2010 Harley Davidson Road King Start Up Knock, Clunk Clank, Noisy Compensator | Python Exhaust

Today we talk a little bit about the "start up knock" (clunck, clank, noise) that occurs on some of the 2007+ twin cam engines (and reportedly on many others as well). This is an example of the "startup knock" on a 2010 Harley Davidson Road King Classic 96 cubic inch (1584cc). I am not a professional Harley Mechanic, nor do I claim to be. This is simply what I found doing my own research as reported by Harley Davidson Manufacturer.

[@semtech30]

Starting in neutral, fine. Owners manual says start and stop the engine with the clutch depressed. This eliminates the shock to the tranny shaft and easier starts. Just do it. It's good practice.

[@sasquatch713]

I agree. I pull in my clutch lever in every time when I start my bike. Been doing it for years

[@tracker1315]

Thx

[@maxxbenzz7842]

Some bikes won't even turn over without the clutch depressed. Even in neutral.

[@edharbas4828]

Adding my 2 bob's worth I find that upon start up on a 2012 Fatbob 103 if I hold the throttle open ever so slightly for half a minute or so it eliminates the 'knock' and idles ordinarily without any further concern. Psychologically its a boon. Have to mention it was worse when running a 211 cam which was replaced with a milder version 358. Good luck with all that. Knees in the breeze.

[@cruzcontrol8783]

Thanks. I was wondering if that was bad or normal. Your awesome for making this type of video bro keep em coming.

[@semtech30]

Normal, there is no serious clunk or clank here. The compensator runs loose and has play in it. That's how it compensates for high compression against the starter.. It's a starter booster.

[@awedihdaira2786]

@@semtech30 mine 2012 103 engine with 13k miles does it , but only make those clunk sound when i shut the bike off .. is that mean the compensator problem ?

[@williamdejeffrio9701]

My '08 Low Rider 96 does it just the way you describe. I was a little concerned after I read so much about those twin cam compensators (and auto chain adjusters) going bad. Your video supports some other stuff I've read as well, which put my mind at ease. Thanks.

[@kick-start-or-die]

2011 FXDWG, clunk is very noticeable in mine, glad to hear it's "benign".

[@romesotherchannel8902]

Mine too

[@randymccalla9995]

mine did that, untill I found that the bolt was loose on the compensator, also when the springs in the compensator need to be replaced it sounds the same.

[@johnknowles2883]

I had this issue with my 07 Road King replace the compensator problem solved. Much better clutch pack design than the original

[@RBoysMedia]

Mine does this real bad when I try to start in gear. Could you relate in any way? Neutral does it little bit but it’s not terrible

[@tax905972]

It was the compensate . It was replaced with the screaming Eagle one which replaced them in later years.

[@ThrottleResponse]

I get similar starts sometimes on my TC88B with an aftermarket cam. I just assume on the bigger bikes it is normal consider compression levels do keep going up, but i bet the starting internals are staying mostly the same.

[@JonsMotoGarage]

Yeah, this is not the first big V-Twin Harley that's had the "start up noise," and I'm sure it won't be the last. Thanks for checking out the video!

[@williamjohnson6517]

I have a Deuce TC 88B and just got rid of those 💩cam chain teansioner s with a S+S Gear Drive full cam chest innards with 509G cams..Now the 509 G and 510 G cams will work on stock springs BUT anything else needs stronger springs and maybe head work for clearance. This is where you have to work the magic out , meaning what cam / lift ECT. I read that it's very very common to have a slight tick once cams have been changed. Just like the Gears can only be used with the acceptable pinion shaft runout.Mine seems OK but too early to tell 🤔My brother in law actually rode my bike and said it's smooth as glass because I really hurt my leg. It sounds fantastic on idle and you can tell it's got way more of the Harley LOPE then before. Time will tell. Thing is anything you do to the motor could change it's characteristics especially if stuff hasn't been installed properly. Another thing that comes to mind is if you have a tick on the primary side check your primary chain tension or the compensator sprocket.😎🇺🇸

[@ilovecarnitas]

I also have a tc88 but on sportster and get it sometimes usually after being hot and then startup again shortly after like gas up. But not if I let it cool a bit. Who knows.. I blame the Daytona twin tec.

[@marcasselin8292]

Compensator changed on 2010 mid year went from junk to screaming eagle compensator ( Slightly better junk ) !

[@brianmcdonald9502]

My 07 heritage sounds like you are hitting it with a sledge hammer on start up, every time you start it, cold or warm. Primary chain is adjusted properly so that is not the issue. Low miler. Any help?

[@JonsMotoGarage]

Unfortunately I can't provide any insights regarding that. Sounds like it could be the compensator, but I'm definitely not a qualified/certified mechanic. Most of the stuff Ive just researched online and/or have encountered first hand. Sorry I couldn't be of more help. Just curious, is the bike new to you, or have you owned it a while and it just stayed having this issue?

[@craigburbery2551]

Yes it's like a shut down clunk too,,,I have it too,only when I turn it off

[@RidingHumboldtCounty]

Road king 👑. The best Harley they make in my opinion

[@JonsMotoGarage]

I'm a huge fan as well! The quintessential classic cruiser - such a beautiful motorcycle.

[@jamesgibson5876]

Lmao what makes it the best ? .. in reality the models only have a few differences ... basically unless they made a motor change design.. thier are on ly a few differences .... frames Trans and engines are the same .. what I'm sayn is in any given year .. a ft boy or a road king or an electra glide is just different dresses but it's the same bitch when you get her underwear off

[@babybugspaw7085]

Agree!! And, I just happen to own one too! 😁😁

[@johnbarlow9277]

I'm fixing to install a competitor eliminator on my 95 solftail springer.

[@jeffreynye3019]

Hi guy. I just discovered and subscribed to your videos. I found ya while researching RoadKings. I'm looking for a black one in very very good to mint condition. Can ya find me one?

[@JonsMotoGarage]

Thanks for checking the channel! I've had two road kings in my days, but I don't find them often. It's tough trying to find specific makes/models. Most of the bikes I get are good deals that I happen across. Where abouts are you?

[@didierlevy4268]

Used to do that on my 2011 Blackline Softail when the engine was hot and I had to start after refueling : mute engine for a second or two then a big "bang" before starting ... Since then the starter has been changed and recently the chain tensioners, cams etc... Now it seems the engine starts in a normal way even when hot...🤞

[@robl884]

How much did all that cost?!

[@didierlevy4268]

@@robl884 Around 2000 €...

[@randymccalla9995]

another note, on some videos, I heard that you should tighten the compensaror bolt, and then loosen It one turn, followed by finally tightening, all of the installations when they don't follow, this process usually will still have a loose bolt, after the first startup..I have experienced this when installing A new compensator and new springs, I torqued the bolt to 150 ft lb. then momentarily. started the bike with only 4 bolts in the outter cover, the clank was heard on the second start, removed the cover, and low and behold the bolt was now loose, again torqued the bolt, and cover was put on again with 4 bolts snugged, and no more clunk..So somebow It seems that there may be some bikes, with a loose bolt,because of someone believing that they dong need to do that twice, applied torque sequence. There are alot of bikes that have this model of compensator, that came off the showroom floor NEW THAT STARTED QUIETLY.

[@sgtbanjo]

yep thats a copmensator allright. use to have this issue on my fat bob 2008 96cui. they got better on later 103 cui..

[@randymccalla9995]

Mechanics most times don't really know, If It makes an odd noise, something is wrong...A completely different compensator was offered on stock models a few years later .11' I think !

[@dennistaylor6486]

Your horn mount is lose,tighten it up! Also check your primary chain tightness.Sounds loose.

[@metalman065]

My bike rite now is doing the very same thing, plus not wanting to start and backfiring through the intake and still not starting. I have come to find out that ALL oem compensator in certain years, not the newer bikes, they had issues with. They just don't want to admit to it, I have a harley dealership looking at my bike rite now and that's what I was told, along with a faulty starter. Still waiting to hear why it's back firing. I've ridden and started several harleys and have not heard this until now. The new sneaker advertiser has advised dealerships to do little about this , less free parts. And raise all prices and no rebates or sales. It's all about the money for HD rite now. At less than 47% on the stock market rite now, they're trying to keep from going out of business.

[@DoucetteMichael]

Jimbo, i have a 2007 SG, that does the exact same thing, especially the sneezing and backfiring through the intake and sneezes oil . It's the junk compensator. 2007 had the worst one ever a 2006 comp with 88ci sprocket with small spring pack honestly i think it was an after thought on Harley Davidson's part !!!! worst part is if i read the forums properly that if you replace with a Screaming Eagle comp you have to replace the rotor as well.

[@metalman065]

@@DoucetteMichael I finally got mine fixed, new compensator, chain tensioner, new inner primary, new main bearing in the tranny, new starter, plugs and wires, new fuel lines in the tank and fuel filter. They checked the throttle body and wires and all that jazz. I'm happy, it's all fixed starts, shifts and runs like a totally different bike, I couldn't be happier. I hate to diss a dealership, but the one where I bought the bike really stuck the screws to me, all I heard were a bunch of excuses as to why it ran like it did instead of wanting to fix it.. I took it to Orlando Harley Davidson, told them how I was treated at the dealership where I bought the bike, explained what the bike was doing, and It was fixed with a smile and i was treated like I never imagined. They were Awesome! Explained everything that was wrong and even showed me what was wrong. And took it upon themselves to repair items that I didn't have to mention... Orlando Harley Davidson Historic Factory is Where I'll go from now on..

[@LOVE-JC777]

The Original cams are hard on starters. The starter clutch was replaced in my motorcycle . In the future I’m going with aftermarket cams easy on the starters. New cams should fix the sneezing coughing…

[@manthis22]

You said you'd mention how much you paid for it in a later video, but I haven't found it after several videos. How much did you pay for it?

[@JonsMotoGarage]

It's been a few years but I believe I picked this bike up in the $6500 range way back when. Sorry, apparently I never posted the follow up price update.

[@manthis22]

@JonsMotoGarage gotcha ty. That's about how much I'm looking to pay for one now. Trying to stay below $7k. Appreciate the response hermano.

[@ROADKING97_]

My 2010 road king had a clunky start up with dual straight pipes and I switched to a shorty 2 into 1 with a baffle and it’s gone and runs much better

[@mkelsho]

Just got off the phone with a dealer. Mine makes all kinds of clank clank clank sounds when starting. Dealer said it’s normal.

[@haroldyazzie3538]

I wouldn't trust Harley dealers, man. Go with an older mechanic that's been around cycles all his life.

[@mkelsho]

@@haroldyazzie3538 compensator failed, locked up the rear wheel, almost dumped the bike, destroyed everything including the primary case and transmission main shaft. Dealer fixed it but needless to say I was absolutely pissed. Bike hasn’t been right since.

[@robmowatt9678]

That's why they rubber mount the horn . If they didn't it would probably brake off .

[@williamjohnson6517]

My problem is I'm 62 in April and since the 70s and 80s I know I've lost some of my hearing in my right ear with all the ROCK 🤔BUT tonight after finally getting a break in the weather when I got home I could Definitely hear a knocking sound on my 14 Street Glide s rear cylinder!!!!!. Turns out Thank God it was the oversized gremlin bell I stuck up on the plate behind the cylinder.😬So the moral of the story is these bikes shake like shit anyway ( that's what I ❤️about them ) M8s 2 smooth 4 me. And that apart from putting stupid 💩on your bike like me then your probably gonna have some noise or another . It's a Harley. Good thing it wasn't my 2005 Deuce because with Buba pipes on it I wouldn't be able to hear Jack 💩 anyway! 😂😂👍🇺🇸😎

[@billgonzales2339]

its a Harley they all make noise, different noise, if your lucky you get a good bike sometimes a bad bike, thats normal for harley buyers.

[@reb363]

I would be cautious about believing anything Harley tells you, There is a video on youtube about a guy who kept taking his bike to his multiple dealer with a noise in the engine and everyone told him, Oh that's normal. He finally took it to an independent shop and upon tearing the motor down, found metal shavings that had been there since the motor was first assembled at the factory. Harley is not going to admit to anything that is going to cost them money, Just saying, take what a dealer tells you with a grain of salt and do your research. Skip to 1:50 kzbin.info/www/bejne/mISplnqLaN6ohtk

[@BillyBlaze7]

it is def NOT normal, they need a new compensator and chain tensioner, theres hundreds of cases of this on hdforums, check into it before buying a 88 to 103ci engine, ALL those compensators are trash!

[@David-og7di]

Hi Billy, do EVO 1340's have similar compensator problems?

[@BillyBlaze7]

@@David-og7di not that I know of, there was an issue with the pushrods being too straight of an angle and causing some issue with the lifters. From what I hear they need to be replaced around 40k miles due to the issue. HDforums will have the info you need on it

[@RidingHumboldtCounty]

Just for your information....one of the worst things you can do is start the bike and not at least ride it for 20 minutes until warming it up. This does more damage to your engine than anything else

[@wingwang007]

State your source.

[@RidingHumboldtCounty]

@@wingwang007 from a highly reputable source who’s been building and fixing Harley Davidson motorcycles his whole life.

[@wingwang007]

@@RidingHumboldtCounty conjecture. Testing and analysis that proves your claim available?

[@goodboyringo9716]

Harley put cheap ass compensators in the bikes.

[@haroldyazzie3538]

No shit.. same on the cam tensioners.

[@goodboyringo9716]

@@haroldyazzie3538 .. No shit !

[@haroldyazzie3538]

@@goodboyringo9716 so far on my 03 fatty w the tc 88 I did the cam conversion, now I'm hearing a knocking noise. I took off outer primary cover and everything looks ok. I'm just going to re torque the compensator nut. Hopefully that will resolve the issue. Idk brother, I just might go back to Honda's. They seem to last .

[@goodboyringo9716]

@@haroldyazzie3538 ... When do you hear the noise ? A cam conversion has nothing to do with compensator. Watch some youtube videos on bad compensators to figure out if that is your problem.

[@haroldyazzie3538]

@@goodboyringo9716 the noise appears alittle after warm up and when I turn off the motor it goes " clunk"

[@opiumtrailz]

All HD's sound like shit.

[@David-og7di]

good for you mate. keep posting, someone will eventually listen

[@kiraellis62]

@@BeardedBavarianBiker. e si non tutti anno 20k!

[@haroldyazzie3538]

I might go back to Honda's, they last longer.

[@josephsab6932]

I have a fxdb07.and,it needed,a,compersater.at 20.000.harly.new.this.so.they.new,you,have,too,buy.there,up,grade.srem.eagle.