2010 Street Glide...Horrible noise at start-up
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 7,776
Likes: 2,252
From: wet coast BC
may well be the compensator, starter clutch, etc.
I am just trying to understand what dealer could have done with start up map, is it BS or something new.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 2,246
Likes: 19
From: Cypress, TX
I just replaced the compensator in mine with the SE version. I was working on the clutch and decided to go ahead and do the compensator since had the primary open, the bike has 45,000 miles on it and I'm going to a 107 relatively soon. The part cost me $211, primary gasket $30, and a couple of bottles of formula +. The work is pretty easy. I'm really glad I did. I had a pretty good bang at startup and it shifts much smoother now. I will say looking at the old one there appeared to be nothing wrong with it. It's just kind of wimpy compared to the SE model.
Road Warrior
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 1,988
Likes: 17
From: Between Fort Worth and Wichita Falls Texas
My 07 EGU with 15,000 miles gives me a bang every now and then. I thought it was me releasing the starter button too soon sometimes. I can go for 20 or 25 starts with no trouble then on one of my lazy days I'll get a bang. Almost like it just about started then kicked back. So do I have a failing compensator or am I right that I'm just lazy and release the starter button too soon?
Last edited by hogcowboy; Oct 24, 2012 at 04:55 AM.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 5,282
Likes: 2
From: Northwestern Nevada
Let the dealer fix the starter then check for the primary noise, if it persists demonstrate it for the dealer. After you get all the repairs the dealer will/should do, go back to your indy for final analysis imho.
Lots of dealers won't work with the TTS, they want to sell you the SE tuner.
Lots of dealers won't work with the TTS, they want to sell you the SE tuner.
Stage III
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
From: Oxford, Mississippi
Is this thread still alive? Have you not replaced your compensator yet? Been there. Suffered the same problems you described. I replaced the stock compensator in my '08 RKC with the SE comp. All the hard starting, kickbacks, and clamorous internal sounds immediately went away ... problem solved. If you want a YouTube clip on how to do the job, I can link it for you.
Road Warrior
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 1,344
Likes: 173
From: Watertown, CT
SKIBUM Just more info. I too had a very loud bang at startup but mostly when the bike was hot . I had a SE comp but took it out and the noise was still there . Changed the starter drive..noise still there but while forcing it to crank the battery started to drain so I decided to change it. NO MORE BANG! One of our members explained why it happened . Do a search if this sounds anything like your problem. Mine banged just as the bike was starting . Hope you resolve your problem.
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
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
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 2,034
Likes: 127
My 07 EGU with 15,000 miles gives me a bang every now and then. I thought it was me releasing the starter button too soon sometimes. I can go for 20 or 25 starts with no trouble then on one of my lazy days I'll get a bang. Almost like it just about started then kicked back. So do I have a failing compensator or am I right that I'm just lazy and release the starter button too soon?
Road Warrior
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 1,988
Likes: 17
From: Between Fort Worth and Wichita Falls Texas
No, your not lazy. What you describe sounds like "kickback". It most often occurs when the engine is pretty hot, like in the summertime and you have just shut it off to gas up or go into the store for a few minutes. When you go to restart you hear this terrible clanking sound and you look down at the ground expecting to see a pile of metal and wet oil. Usually on the second attempt the bike fires right up.