2007 Harley-Davidson Ultra Classic Compensator Blues

[@maddog3080]

Don't put the pins in between your chain and sprocket. You risk breaking the bottom out of your inner primary. I use block of wood wedged between the sprockets approx 6.5 inches long

[@Hrafn81]

Just the part in the beginning, at the gas station is the result of a to tight primary chain. This will in the end be a reason to a worn compensator. I had the same trouble, but my compensator wasn't that worn. (2009, but the FXCWC used a Screamin' Eagle compensator) Removing the auto adjusting primary chain tightener from HD and using something that didn't overtighten the chain when the bike was cold fixed my problem. HD started using the SE compensator on all bikes from mid 2011 I think, instead of adressing the real problem with the primary chain getting to tight. (smaller teeth on the auto adjuster doesn't really fix this problem) To my eyes, your compensator didn't really seem that worn but video could hide the wear and tear. Also, NEVER use power tools when working on the compensator. You'll rattle the magnets loose, suddenly you need to redo the job to replace the stator and do all this a second time. Personally went with a Hayden tensioner, but any adjustable tensioner should be fine too. Never any issue starting up again at the gas station.

[@anonymousasusual9413]

Ok, future FYI, DO NOT USE AN IMPACT!!!! It will ruin your stator! If you read it, it is stamped right on it. Not to use impact. Trying to help 😉🍻

[@bobberbob.68]

Just used it lightly for the undoing, not the breaking of the tension. Cheers!

[@davidkernell2443]

I was changing my 2012 compensator upgraded to a dark horse instead of the HD junk or screaming eagle. Very quiet with no clanging metal parts to deal with and also can be maintained. As far as the block to loosen the clutch and compensator nuts I had a ten dollar nail puller you can get from any hardware store , cut it to length and worked great.

[@georgesmith5624]

Yep its the compensator same problem on my 09 roadking,love the love jugs keep her nice and cool

[@phdzzz]

Thanks for the video. I had the same problem with my ‘07 Night train. From ‘07 Harley Davidson used a bigger sprocket, but they didn’t upgrade the springpack. The bigger engine is to much for the small springpack, so it gets worn very quickly. In the video I saw, that you still use the ‘old’ chain tensioner with the thin base, and mine was already bent. The new tensioner has a thicker base, so it doesn’t bent anymore but, it’s still junk. Better use a manual tensioner.

[@randymccalla9995]

That sound is the sound of pushing the starter button for one half a second.

[@MendozaDOD]

I just replaced my 08's compensator last weekend. Mine did the exact same thing when starting hot. Ehh the noise it made was terrible. Now that the new compensator is in, starts are normal when hot. There is slightly more engine vibration now, but that is to be expected with 7x stronger springs in the SE compensator. Couldn't be happier.

[@phdzzz]

How is the shifting, and can you easily find neutral?

[@MendozaDOD]

Requires less pressure to shift. Took me a bit to get used to - kept over applying and doing the first to second and back dance. In the end I should have replaced the compensator earlier. My bike rides so much nicer and to not have to worry about the kickback on hot start is priceless.

[@phdzzz]

@@MendozaDOD did your bike also sneeze 🤧 through the aircleaner at hot starts?

[@MendozaDOD]

Yes it would. That is it kicking back on the compression stroke and venting back out the air cleaner. Still amazes me that the compensator can cause the starter to not have enough power to get the engine past the compression stroke of one of the pistons. I can for sure say replacing the compensator does fix it... My best guess is the compensator holds some kinetic energy that helps the starter.

[@edshort7730]

Hey bob, An 8 inch block of wood between the sprockets works better and limits any damage to the sprockets and chain. Great Video ..

[@freebird3190]

I have an 07 Ultra Classic The Stock Compensator sprocket is a P O S 1st year design . I put a Man O War on mine Bam Whole different bike The best one on the Market for sure !

[@expandingourhorizons9455]

Im also getting the man o war put in today. Have not found a single person who has had an issue with and i have looked all over the internet for an issue.

[@dahobbs2008]

I have a 07 street glide. And my starter is starting to buck and kick out. Bike has 47k now. And under a load it chugs and clangs also. I know I need to replace the compensator, and I’m doing it asap. Does the man o war smooth it out a lot? Is it worth the $750 they are asking for it?

[@dahobbs2008]

@@expandingourhorizons9455worth the $$$? Update?

[@freebird3190]

@@dahobbs2008 Wow I paid 500 for mine Thats pretty pricey , But if you plan on keeping the bike I say yes never have an issue with it ..

[@bigwu100]

I tuned in to your video because your bike is very simular to mine even the color. And I couldn't help but feel your pain. All the stuff crammed in a small space. But while in their take the time to make some improvements. Right off I'd replace the style of chain tensioner with the older style,as they are less problematic. And really check out you stator they are prone to fail. And perhaps up grade your compensator, the older compensatory I hear were better. My electraglide is an 04 has 50k, and compensator hasn't failed yet. probably just jinxed myself.

[@bobberbob.68]

The bike's now sold! The older style comp on the Evo and 88's was adequate due to the torque not being as high as the 96 and 103s which is why they changed it with the se version. The only stator regulator issues I ever had was on an 88 ci RG! Cheers.

[@tompeppint.v.3803]

I always used a old rag folded up on the comoensator and clutch to lock it in place

[@dewainewoodson8957]

Using a rag sounds practical I will have to drive thank you..

[@dewainewoodson8957]

I will try it

[@johnkenneally4662]

My 2010 Road Glide had same problem. Had it replaced at reputable local shop.

[@rodgough4581]

Good info...fixed my 08 also...You DO NOT have to take off inner primary!!!! Old timer trick, just take a small grinder or dremel to take off about 1/8 inch of the inner casting, about 2 inches long which is no issue and save a lot of time and effort for nothing...did not remove my clutch pack either...keep it simple...that was 6 years ago and no issues...ride safe...

[@bobberbob.68]

I did see that Dremel method on a video and wasn't keen on doing that plus that gear shaft seal needed doing. Thanks!

[@patrickhollis5332]

Honestly id had been awhile I’d just took it off and changed every seal I could reach than glued some to the case another guy was saying about the block wood instead of puns hell if u look u can find the plastic style lock for under 10 bought 2 for 8.00 4 years ago are the steel rod for under 20 r I’ve used chisel before r punch

[@harleydave2316]

That noise sounds more like the starter slipping than a compensator. If it were the comp, you'd hear it during idle and while riding.

[@bobberbob.68]

We'll see! I'm just about to reassemble everything today. I did find a video with the same issue and sound. Thanks for watching!

[@randymccalla9995]

​@@bobberbob.68 I see you were very thorough In your video, I wouldnt have taken It that far apart, The springs from a 2001 Spring pack, would have fixed that,your compensator was not that bad, You just bend the tabs on the rotor and the spring pack and put new springs in your rotor, you only need to bend one, tab and they will work out, with a little push. the same springs were used in the late 90s the 07s and up just had them from the other direction. ebay sells that new spring pack anywhere from 30 to 70 dollars, because different sellers are always in competition.

[@bobberbob.68]

@@randymccalla9995 Hey Randy, thanks for the comment. I understand that from the 96's onwards there was something or a torque compromise which is why they made what was the SE comp OEM from 2010 when it became a 103, so if you were to swap anything out you'd upgrade anyway. Secondly, my bike was a recent purchase from a bike shop where I have bought before and have a good relationship with them. When I mentioned it, as I was doing the job anyway, they were happy to help me with the cost of the parts which was amazing. Getting parts into New Zealand is costly. I may have since bought some parts online this week. I've gone the Amazon route as the Harley part I was wanting is near to $1000NZD and it's three weeks wait. I'd love to be able to 'overnight with free shipping' but I'm on an island at the bottom of the world! I'm just finishing up part two of the video, so you'll have to see what happens! safe to say there is a part three. Cheers.

[@timkeane7469]

Had an 08 road king that I went through 3 of the junk hd compensators. Finally wised up and went to a Baker. The freewheeler I replaced the road king with now has a Dark Horse Man of War comp. It’s rebuildable for $40.00 US.

[@emersongraves5869]

Good job, how’d it turn out?

[@bobberbob.68]

@emersongraves5869 All fixed in part two! Well sold now, good learning experience though. Cheers.

[@suenasuhani96]

what size socket box u use for untight compase compensator.

[@bobberbob.68]

@suenasuhani96 I believe the factory bolt is 13/16 and the S/E replacement bolt is torx T70.

[@ryansadios69]

Just ordered a billet compensator ramp for my M8 Harley just a little insurance. Enjoyed the video!

[@DonaldTaylor-y6d]

Your outside spring is inside out on your compensator spring pac

[@bobberbob.68]

I checked the diagram and the video and it's correct to that and also runs as it should:) Cheers!

[@TheFosland1]

which horn kit do you got installed?

[@bobberbob.68]

@TheFosland1 just s stock unit I think, or one that fits in the stock location. The bike's long gone!

[@-MrRichBiker1967]

Hey my man I love the video, I got some advice for you, I usually order my parts before I take the bike apart, what do you think about that

[@bobberbob.68]

Inspection was needed first in this case to determine what was needed, all good as I knew the parts were in stock so only had to wait a day. Cheers!

[@1SmokeyRider]

Been there done that. I didn’t let mine get that bad.

[@bobberbob.68]

Bought it like that!

[@1SmokeyRider]

@@bobberbob.68 Just another Harley problem that they won’t own up to.

[@ronniegrayson9740]

after seeing so many mistakes I would leave the wrench turning to someone who knows what they are doing

[@bobberbob.68]

The bike runs great thanks. No mistakes made here!

[@romans4jesus]

My friend... do not pull up on a breaker bar unless you want to hurt yourself..., use your weight and push down.

[@bobberbob.68]

True! Thanks man, I like my teeth as they are.

[@MrNetnut]

Grt Shw /;-)) I Think You Can Grind Alittle Off . To Get Comp. Out ...Less Work/;-)))

[@MrNetnut]

Check Starter 2

[@bobberbob.68]

Have a video about that too! Replaced it as well.

[@rickdfeener]

Why the f*** doesn't Harley-Davidson build a motorcycle that we don't have to work on because they are so incompetent in building a dependable bike? Wtf?

[@TheIrishAmish]

Background music is entirely too loud.

[@randymccalla9995]

Some people don't know how to press a start button..two seconds is always gonna sound like that..

[@icecreamsikeyuhasz5689]

I have learned that! Especially on hot restarts at the gas pumps, lay into that starter button!!!

[@greenmarine5]

With a bone stock bike stop riding it like you stole it and that will never happen. If you want performance do the proper upgrades, or simply just stop complaining

[@americanveteranaceshigh9051]

man o war compensator...problem solved. harley parts are garbage...including the SE junk

[@3rdaxis649]

Compensating for garbage engineering. I can't stand Harley's and or working on them. Chrome plated tractors.

[@EazyDuz18]

doesnt look very worn to me. Harleys are just junk unreliable

[@alisherfakhradov9638]

Compensator eliminator is cure for this issue

[@bobberbob.68]

I did look at many options. I'm not so sure about that personally as if it was the way to go the moco would use it, it would be cheaper, one part over many. The engine seems like its design requires some engine pulse relief through the drive train. It also depends on how you ride as to how things last regardless of what you use! Cheers.

[@keithhults8986]

My 2002 FXSTDI stock88 does not have the compensator problem. It seems when Harley stepped up to the 103, they changed something. Harley should've had a recall. Fat chance that would ever happen. Another podcaster explains the design flaws and the remedies. Harleys pulse under torque. The compensator softens the shock of each pulse from echoing the shock through the drivetrain. My soft tail B engine emits less pulse because the engine has a counter balancer built in. Locking out the compensator leaves 2 points of pulse shock forgiveness. The slack of the primary, and drive belt flex. There are better, more reliable, after market compensators available then Screaming Eagle. It might cost more, but doing the upgraded best parts I can find has always paid off.