Compensator woes solved
Tourer
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 273
Likes: 2
From: NW Arkansas
I start mine in neutral with clutch out, let it warm up a minute on two while I'm getting my gear on, then pull the clutch for another minute or so as I'm getting situated, and then it slides right into gear with no noise at all.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 17,547
Likes: 7,153
From: Oxford, Nc
Can someone explain what the difference is between the compensator on early bikes, ( like mine '00,) which apparently has a bullet proof design and this newer "improved" model that fails so often? Why'd they screw around with it in the first place?
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 2,502
Likes: 6
From: Lapeer , Mich
maybe think about starting the bike in neutral then when you are ready to take off shut it off and restart it in gear that way the clutches will be lubed up and won't surge so bad
Road Master
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 1,109
Likes: 3
From: Chattanooga, TN
I just changed out mine on my 08 Ultra SE3, wow what a difference, silky smooth shifts and absolutely no effort to find neutral and the loud clunk is gone !! The chatter you have at low speed also gone, no slop in the drive line at low speeds.
Here is the thread, easy to do with basic mechanical skill. All the install instructions are in the HD package and are very clear., I went ahead and put a couple of extra drops of red loctite on the large bolt. Also want to note the thread fails to say you only need to grind about 1/3 of the case, 6-8" around, it shows a photo, but it's not real clear on the amount or distance to grind.
HERE YOU GO : https://www.hdforums.com/forum/touri...it-w-pics.html
Make sure you clean out all the grinding material, blow out your jiffy stand and front brakes, the grindings get in places you would never suspect, especially the two places mentioned.
Also, while you have your foot shifter off, pull out the shift rod clean it and lube it, mine was very rusty and was binding, took a piece of scotch brite to the shaft, lubed it up with white marine grease. Make sure you remember it's location when you put it back, or you will have to pull it off and realign it to where you had it.
Here is the thread, easy to do with basic mechanical skill. All the install instructions are in the HD package and are very clear., I went ahead and put a couple of extra drops of red loctite on the large bolt. Also want to note the thread fails to say you only need to grind about 1/3 of the case, 6-8" around, it shows a photo, but it's not real clear on the amount or distance to grind.
HERE YOU GO : https://www.hdforums.com/forum/touri...it-w-pics.html
Make sure you clean out all the grinding material, blow out your jiffy stand and front brakes, the grindings get in places you would never suspect, especially the two places mentioned.
Also, while you have your foot shifter off, pull out the shift rod clean it and lube it, mine was very rusty and was binding, took a piece of scotch brite to the shaft, lubed it up with white marine grease. Make sure you remember it's location when you put it back, or you will have to pull it off and realign it to where you had it.
Last edited by SteveO; May 15, 2011 at 10:18 PM.
6th Gear
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
From: Plant City Fl.
I'm having problems with my compensator and would like to know what a SE compensator is as I've already replaced starter clutch and ring gear and am still getting that grind on startups. Duhhh just realized SE stands for Screaming Eagle didnt sleep to good last night I'm a little fuzzy.... Thanks guys for the info
Last edited by alcris47; Jul 26, 2016 at 06:28 PM. Reason: Realized What SE stands for
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 5,132
Likes: 228
From: Garland, TX
My 09 ultra classic has 101,340 miles on it. The stock compensator wasn't replaced until 97,000 miles.
6th Gear
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
From: Plant City Fl.
My Bike started having problems at 18,000 mi. replaced first ring gear and starter clutch at 19,000 second ones at 22,000 mi. called Harley and was told they didn't redesign the compensator in 2011 because of problems, but they just do redesigns and updates every so often...... B.S.! if they admitted there was a flaw they would have to do a recall on all however many bikes with that compensator...
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Southpaw Super Glide: A Left-Hand-Drive 1979 Harley FXE Built to Fit the Rider
Verdad Gallardo
The Best and Worst Harley-Davidson Moves of 2025
Verdad Gallardo
6th Gear
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
From: Plant City Fl.
While I've got it apart I'll replace the primary chain tensioner with the Hayden tensioner... another Boo Boo HD made, I'll take the old style manual adjuster with the inspection cover over it anytime....
Road Master
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 784
Likes: 56
From: Eastern Iowa
I'm having problems with my compensator and would like to know what a SE compensator is as I've already replaced starter clutch and ring gear and am still getting that grind on startups. Duhhh just realized SE stands for Screaming Eagle didnt sleep to good last night I'm a little fuzzy.... Thanks guys for the info