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Compensator, Starter clunk: normal or a problem?

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Old May 20, 2014 | 08:51 PM
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Default Compensator, Starter clunk: normal or a problem?

I have another thread going on this subject but here is the problem.
I had a 'o6 SG, sold it and purchased a 2010 EG classic with just 500 miles.I love the bike, it's like brand new BUT when it starts I here and feel this clank coming from around the swing arm area. I installed a new battery, it did not cure the clank. After doing some research on this forum I have learned that there may be a problem with the compensator, keep in mind this bike isn't even broken in yet.
I contacted the previous owner to find out if this is something new or a situation from when he purchased it in 2010. He said it was from day one and every time he asked the service people about this clunk they said it was normal, OF COURSE!
I'm wondering if I actually have a problem or is this really normal. Personally I can't image this being part of the design. Everything else about the bike is great but this is very irritating to me.
Please shed some light on this by letting me know what you guys think.
 
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Old May 20, 2014 | 09:30 PM
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Does it rattle when you feather the clutch on take off or rattle on first take off of the day. If it does it is your comp.
 
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Old May 20, 2014 | 10:07 PM
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Does it also start with a "bang"?
 
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Old May 20, 2014 | 10:09 PM
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Originally Posted by WB
Does it rattle when you feather the clutch on take off or rattle on first take off of the day. If it does it is your comp.
No rattle.
 
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Old May 20, 2014 | 10:10 PM
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Originally Posted by Northern Glide
Does it also start with a "bang"?
It does start with a loud clank that can also be felt.
 
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Old May 21, 2014 | 12:27 AM
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Compensator problem will give you a clunk when you start and when you shut it down. Depends on how bad it's getting too, but at 500 miles I'm amazed you've got this already.

I do know the '09 I have is the year where these compensator problems started. H-D changed to a new one that year and it was the Hindenburg or H-D compensators apparently. My bike has had the compensator REPLACED THREE TIMES in 102,000 miles. Each time I got the CLUNK at start-up and shut down when it was bad.

Thank heavens for the ESP...

Other than the compensator this bike has only had one thing replaced and that's the starter, otherwise it's been a fantastic bike. THE COMPENSATOR in '09 and maybe a couple years following that year is just a FLAWED DESIGN. It's been upgraded several times in the years since. Supposedly my latest one at 102,000 miles is the Latest Greatest and Final upgrade?
 

Last edited by Arizona; May 21, 2014 at 12:29 AM.
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Old May 21, 2014 | 05:23 AM
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2012 limited has the knew and improved comp.in them ,but it failed with only 5000 miles on bike,replaced under warranty.
 
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Old May 21, 2014 | 05:26 AM
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Maybe take it to a reputable indy and have them assess...HD will probably give you same story-line and indy's gonna be a tad cheaper, unless you swap yourself.
 
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Old May 21, 2014 | 10:19 AM
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Called HD and got a case number but of course I think I'm probably wasting my time with them! LOL
 
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Old May 22, 2014 | 03:01 PM
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Does it start when you get the clank or do you have to hit it again?
 
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