing a stock part with a SE part as a model year change you know that they know the original part was a POS. same as the IDS is now standard equipment.