Fundamental design flaw of '07 thru '10 Compensator
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 66,948
Likes: 4,573
From: TOAK western branch
Well mine compleetly failed "sorry no pics". After 40,000 miles 2 of my stock spring washer things had compeetly flatened and since they were no longer springs anymore the were floating in the bascet and wore a grove into the spring basket until the basket detached itself from the comp then split then fell into the bottom pf my primary! I pulled the derby cover to inspect the noise and to find out why my oil looked like a metalic milk shake. Basicly the comp was completely destroid. SE comp was the best money ever spent on my bike. I got super lucky that dam thing did not fall on my primary chain while going down the road.
Tourer
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 361
Likes: 3
From: Nashville, TN
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.
Supporter
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 1,423
Likes: 77
From: NW Ontario
Dave, is this common to the Ultra Limited and did MOCO do anything to rectify this for the 2011 model? Secondly, great write-up and if you're not working for HD, then maybe you should be. R their engineers sleeping???
Thread Starter
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 3,341
Likes: 9
From: Woodinville, WA
All touring bikes. 2011 has upgrade. The stock part for pre 2011s just doesn't seem to be designed to handle the torque of higher output engines. Perhaps a bone stock 96 ci engine would never have a problem.
Tourer
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 371
Likes: 1
From: RI
Wow..great write up, really makes you understand what is going on, and why I am hearing the noises I am. (Dealer said they are normal)
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Road Warrior
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 1,469
Likes: 0
From: 310
EXCELLENT write up, explanation and pictures Dave! Thanks!
I swapped out the stock compensator and clutch assembly this past weekend on my 2009 SG with 4,000 miles on the odometer. I installed the SE Compensator Kit (40274-08), the SE Performance Clutch Kit (37976-08) and SE Clutch Friction Disc Kit (37980-10). Did the work myself...very easy to do! Had to have the dealership to 'press' the stock clutch basket out and 'press' the new SE one in...cost $50.00 for shop time. Pulled the inner primary cover instead of 'trimming' the edges that would not allow the new SE unit to fit...used new bolts, gasket and starter o-ring when replacing. Filled the primary with Mobil 1 Racing 4T when I was all finished.
OMG! The difference is staggering! It's like a different motorcycle! Shifts could not be smoother! No 'clunk' when shifting into first gear from neutral and neutral is always there when I'm looking for it! It just feels 'better' on the road!
This was $$$ VERY well spent!
Now...getting ready to install Fuel Moto's 107' kit! Oh yea...
Ride safe!
Steve
I swapped out the stock compensator and clutch assembly this past weekend on my 2009 SG with 4,000 miles on the odometer. I installed the SE Compensator Kit (40274-08), the SE Performance Clutch Kit (37976-08) and SE Clutch Friction Disc Kit (37980-10). Did the work myself...very easy to do! Had to have the dealership to 'press' the stock clutch basket out and 'press' the new SE one in...cost $50.00 for shop time. Pulled the inner primary cover instead of 'trimming' the edges that would not allow the new SE unit to fit...used new bolts, gasket and starter o-ring when replacing. Filled the primary with Mobil 1 Racing 4T when I was all finished.
OMG! The difference is staggering! It's like a different motorcycle! Shifts could not be smoother! No 'clunk' when shifting into first gear from neutral and neutral is always there when I'm looking for it! It just feels 'better' on the road!
This was $$$ VERY well spent!
Now...getting ready to install Fuel Moto's 107' kit! Oh yea...
Ride safe!
Steve
Also, how much for the parts?