Fundamental design flaw of '07 thru '10 Compensator
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 6,932
Likes: 4
From: 46th State, USA
Dave that was a great right up.
Can you explain why after 16,000 miles there was absolutely no damage that you showed and described on the stock compensator that was removed from my '09 Ultra Classic? If you could have heard my scoot start when it had the original compensator you would swear it sounded like it was coming apart with the loud bang. I finally broke down and bought a new SE compensator and to my surprise there was no unusual marks or damage on any of the surfaces of the stock compensator.
I'm not an engineer but I do know that damage to any surface can depend on the heat treated properties of the parts. IE, starter gears.
Can you explain why after 16,000 miles there was absolutely no damage that you showed and described on the stock compensator that was removed from my '09 Ultra Classic? If you could have heard my scoot start when it had the original compensator you would swear it sounded like it was coming apart with the loud bang. I finally broke down and bought a new SE compensator and to my surprise there was no unusual marks or damage on any of the surfaces of the stock compensator.
I'm not an engineer but I do know that damage to any surface can depend on the heat treated properties of the parts. IE, starter gears.
Last edited by shortride; Nov 8, 2011 at 07:58 AM.
This is my first time seeing this thread, very good write up at the begining. What I would like to know is how exactly does the SE compensator differ from the stock OEM one, is it just better material or is it built differently?
Tourer
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 285
Likes: 4
With many HD-related forums listing complaints of weak compensators, why haven't the owners filed a safety complaint with the NHTSA.gov? Last time I checked, there were only three complaints filed, mine being the second complaint. It is a safety issue. I firmly believe Harley Davidson is acutely aware that they have an issue and will not address it simply to save money avoiding a recall. How many of you will continue to risk your(and your passenger's) safety? If enough riders file a safety complaint with NHTSA, Harley Davidson will be forced to address the issue. Ask Toyota what happens when the NHTSA gets involved. I don't think I should have to pay for an upgraded part when the original defective part is poorly engineered. Rant off.
+1 I agree, MOCO should replace.
Intermediate
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 38
Likes: 0
SE Compensator
They SUCK!! I put one one and had to take it back off my 07 Street Glide the I work at a Harley Repair Shop. after putting it on and to specs rode it down the road made bike lug more in six gear the thing shook the motor like hell, not balanced well at all, others report same thing
they well also turn a bronze color after so many miles, when back to stock, good for now,
they well also turn a bronze color after so many miles, when back to stock, good for now,
6th Gear
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 12
Likes: 2
From: Cape Town, South Africa
Thank you for the informative write up on a fundamentally poorly designed HD Compensator system. I am planning to experiment with the Belleville Spring assembly on the Rotor/Spring Cover part# 40356-07. Does anyone know the outer diameter (OD), inner diameter (ID), material thickness, overall height and spring material of the 4 Belleville spring washers installed in 40356-07?
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 4,451
Likes: 2,839
From: Oklahoma
Thank you for the informative write up on a fundamentally poorly designed HD Compensator system. I am planning to experiment with the Belleville Spring assembly on the Rotor/Spring Cover part# 40356-07. Does anyone know the outer diameter (OD), inner diameter (ID), material thickness, overall height and spring material of the 4 Belleville spring washers installed in 40356-07?
the proper space for the belleville springs. If someone can give you dimensions, you can decide for yourself if the guys from years ago were correct or not. The OP may well be correct about the metal hardening thing, but the real cause was the spring being too weak for 96 and bigger engines allowing the travel to go against the stop frequently and causing heavy shock loads.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
fuelmoto
Milwaukee Eight (M8)
20
Apr 25, 2025 06:39 PM
fuelmoto
Touring Models
12
Aug 11, 2015 03:38 PM
slimvela
Touring Models
8
Aug 18, 2013 06:36 PM
fuelmoto
Fuel Moto / Jackpot Mufflers
0
Jan 18, 2010 11:01 PM
