New compensator?
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 66,948
Likes: 4,573
From: TOAK western branch
aint broke dont fix it. Put some miles on it. when you get tired of the start up bang and the bang when you shift then it might be time to replace it. even though there are a lot of posts about bad ones most are fine.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 5,331
Likes: 56
From: north of Daytona
Mine, when I started it...there would be an extra "bang" just before it started. And when taking off it first gear with just a little clutch and not so much throttle.....there were about two extra 'clunks'....just before the clutch was out all the way.
Just didn't sound right.
If you hear this from the left side of your engine/tranny area.......could be the comp.
Just didn't sound right.
If you hear this from the left side of your engine/tranny area.......could be the comp.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 6,932
Likes: 4
From: 46th State, USA
They bang real loud on start up. That doesn't necessarily mean there's anything wrong but it does mean that eventually it will crater when you're least expecting it. Mine wasn’t bad enough to get replaced while still under warranty but I have since had it replaced with a new SE compensator. It probably one of the best and worthwhile purchases I’ve made.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 6,682
Likes: 12
Just had mine replaced under warranty today and had to pay the price difference in the OE part and the new SE one. I only had the loud bang on startup with mine and there seemed to be excessive slack in the drivetrain when shifting. The new one got rid of the slack and the bang but it does seem to have a litltle more chatter in the primary now with the new SE. Anyone else notice the slight chatter with the SE?
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 4,618
Likes: 290
From: Johnstown, PA
Soooo, this might be a dumb question, but what is a compensator and what does it do? And where is is located? Were there problems with them on the 88's?
I have seen may threads on this as well, looks like it is mostly an issue on the 96" and 103".
I have seen may threads on this as well, looks like it is mostly an issue on the 96" and 103".
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 66,948
Likes: 4,573
From: TOAK western branch
no problems on the 88. stroke too short. its mounted on your crank and it drives the primary chain. It removes any violent forses that might destroy the clutch or tranny. Take a look in your service manual. Its in there.
Last edited by soft 02; Jul 1, 2011 at 09:10 PM. Reason: oops
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Tourer
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 292
Likes: 1
From: Bartlett, TN
Just replaced the comp on my 09, wished I had done it sooner, starter bang gone, clatter gone, and quieter! Even the girlfriend noticed. she said its smoother, and quieter! Also replaced a front wheel bearing, the seal had separated and roaring pretty good!
Tourer
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 253
Likes: 1
From: S E Michigan
Began the proceedings to replace the comp. Bangs bad on start, feel some slack in the drivetrain, also when in 1st and come to a stop - if you rock a bit on braking I hear a bang. Not willing to wait for it to implode. Will have it replaced in 2 weeks.