Newbie ?, what is a compensator
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Tourer
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 250
Likes: 0
btsom,
Thanks. you explained it so that this newbie with some mechanical background understands it. Basically it is a shock asorber that reduces the herky jerky feeling the bike would have without it. Did I get it close?
Thanks. you explained it so that this newbie with some mechanical background understands it. Basically it is a shock asorber that reduces the herky jerky feeling the bike would have without it. Did I get it close?
Cruiser
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 106
Likes: 0
From: Scranton, Arkansas
I actually learned about the compensator problem on this forum from this great knowledge base. I was riding with a buddy of mine a couple of times and his 07 Streetglide was making this horrific racket on start up. Sounded just like the starter was not fully engaging, knocking and banging and yes it was embarrassing to him. I told him about the compensator issue and provided a link to the post, he ordered the SE version, installed it himself, done deal no more clankin. Again this is a great forum and a very good source for learning.
Road Master
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 785
Likes: 2
From: SE TN
An individual who, in attempt to make up for his lack of security in his manhood, attempts to act like he is the baddest dude on the block by riding a motorcycle.
Road Captain
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 739
Likes: 2
From: St. Louis
Nice!! I guess I fit the profile..... 
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 32,851
Likes: 17,886
From: Newcastle, OK
Think of the 4 strokes involved with a 4 cycle engine. Starting with the power stroke, there is a large impulse of power to the crank shaft trying to speed it up. Without the compensator, that strong impulse would be immediately transferred into the drive line and would be felt by the rider. The compensator absorbs some of that energy and releases it after the power stroke. Then the engine "coasts through the exhaust stroke and the intake stroke with relatively little resistance from either process. Then comes the compression stroke and the rotation speed is abruptly slowed by the resistance of the building compression. That abrupt slowing would also be felt by the rider if the compensator didn't absorb some of that also. That puts us back to the next power stroke and the compensator feels and absorbs a reverse of force, during compression, the engine could be "pushed" by the momentum of the machine and the compensator loads in one direction, then after ignition occurs, the engine tries to speed up again and loads the compensator in the opposite direction. This vibration would be very unpleasant, but especially so on a long ride. Imagine putting in a 700 mile day holding on to a vibrating lawn mower handle and getting that buzz through your seat all day long. Not only does the compensator reduce the shock loads on all of the bearings and gears in the drive system, it contributes the comfort level we take for granted.
You nailed it!
