Compensator function?
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 4,456
Likes: 2,858
From: Oklahoma
As always, opinions differ. The bang when hitting the starter is caused by the weak compensator bottoming out before the engine begins to turn. There is a lot of inertia built up by the starter, the clutch basket and the primary chain which slams into the compensator stop causing damage over time. The shock also feeds back and slowly destroys the starter drive clutch. While it may take some time, you will eventually begin to "enjoy" the grinding noise of a slipping sprag clutch in the starter drive. That will get your attention. Intuition makes me also suspect that the repeated slamming of the crankshaft over time may lead to scissoring of the crankshaft no matter how carefully the machine is ridden otherwise.
Once the compensator starts making extra noise (the bang on start qualifies as an extra noise) it is in the slow failure mode. While total failure leaving you stuck on the side of the road is highly unlikely, it will cause other failures which might well leave you stranded, starter failure being the main one. If money is tight, you can run it for a while, but eventually the cost of the total repair will be higher than just the compensator now.
Once the compensator starts making extra noise (the bang on start qualifies as an extra noise) it is in the slow failure mode. While total failure leaving you stuck on the side of the road is highly unlikely, it will cause other failures which might well leave you stranded, starter failure being the main one. If money is tight, you can run it for a while, but eventually the cost of the total repair will be higher than just the compensator now.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 39,686
Likes: 2,118
From: Central, Ca.
Since the v-twin engine fires unevenly, it also sends pulses to the primary chain unevenly. To prevent constant shocks going through the chain, transmission gears and the rest of the driveline, the compensator is basically spring loaded so the engine sprocket is "cushioned" , meaning its not solidly mounted to the crankshaft but can rotate in both directions a small amount with heavy springs providing the cushion. This softens the pulses and reduces shock stresses to the rest of the driveline.
This is a photo of the inside of my primary with the 2014 compensator. The compensator is the smaller gear on the left, with the 3 spokes. The ramped part behind it is pushing against heavy springs and when the spokes from the gear bear on the ramps, the ramps will push inward against the springs providing the cushion. The clutch is the large gear on the right and the auto chain adjuster is the middle part at the bottom of the primary chain.
This is a photo of the inside of my primary with the 2014 compensator. The compensator is the smaller gear on the left, with the 3 spokes. The ramped part behind it is pushing against heavy springs and when the spokes from the gear bear on the ramps, the ramps will push inward against the springs providing the cushion. The clutch is the large gear on the right and the auto chain adjuster is the middle part at the bottom of the primary chain.
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Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 2,598
Likes: 52
From: South Jersey
Thanks for all the explanations. Subject is much clearer now. I do find it amazing that my comp. has been banging right out of the box. I already replaced the battery so that's not the problem. Is does not make any noise on shut down, yet!
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 5,878
Likes: 17
From: The Desert SouthWest
Thanks guys, this is the best description I've gotten so far to make it clear what it does.
QUESTION: Why in 2009 did all these problems start? Why since then have the "Upgrades" to the '09 compensator still all failed (at least maybe til this last one if I'm lucky?).
I ride my RK like an old man. I never do hard take-offs and I cruise long distances on the freeways at steady speed - about the most optimum conditions to operate a vehicle under - yet I've had to have the compensator REPLACED THREE TIMES (thank heavens for the Extended Warranty!!!!!!!). Prior to the '09 models I don't ever recall hearing of these problems. Either I just missed them or something changed in '09... What was it?
Thanks!
QUESTION: Why in 2009 did all these problems start? Why since then have the "Upgrades" to the '09 compensator still all failed (at least maybe til this last one if I'm lucky?).
I ride my RK like an old man. I never do hard take-offs and I cruise long distances on the freeways at steady speed - about the most optimum conditions to operate a vehicle under - yet I've had to have the compensator REPLACED THREE TIMES (thank heavens for the Extended Warranty!!!!!!!). Prior to the '09 models I don't ever recall hearing of these problems. Either I just missed them or something changed in '09... What was it?
Thanks!
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 4,749
Likes: 16
From: sand mountain Alabama
I never had the starter noise they are speaking of. Mine started on up hill grades and they are right you will hear it. It started jerking when I took off, like it was slipping and then once I got going it stopped. I changed tot he SE compensator in 08. Never had another problem with it.
Road Master
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 1,205
Likes: 18
From: SE Michigan
3X a charm??
Thanks guys, this is the best description I've gotten so far to make it clear what it does.
QUESTION: Why in 2009 did all these problems start? Why since then have the "Upgrades" to the '09 compensator still all failed (at least maybe til this last one if I'm lucky?).
I ride my RK like an old man. I never do hard take-offs and I cruise long distances on the freeways at steady speed - about the most optimum conditions to operate a vehicle under - yet I've had to have the compensator REPLACED THREE TIMES (thank heavens for the Extended Warranty!!!!!!!). Prior to the '09 models I don't ever recall hearing of these problems. Either I just missed them or something changed in '09... What was it?
Thanks!
QUESTION: Why in 2009 did all these problems start? Why since then have the "Upgrades" to the '09 compensator still all failed (at least maybe til this last one if I'm lucky?).
I ride my RK like an old man. I never do hard take-offs and I cruise long distances on the freeways at steady speed - about the most optimum conditions to operate a vehicle under - yet I've had to have the compensator REPLACED THREE TIMES (thank heavens for the Extended Warranty!!!!!!!). Prior to the '09 models I don't ever recall hearing of these problems. Either I just missed them or something changed in '09... What was it?
Thanks!
Have a buddy with an 09 Soft tail with a good 50K on it and original stock compensator.
Have an '07 Road King myself with about 20K on it ( just got it) and I immediately put the SE Comp on and the Baker "Attitude Adjuster" chain tensioner. Runs great, quiet and no problems so far with a Stage 2 103 incher in it.
Good luck with that compensator issue, guy.
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MrSunset
Primary/Transmission/Driveline/Clutch
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Sep 26, 2012 08:57 PM
