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It hard to imagine that Harley didn't know from the beginning that the stock compensator for '09 and I think '10 models were junk.
I had the stock compensator replaced wit ha SE compensator this morning and I was very surprised with the difference. It obviously took them until the '11 models to realize the previous models had junk compensators.
The first time I rode it, it seemed to accelerate better from a stop, at least more smooth. But after riding it more often I don't notice anything now. I still hear pretty much the same transmission 5th gear noises as before, but I do not get the starting "bang". I do not lug my engine so I have not been able to hear if it does all that knocking you get with the original compensator.
I also put a heavier clutch spring in and this I do notice an improvement with. Clutch feels more smooth and less rubbery. When it was real hot out and 2 up I almost felt like it was slipping a bit on take off before. I would strongly recommend a heavier clutch spring if you are doing the SE comp. The spring is about 25 or 30 bucks and easy to install if you are doing it yourself. I used the one for the 2010 103 engine.
It depends on bike to bike and what kind of modifications are perform to notice any difference.Most noticeable difference is in starting and taking off but that's only if you are having a problem with compensator, majority of em are OK until you start getting aggressive on the bike.
On most if not all '09 and '10 touring models you will hear a large bang on start up. Sometimes it's worst than others. As already mentioned, it seems to be smoother on take off. Don't really understand all of that but do know the way your '11 starts is how mine starts and sound. You would have to be around a stock '09 to appreciate the improvement.
When I start my 2011 RGU, I am still amazed at how easy it starts with no bang. My 07 SuperGlide was really starting to bang harder on each start and it only had 34000 miles on it. The RGU starts like butter.
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