Problems with Compensator
Tourer
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 359
Likes: 1
How loud does this "knock" have to be before it is considered abnormal or out of spec?
I have suspected this problem from early on and bike now has 3,300 miles. The clunk at start-up continues to become more pronounced.
I also detect/hear/feel a "knock" when letting the clutch out after shifting through each gear. Would this part of the "knocking" be related to the compensator or is this something to do with the clutch. It gets worse as the bike gets hotter.
On my previous bike (2005 Ultra) the throwout bearing went bad after 5,000 miles...yet it started out a couple thousand miles earlier before it finally failed altogether. It was reported and put in writing that I felt there was a problem yet the dealer continued to insist it was "normal" and refused to acknowledge any problem until it failed completely.
I am concerned that they will try to convince me that the banging and knocking i am hearing on my new bike (2010 Limited) is normal...and will spin me on taking it apart and checking it out/fixing it.
It gets to be a real pain in the neck coming to terms with these dealers and getting any complaints or corncerns about something you buy from them for over 25K of hard earned $$$. It becomes much more clear why many here refer to them as stealers.
I have suspected this problem from early on and bike now has 3,300 miles. The clunk at start-up continues to become more pronounced.
I also detect/hear/feel a "knock" when letting the clutch out after shifting through each gear. Would this part of the "knocking" be related to the compensator or is this something to do with the clutch. It gets worse as the bike gets hotter.
On my previous bike (2005 Ultra) the throwout bearing went bad after 5,000 miles...yet it started out a couple thousand miles earlier before it finally failed altogether. It was reported and put in writing that I felt there was a problem yet the dealer continued to insist it was "normal" and refused to acknowledge any problem until it failed completely.
I am concerned that they will try to convince me that the banging and knocking i am hearing on my new bike (2010 Limited) is normal...and will spin me on taking it apart and checking it out/fixing it.
It gets to be a real pain in the neck coming to terms with these dealers and getting any complaints or corncerns about something you buy from them for over 25K of hard earned $$$. It becomes much more clear why many here refer to them as stealers.
Road Master
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 1,157
Likes: 304
Hey all, I have a 2011 and when new and stock I got only valve train noise that I would decribe as purring, coming directly from the front and around both sides of the tank. That is normal. Everything was great, except I noticed a big noise difference between clutch engaged/disengaged when everything was hot, when I pulled into the garage after a ride, shifted to nuetral, and released the clutch I could hear it, directly from the front of the primary. Initial thought was the primary chain was tight... After my 1000 mile service, I went stage 1. Now around 4000 miles, I started hearing what I thought was pinging when I am in the cruise range and slightly roll on throttle. But I don't think it is that as I added an enrichened map. No pinging, but still get this noise. IT sounds like a marble in the primary, but I only hear it around 3000 rpms. Originally thought it was topend valve noise, but don't think so now. It sort of follows the rpms, but isn't a "smooth" noise, more of something bouncing around at that speed. Almost a rattle. I hav read elsewhere that what I may be hearing is being caused by the crank runout, and would be considered "normal".
I have checked for exhaust leaks, checked for loose components/bolts/nuts, checked heat shields, enrichened my map, and just continue to be worried. Can't really hear it with a 3/4 on (that is also why most dealer service techs don't hear it also BTW, I think they have to test ride with a FF or something).
It's 5K now and fixing to do the service. May go back to dino vice Amsoil... Was also thinking of pulling the primary cover to look see if the compensator nut is loose. Since it is an 11, it has the SE compensator in it. IT doesn't do the bang on start (I very well know that sound from my previous bikes). IT just has this annoying rattle, marble in the primary sound that has to be coming from up front left since I hear it so distinctly there. For others, does this describe the "loose compensator bolt" symptoms?
I refrain from taking my bike for any service unless it is broke. I just get tired of the BS I get from the dealers, whether ignorance or flat out lies, it doesn't matter, the track record has spoken for several dealers in my area. Plus with the stage 1, I know the answer is: I am lean and need a tune, or the noise is normal. Been there.
I have checked for exhaust leaks, checked for loose components/bolts/nuts, checked heat shields, enrichened my map, and just continue to be worried. Can't really hear it with a 3/4 on (that is also why most dealer service techs don't hear it also BTW, I think they have to test ride with a FF or something).
It's 5K now and fixing to do the service. May go back to dino vice Amsoil... Was also thinking of pulling the primary cover to look see if the compensator nut is loose. Since it is an 11, it has the SE compensator in it. IT doesn't do the bang on start (I very well know that sound from my previous bikes). IT just has this annoying rattle, marble in the primary sound that has to be coming from up front left since I hear it so distinctly there. For others, does this describe the "loose compensator bolt" symptoms?
I refrain from taking my bike for any service unless it is broke. I just get tired of the BS I get from the dealers, whether ignorance or flat out lies, it doesn't matter, the track record has spoken for several dealers in my area. Plus with the stage 1, I know the answer is: I am lean and need a tune, or the noise is normal. Been there.
1)make sure that it's not just the lowers magnifying the noise. you laugh but BELIEVE me our bikes are louder sounding with the lowers.
2)make SURE that the clutch is adjusted properly. if you are the type that likes to adjust the clutch so it's close to the bars, don't. get used to it in proper position. also make sure the clutch basket is set properly. remember that you have the new compensator and the new clutch berring. as well as the new cam plate set up. that new combo could be a tad noisy.
3) if all is adjusted properly and you just don't feel right, then take it to the dealer and have them re-torque the compensator bolt. my 2010 flhtcu's compensator bolt was loose. not an issue any longer.
4) VERY simple and easy to over look-make sure that your oil level is CORRECT! I have noticed that if my bike's oil level is on the lower side of the dip stick, the top end's (normal) noise is a tad louder.
To "bikes": these bikes are NOT quiet. there are MANY normal noises that many riders just don't get used to or want to believe are normal. ride a few other makes of bikes and tell me that our bikes sound bad.
Road Master
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 1,157
Likes: 304
How loud does this "knock" have to be before it is considered abnormal or out of spec?
I have suspected this problem from early on and bike now has 3,300 miles. The clunk at start-up continues to become more pronounced.
I also detect/hear/feel a "knock" when letting the clutch out after shifting through each gear. Would this part of the "knocking" be related to the compensator or is this something to do with the clutch. It gets worse as the bike gets hotter.
On my previous bike (2005 Ultra) the throwout bearing went bad after 5,000 miles...yet it started out a couple thousand miles earlier before it finally failed altogether. It was reported and put in writing that I felt there was a problem yet the dealer continued to insist it was "normal" and refused to acknowledge any problem until it failed completely.
I am concerned that they will try to convince me that the banging and knocking i am hearing on my new bike (2010 Limited) is normal...and will spin me on taking it apart and checking it out/fixing it.
It gets to be a real pain in the neck coming to terms with these dealers and getting any complaints or corncerns about something you buy from them for over 25K of hard earned $$$. It becomes much more clear why many here refer to them as stealers.
I have suspected this problem from early on and bike now has 3,300 miles. The clunk at start-up continues to become more pronounced.
I also detect/hear/feel a "knock" when letting the clutch out after shifting through each gear. Would this part of the "knocking" be related to the compensator or is this something to do with the clutch. It gets worse as the bike gets hotter.
On my previous bike (2005 Ultra) the throwout bearing went bad after 5,000 miles...yet it started out a couple thousand miles earlier before it finally failed altogether. It was reported and put in writing that I felt there was a problem yet the dealer continued to insist it was "normal" and refused to acknowledge any problem until it failed completely.
I am concerned that they will try to convince me that the banging and knocking i am hearing on my new bike (2010 Limited) is normal...and will spin me on taking it apart and checking it out/fixing it.
It gets to be a real pain in the neck coming to terms with these dealers and getting any complaints or corncerns about something you buy from them for over 25K of hard earned $$$. It becomes much more clear why many here refer to them as stealers.
get it torqued down or changed to a SE compensator and ride it. allot of your noises could be coming from the magnification from the lowers as well.
Banned
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 2,492
Likes: 10
I have a 2010 Street Glide with 1800 miles. Iv'e had the bike to the stealer twice for a sound I'm hearing while the clutch is disenguaged and I blip the throttle to down shift. To be honest the sound resembles a single ping like engine knock. It seams to be from the left side of the bike. I work with a former H-D engineer. He says that it is unlikley that the engine would single ping with no load. He called a couple of people that he used to work with at the MOCO and they suggest that the sound is metal or mechanical at or around the compensator. Does any one else hear a pinging sound when bliping the throttle?
I finally got mine to stop doing it. I just quit 'blipping' the throttle.....8 )
Tourer
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 359
Likes: 1
Well, went to dealer today and explained my "symptoms"...as i kind of expected the reply be--"That noise is normal"...too soon for a Compensator to be going bad. Right.
They said if i wanted it pulled apart and inspected/checked out and they found everything to be "normal" they would have to charge me for the labor because Harley would not re-inburse them for unneeded/unauthorized labor charges.
The service tech said he gets a lot of complaints about a loud klunk when starting but, that does not mean the compensator is bad. He said the loud noise I hear is the chain tensioner doing its job and taking up the slack upon startup...which i thought was a bunch of BS.
He would not take the bike for a ride to check my complaints about the klunk when letting out the clutch or when rolling on or off the throttle while at cruising speeds because he was "too busy" at that time... said leave it overnight or bring it back in the morning.
Called the HD service complaint # when I got home and they seemed to be bigger "spin-artists" than the dealer was...told me if i were to change out the Comp. to a SE comp I would wear out back tires much quicker? I asked why they have changed to the SE Comp for 2011 over the 2010 version and he told my it was because they listen to customer feedback/input and complaints but , nothing is wrong with the old version...people just do not want to hear the noise it puts out? Then he asked me about my maintenance habits/schedule and what kind of fluid i was using in the primary. He told me i HAD to use only HD formulaprimary & trans fluid to keep the "noises" in check. I told him i put their Syn3 in everything and he told me to drain it and refill with the Formula primary fluid...It will make a world of differance! (his words)
Anyway, I got both parties to record/document my issues and have a referance # on file with the corporate service dept.
They both promise/guarantee to take care of the problem if it should "worsen?? We'll see.
They said if i wanted it pulled apart and inspected/checked out and they found everything to be "normal" they would have to charge me for the labor because Harley would not re-inburse them for unneeded/unauthorized labor charges.
The service tech said he gets a lot of complaints about a loud klunk when starting but, that does not mean the compensator is bad. He said the loud noise I hear is the chain tensioner doing its job and taking up the slack upon startup...which i thought was a bunch of BS.
He would not take the bike for a ride to check my complaints about the klunk when letting out the clutch or when rolling on or off the throttle while at cruising speeds because he was "too busy" at that time... said leave it overnight or bring it back in the morning.
Called the HD service complaint # when I got home and they seemed to be bigger "spin-artists" than the dealer was...told me if i were to change out the Comp. to a SE comp I would wear out back tires much quicker? I asked why they have changed to the SE Comp for 2011 over the 2010 version and he told my it was because they listen to customer feedback/input and complaints but , nothing is wrong with the old version...people just do not want to hear the noise it puts out? Then he asked me about my maintenance habits/schedule and what kind of fluid i was using in the primary. He told me i HAD to use only HD formulaprimary & trans fluid to keep the "noises" in check. I told him i put their Syn3 in everything and he told me to drain it and refill with the Formula primary fluid...It will make a world of differance! (his words)
Anyway, I got both parties to record/document my issues and have a referance # on file with the corporate service dept.
They both promise/guarantee to take care of the problem if it should "worsen?? We'll see.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 3,236
Likes: 95
From: lancaster, pa
I installed the se comp and first of all found the old bolt almost loose,like maybe 30 -40 lbs torque.Then even though the new comp is better and better sounding it does have its own unique sounds,like a little rattle now and then,now i know that thing was torqued adaquitly just saying.would do it again,great mod!
Is that little rattle normal? guessen its cause the larger spring/plates ,just the nature of the beast.
Is that little rattle normal? guessen its cause the larger spring/plates ,just the nature of the beast.
Road Master
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 928
Likes: 2
From: Near Richmond VA.
Well I changed to all HD dino @ my 5K and it made no difference, except maybe the normal top end noise that I expect to hear is there, but louder. HD 20W-50 in eng, HD Formula tran+primary in the tranny and primary. I will run it a few thousand and probably put amsoil back in it. I did find my shifter arm loose during the maintenance and retorqued it, but no difference. I keep worrying its my tune since it doesn't do it until I get to roughly 3K rpms... so I may go back to stock and see what it sounds like. If it's good, know its the tune or exhaust leak, if not I guess I take it in. I did pick up an outer primary gasket to do the inspection of the compensator bolt myself, just haven't gotten to it cause I have been riding it so much and I don't have all the tools I need! I just want to know what it is though, then it probably won't bother me (as much).
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 3,698
Likes: 11
From: Longview, Washington
My 09 made essentially the exact same noises my 11 does so maybe it is just normal, but not as loud. Its like a rattle with just a little roll on the throttle when cruising at 3K in any gear. Roll on hard and it doesn't make any noise I wouldn't expect. Really anoying doing 70-80 on the interstate cause it is right there @3K and cruise rolls it just right to make it happen.
Well I changed to all HD dino @ my 5K and it made no difference, except maybe the normal top end noise that I expect to hear is there, but louder. HD 20W-50 in eng, HD Formula tran+primary in the tranny and primary. I will run it a few thousand and probably put amsoil back in it. I did find my shifter arm loose during the maintenance and retorqued it, but no difference. I keep worrying its my tune since it doesn't do it until I get to roughly 3K rpms... so I may go back to stock and see what it sounds like. If it's good, know its the tune or exhaust leak, if not I guess I take it in. I did pick up an outer primary gasket to do the inspection of the compensator bolt myself, just haven't gotten to it cause I have been riding it so much and I don't have all the tools I need! I just want to know what it is though, then it probably won't bother me (as much).
Well I changed to all HD dino @ my 5K and it made no difference, except maybe the normal top end noise that I expect to hear is there, but louder. HD 20W-50 in eng, HD Formula tran+primary in the tranny and primary. I will run it a few thousand and probably put amsoil back in it. I did find my shifter arm loose during the maintenance and retorqued it, but no difference. I keep worrying its my tune since it doesn't do it until I get to roughly 3K rpms... so I may go back to stock and see what it sounds like. If it's good, know its the tune or exhaust leak, if not I guess I take it in. I did pick up an outer primary gasket to do the inspection of the compensator bolt myself, just haven't gotten to it cause I have been riding it so much and I don't have all the tools I need! I just want to know what it is though, then it probably won't bother me (as much).
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Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 3,236
Likes: 95
From: lancaster, pa
jolly roger
thats nice to know that others have that little rattle at low rpms,low spead,im less parionoid now.
the other sound it makes under some load is similiar to the old pos one,but deeper and sounds more stable.like the sound when a wooden rollercoaster makes.pleasenter....the old pos one was tinny chattery sounding.
all in all the new comp rocks!
thats nice to know that others have that little rattle at low rpms,low spead,im less parionoid now.
the other sound it makes under some load is similiar to the old pos one,but deeper and sounds more stable.like the sound when a wooden rollercoaster makes.pleasenter....the old pos one was tinny chattery sounding.
all in all the new comp rocks!
