Would a failing compensator cause the motor to shake when slowing to a stop (1000-1300 rpm) excessively? Dependent upon how rapid the stop is, if the engine is allowed to slowly rev down, I notice the front shake considerably while stopping. Increasing the rpm slightly and the engine will smooth out. I can hear some rattle on the right side of the engine around 22-2800 rpm and it may be there sooner as my hearing isn't worth a chit. This is on a 2003 Electra Classic, Cobra headers, Screaming Eagle tuner/exhaust, 27,000 miles.

 

Noise on the right is often related to cam tensioner or cam bearings,.

I suspect if the cam chain is loose due to a bad tensioner you'd here noises and possibly have engine vibration.

 

I would be checking motor mounts and bolt torques. Choppy tires can do that too.

 

motor mounts good, tires good (Metzlers), otherwise runs great with no popping on deceleration, engine vibration @ 60 mph in fifth.

 

When my compensator went bad I had a lot of noise in left side were its located but no other symptoms

 

!!!!Check the upper motor mount. It is bolted to the front and rear cylinder heads. Those bolts had a history of working loose and even falling out without checking them regularly. The mount is what the horn is mounted to and you can check the bolts from the horn side of the engine. Also check the stabilizer bar at both ends that is attached to that mount also. It is connected from that mount to the frame under the tank.

 

A LOT of noise. It scared me to ride it, so the shop came and picked it up. Mine went out at 15,000 miles.

 

Check the motor mount when it starts..does it motor rock back and forth. My guess is you are filling the engine going into the out of balance zone.. On a smooth open road that no one is in front of you accelerate in low shifting into second a little firmly and as soon as you fill all is engaged and in gear and clutch out stuff, hit the throttle pretty hard. Do you hear and fill a hard heavy clack. If so it may be your compensator. However just shifting hard and hitting the throttle will make most any compensator clack. Remember what it is and does. My guess is yours is like mine. Simply three angled finger driving three other finger. They can only twist so far and the belleville springs flatten. They smooth the impulse of the V Twin. You only want them so firm for a good ride. Little bang just tells you are OK. Big bang tells you that you are beating the old girl awful hard. It truly offer little protection and is why Harley when to the cushion rubber button drive in the rear drive pulley.