Compensator issues?
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 2,615
Likes: 31
From: Charlotte Area
Compensator issues?
At idle it will occassionally skip, sounds almost like a spark knock but from the primary. At cruising speed it is very noisy. If you are coasting there is not any noise but under load, it's noisy. If under load, you shut the throttle of it clunks like it does when you shift into first after cranking the bike. It's loud. When cruising if you pull the clutch in, there is no noise except the tires.
I am thinking compensator is shot. Any ideas? It's under the 2 year warranty so it should be taken care of by dealer.
Thanks
Steve
I am thinking compensator is shot. Any ideas? It's under the 2 year warranty so it should be taken care of by dealer.
Thanks
Steve
Tourer
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 414
Likes: 60
From: Barrington, NH
Lot of talk on HTT about compensator issues and the self adjusting primary chain feature. There is too much info out there for me to even try to simplify. Step 1 for me will be going to a Baker manual adjust tensioner. While the primary is apart the countershaft sprocket alignment will be checked and properly shimed. In the future I may upgrade to the new Baker countershaft assy but I am waiting to see reviews.
Road Captain
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 743
Likes: 66
From: TX and WI
On my 2013 I had the compensator replaced under warranty at 15,000 miles. They had a new version of the oil deflector out at that time. I have heard they have another even newer version now. Take it to the dealer and have them check out compensator, there have been issues for years with the design of how they get the oil to the right places. Also if you have the dealership change primary, be sure they are filling with 38 oz fluid to ensure it gets to where it needs to go. So many just try to throw 32 oz (1 qrt) and call it good.
Road Warrior
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 1,260
Likes: 44
From: Back woods of Maine
Lot of talk on HTT about compensator issues and the self adjusting primary chain feature. There is too much info out there for me to even try to simplify. Step 1 for me will be going to a Baker manual adjust tensioner. While the primary is apart the countershaft sprocket alignment will be checked and properly shimed. In the future I may upgrade to the new Baker countershaft assy but I am waiting to see reviews.
FWIW the Baker manual chain adjuster is good but I see one drawback. There is no access port on the new primary covers so that you can see the chain to adjust it. The only way that I can see to adjust the chain is to remove the primary cover.
Cruiser
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 179
Likes: 1
From: Coastal Georgia
On my 2013 I had the compensator replaced under warranty at 15,000 miles. They had a new version of the oil deflector out at that time. I have heard they have another even newer version now. Take it to the dealer and have them check out compensator, there have been issues for years with the design of how they get the oil to the right places. Also if you have the dealership change primary, be sure they are filling with 38 oz fluid to ensure it gets to where it needs to go. So many just try to throw 32 oz (1 qrt) and call it good.
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Road Captain
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 743
Likes: 66
From: TX and WI
Just try the correct amount of oil, listen to the difference in chatter. After I had the first compensator replacement under warranty I started putting recommended amount, and was much better. Now hopefully the compensator lasts longer as well. I will continue to put the amount by the book.
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