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.

 

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?

 

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

 

Good idea!! Thanks..

 

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.

 

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

 

My 09 ultra classic has 101,340 miles on it. The stock compensator wasn't replaced until 97,000 miles.

 

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...

 

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....

 

What year and model bike do you have?