Online: B0nes

Compensator

  • Jersey
    Jersey
    8 years ago

    2007 Road King.  Getting to be a regular with problems or questions on here !!  Im thinking I am one of the ones with a 96 cube with compensator issues.  Pulled out of a intersection; released clutch and heard a distinct change in sound of motor coming from the primary side.  Googling a bit it sounds like the 96's around my year 2007 had an inferior compensator.  Later models apparently all come with an upgraded SE compensator.  The sound is a bit clap slap coming right out of the front of the primary.  Its very light and Can hear it with light revving of the throttle.  Bit disappointing with the bike only having 9000 kms.  Dont mind a bit of wrenching and will do the job myself.  Question is;  Any of you guys replaced your compensators with Aftermarket ones ?  Im not a believer in OEM is always best.  I believe in innovators and small businesses that improve on OEM products and many times for less money.  What are my options over just Sceaming Eagle ?  And has anyone ever used a compensator eliminator ?

    Thanks 

  • 06 Softail
    06 Softail
    8 years ago
    Is that the primary chain tensioner which you are talking about?
  • Jersey
    Jersey
    8 years ago
    Hi Softail. No. But will check the tensioner when I have it apart. My noise is right at the front of the primary where the compensator sits. Im just a weekend warrior but from my understanding the it sits on the end of the crankshaft and basically cushions the torque between the Motor and Tranny. From what I have read about it it is a fairly common failure and most are upgrading to a Screaming Eagle Compensator which the MOCO puts in the 110's; and some are using aftermarket ones including an eliminator kit. I would like to know if others have tried and are happy with other aftermarket replacements I would Rather not buy a SE if I can gather enough info that there is a better option out there.
  • AJ56
    AJ56
    8 years ago

    I put the SE one on my 07 Softail. Got rid of the clunk on startup. Also while you are in there change over the Chain Tensioner to the Hayden M6

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_rCrgQSOS4E

    That made a lot of difference in my bike. A lot quieter

  • markwoumla
    markwoumla
    8 years ago
    , As your bike has only done 9000 km , It could be that the main compensator bolt may have lost its proper torque and needs re- tightening... The slap you refer to, may be loose primary chain, and or , primary chain tensioner is wearing.... if you like wrenching, not a big job to take the outer primary off and have a look in there... if you do decide to upgrade to the latest SE compensator for your 2007 bike, you will also require a new ,(different), rotor, to suite the new compensator... With regard what options other than a Harley compenstor,, in the US a mob called Baker make an aftermarket compensator that seems to be getting good reviews over there... As we all say, Google is your friend ,,, plenty on the internet showing compensator install etc ,, and harley compensators making all sorts of noises that may be similar to your situation... Cheers
  • KiwiRob
    KiwiRob
    8 years ago

    The SE compensator, or more accurately, the SE second generation compensator is a pretty good unit, with its sprocket journal oiling. The compensator ramps & sprocket spokes could still do with a bit more oiling thought, & can be addressed with the GMR Performance CompenSaver tray. - Rob

    http://gmrperformance.com/products/compensaver/

  • KiwiRob
    KiwiRob
    8 years ago

    No Jersey, I'm not an HD Tech, just an old petrol head that is now into Harleys.
    The Darkhorse comp seems to have run into problems finding a compound that holds up to the harsh environment within the primary housing, but they are still working on it as far as I know.
    The '07 compensators fell short because of their inadequate spring packs, & if you haven't seen one, the springs are quite small compared to the SE spring packs. I suspect your noise from the comp would be the springs bottoming out, so I would be careful in the mean time till you replace it. BTW When you do get a new comp, I reckon you could machine the spring pack cup off your existing rotor there by saving yourself a few $$. - Rob

  • perthhog
    perthhog
    8 years ago
    What about Vulcan engineering in the states thay make a compensater eliminator for tc and evos have not used one but used
    Planty of there other parts There good to deal with never had any problems
  • markwoumla
    markwoumla
    8 years ago
    Jersey,, You may be the unlucky one that has a failing compensator on a low km bike.. . One quick test to check if the compensator may need replacing is,, Start bike,, put into 1st gear,, with right hand firmly holding front brake,, with a small amount of throttle,,, slowly let clutch out ,,, If compensator bangs and slaps badly it gives a fair indication the compensator sprocket or cam slider are worn..... But,, on the off chance the compensator nut needs re torquing , or the rotor shell may be damaged, (this has also been a common problem),, can you take a video clip of the sound your hearing, and also some pics of the primary area when you unbutton the outer cover ... Some experienced members may pick up something thats not an expensive fix !!!! The worst that can happen is, you will be more experienced in the workings and components in the primary area !!! Cheers..
  • Jersey
    Jersey
    8 years ago
    Anyone heard of TwinPower products ? Found this at JP Cycle. Brings up a couple questions. Does this look like a SE Compensator copy ? Anyone used one of these ? Will I still need to buy an updated rotor ?
    http://www.jpcycles.com/product/743-279

    Also found a Baker Kit on Ebay including a tensioner but was over $900.00. Fark, The MoCo have something to answer for here.
  • Jersey
    Jersey
    8 years ago
    J&P has what looks like an aftermarket copy of the SE Compensator. Would anyone know if this is a complete kit ? Would it still need to get a new or modified rotor as well ? Kiwi Rob mentioned machining the cup off the old one. I have the facilities to do that if I need to. WIll ring Frasers today and see what they say for part costs. Always like saving a few dollars. With all the time I spent searching the net I should have just taken the damn thing apart. Maybe just the bolt loosening up.

    http://www.jpcycles.com/product/743-279

  • Jersey
    Jersey
    8 years ago
    Just realised I drink too much. Thought I posted about J&P and checked and didnt see it. So posted again. Page 2 DH !! Anyway took video of noise tonight as Markwoumla suggested and just realised there is a 8MB limit.. Have to take a shorter one tomorrow. Mine was a 100MB.
  • KiwiRob
    KiwiRob
    8 years ago
    Looks like the exact same unit to me, except it doesn't seem to have the plastic glue in tray/s that are required for the system to work properly. Cost is similar to the dealer price in the USA. - Rob
  • markwoumla
    markwoumla
    8 years ago

    Jersey ,, with regard what SE compensator kit you require for your 2007 Road King , I believe it is part no 40100061 ... (Which includes new / replacement  rotor, part no 30041-08).. You will have to buy adhesive separately ,(part no 11100088)..

    The SE compensator part no 42200064A kit ,  for 2012 and up bikes,, looks the same, other than it does not include the rotor ....

    Double check the above info with your supplier to make sure !!!!!

     


    HD Forums Australia - 1._Compensator_info.PNG


    HD Forums Australia - 2._Compensator_info.PNG

  • Jersey
    Jersey
    8 years ago
    thanks guys. Will call around the dealers tomorrow with that kit number. Not going to buy anything before I take it apart first. Could be just bolt loose. Will try that one night next week.
    Changed mind and rode bike to work today. Although a noise is there it is like it is better. Do these Compensators ever get bound up and then release themselves ? Also; Im just not very techno. Tried 3 times to load videos now and not working. Am I just a dinosaur or is it a PIA ?
  • paulybronco
    paulybronco
    8 years ago

    I also believe that the lack of comp contributed to the return spring breaking in the box due to the extra vibration/shock running thru the motor.Live and learn

  • paulybronco
    paulybronco
    8 years ago

    Funnily it was not all that bad as its a rubber mounted motor, and that was my first thought when it started the vibe, sadly a bit more $....

  • markwoumla
    markwoumla
    8 years ago

    Thought I would post up some pics of the wear of compensator sprocket and cam from a 2011 Ultra with approx 130,000 km, so as to get an idea of what a very worn out compensator looks like.. Also what the primary chain tensioner looked like.. Was banging at start up and shutdown .. 


    HD Forums Australia - 1_Compenstor_ware.PNG


    HD Forums Australia - 2_Compensator_ware.PNG


    HD Forums Australia - 3_primary_chain_tensioner_ware.PNG

  • paulybronco
    paulybronco
    8 years ago

    Yep remember the look real well, mine had only around 45k when it went. You going s/eagle?

  • Jersey
    Jersey
    8 years ago

    Hey Markwoumla 

    Some serious wear there !  As Pauly Asked.  Did you go th e SE kit to replaced it ?