Darkhorse Man-O-War Compensator INSTALL on a Harley Davidson M8 Softail

[@The.ricosuav]

Just ordered the Man o war and evo clutch, thank you for the clear and precise video. Your content is excellent my friend.

[@RidinDad]

Thanks!!!! And hell yeah, you’re gonna love it! 👊🏻

[@codyyork777]

Just broke my compensator on my heritage with stage 2 cam 114. Thanks for the video really helpful

[@RidinDad]

No problem man. Good luck with whatever you choose to put in there!

[@goochma]

My Dyna S came with the SE comp. Broke a day after it's 1000 mile service. Since it was under warranty at the time Harley replaced it. Five years later it's starting to clunk on shutdown. It's time for me to upgrade to the Man O War. Harley comps are junk. It's been a problem for years and Harley turns a blind eye to the problem. This Man O War seems like the best option out there,

[@RidinDad]

I’ve been loving mine so far!

[@VN9001]

I had to replace the compensator on my 2010 Road King Twin Cam 96 at 18,000km (11,000 miles) - covered under Warranty. I can't believe we're still talking about this some 13 years later............😐

[@RidinDad]

Same crap different decade!

[@goochma]

@@VN9001 Harley denies the problem. They need to switch to a gear driven primary but refuse to do so.

[@goochma]

@@RidinDad Definitely my next upgrade. I hear nothing but positive reviews.

[@tchogworks1987]

I had the same thoughts about using a impact when someone told me not to use one. I don’t know if it was a coincidence or not. But I used a impact taking mine apart and back together. A couple weeks later my bike stopped charging. Yep the magnets was loose. All 3 was touching end for end . Those compensators take a beating and a impact will break them loose. Unbelievable I’m not taking any chances next time

[@RidinDad]

That sucks man :(

[@ryant3694]

Doing the exact thing on my bike. Getting ready for the 128.

[@RidinDad]

Nice! I’ve been liking this setup a ton

[@BikesBeardsAndBrews]

Oooo this is looking sick, excited to see how you make out

[@RidinDad]

Thanks man!!!! I’ve had the setup for about a month and I love it. Much better than in stock in my opinion

[@michaelcullen9216]

I'm really glad to see you digging into the FXLRS lately. You've had the primary cover off enough now that you're becoming an expert LOL

[@RidinDad]

This is really true! Lol. Between my dyna, this bike and my buddies street glide I feel like I’m a primary expert!!

[@rickotte2120]

Was using stock, took apart and added a screamin eagle, took apart again changed primary bearings…. Chain slap noise. Was fine for 100 miles.

[@RidinDad]

Screamin eagle everything sucks. Hayden m6 chain tensioner is recommended with the man o war and its great. About 1600 miles with my current setup and 0 noise

[@GeorgeWashingtonjr-p7r]

You're constantly like 1 step ahead of me all the time. The RWD, the chain conversion, the dyno, and now this. My tuner, who was a big man o war guy kinda talked me out of it. He said he's been doing billet ramps lately and has had great results. Said the man of war get loud after a few thousand miles. I'm not sure which I'm going with yet.

[@RidinDad]

Lol what can I say 🤷‍♂️. And That’ll be interesting man. Only complaints I e heard for noise with the man o war have been with stock chain tensioners. So we will have to find out!!

[@azstarlink9781]

If you are running huge HP the man of war will destroy internal parts and will break your transmission. Look up this subject on KZbin with George Bryce!

[@RidinDad]

Just searched for it. Couldn’t find any videos on either that issue with man o war or George Bryce. I’ve also never heard of that issue happening. It is common knowledge that when you strengthen one part you make another a weak link though so maybe that’s what he is referring to?

[@ashebarley77385]

He is famous and has 40 years of racing and engineering. Look up “tech talk Tuesday or just tech talk… he has the additional part that fails with the HD compensator but he goes over all that he sells the 30/30 cam or f35 cam or racing series cam … and his springs. I too have the man-of- war comp in my bike but have heard this now isn’t the thing to do as well so now i wanna switch back a do the other way if I go up to a 128-131 build. I only have a cam upgrade. Changed out all the stuff you did in the primary …. Now I wanna change you wanna sell me your compensator????? I’ll be adding Bruce’s part go check him out so damn smart he can teach us all a damn thing. Moonshine boys don’t use man-of-war either now days they use George’s piece in with the HD part …. Should look at it so you may want to rethink if you really go up more than a cam upgrade

[@RidinDad]

Good to know for sure. I’ll watch his stuff. And yeah I’ll sell my stock compensator to you if you really want it lol

[@mmcclen9]

Noticed you used primary chain locking tool for earlier twin cams. You run the risk of breaking the inner primary cover doing this. HD recommends using a bar between the compensator teeth and clutch basket teeth to lock the primary so you can remove the bolt and clutch nut.

[@RidinDad]

How does this risk breaking the inner primary??

[@michaelmcclenahen3923]

When the step wedge is installed between sprocket and chain, it forces the chain against the inner primary which may cause it to crack. On the earlier twin cams there is less chain slack so the wedge tightens between the chain and sprocket without making the chain hit the inner primary.

[@RidinDad]

@@michaelmcclenahen3923 gotchya

[@2kanchoo]

I know it's a pain in the ace but checking the runout and alignment etc is the stuff I want to see because that's the parts that make me nervous about doing this kinda work myself haha. You planning on going for a stage 4 in the future? You seem to be doing a lot of beefing up of everything that isn't necessarily needed "yet". That being said I too am a fan of overbuilding pretty much everything too. If I can nail it then I'll glue and screw or bolt it instead etc.

[@RidinDad]

Yeah man, I might go to the S & S 128 in the next year or so or even bigger if I want to get crazy like some of the power packages from Moonshine Harley. I’m not 100% sure. But even if I did not want to upgrade my bore size I would have done these for sure. No reason not to besides the money, and to me it’s worth it to have the peace of mind that these components will be good for the life of the bike no matter what, theoretically lol

[@dextersuarez9948]

You sir are ballsy doing this all yourself 😂 I sent mine to a shop but I ended up kicking myself for the cost of it. Looks like you are going to be doing man of war, and an evolution industries setup? Can’t wait to see it, I hear good things about that setup.

[@RidinDad]

Yeah and a hayden chain tensioner. Honestly the inner primary is super easy to work with!!! It looks way more daunting then it is I promise!! I’ve been rockin this setup for about a month already and it’s very nice. Smooth and just as quite as stock

[@HHPH28]

@RidinDad Thanks for the video and info i was thinking of doing the same thing and your video was perfect! However can you do a review on your experience with the set up?

[@RidinDad]

No problem man. Glad I can help. I love the setup man. It rides great. No noise. Better shifting and power delivery

[@harleydave2316]

Those are awesome comps and I'd love to have one on my built up Breakout but they don't make one for wide tire primary. Excited to hear your riding thoughts.

[@RidinDad]

Oh no? I thought they had ones that fit all years of twin cams and m8’s. I’ve had it on for about a month and I’ve been loving it

[@harleydave2316]

@@RidinDad awesome!! Nope, the 200+ tire bikes have a different offset in the primary and they don’t make one. I called them about a month ago. 😵‍💫🙃

[@RidinDad]

That sucks :(. Time to trade it on lol

[@harleydave2316]

@@RidinDad LOL!!!

[@RookieRay]

Next time on ridindad, join me for a crankshaft install!

[@dextersuarez9948]

Yo for real this man is afraid of no install

[@RidinDad]

Lolol idk maybe 🤷‍♂️🤷‍♂️

[@RidinDad]

Fear nothing!!!! 😂

[@CarlosGarcia-ls4hn]

I have a 2000 Heritage Springer (113 c.i. ) that had crank run out right on the borderline of being excessive. I did not have the funds to get that fixed. I am now getting an intermittent loud clunk when shutting down the bike in neutral. I suspect it is the Compensator, but I am afraid my bike may not be a good candidate for the Man-O-War Compensator because of the run out. Is there a solution?

[@RidinDad]

Yeah sounds like too much runout but you would need to get the tolerance specs for your setup and then see. The sounds of clunking generally doesn’t come from the primary either

[@Jim_Berry]

Hey RD, Good video.... What size is the big torx on the compensator and where did you buy it? Thx!

[@RidinDad]

T70! And thanks!! I bought a big impact set of torx 1/2 drives from lowes.

[@peteryeanacopolis2037]

So I have a 2015 fltruse and did a big bore kit on it. It came out at 118/124 and since then I have been getting a clunking noise from the primary so my man-o-war came in today and I’m excited to install it. Although I have Barnett kevlar clutches Scorpion will be coming soon. I’ve been worried about the increase in hp being put on the SE compensator which are problematic at best. Also adding a new diamond chain to assure there hasn’t been any “chain stretch. Your thoughts on this set up would be appreciated.

[@RidinDad]

So I’ll be honest with you and tell you that I don’t know that much as far as parts and what’s recommended on the twin cams. Although I have worked on them in the past obviously my focus is on the single cam M8 engines right now and that is where the bulk of my knowledge is. I would say look into whatever chain tensioner is recommended for you because I’m not sure if it’s the same for us, but for the Milwaukee eight the chain tensioner that is most recommended to pair with the man o war is the Hayden M6.

[@peteryeanacopolis2037]

@@RidinDad thanks for your reply. M6 is what I already have in there so I guess that was a good choice. Shimmed properly their theory of tensioning at various rpms is what I like about them. Love the way you explain things in your content. Very concise and easy to listen to. Thanks Pete

[@RidinDad]

Thanks man!!! 👊🏻

[@Jack-b5o6r]

That’s my next project on Vader

[@RidinDad]

Nice! It’s easy man

[@christiandiercks6622]

hmm I got a new enhanced billet ramp... wonder what the difference would be ride wise..

[@RidinDad]

The man o war is very smooth

[@BM-uj7rt]

Is it ok to use air tools on the compensator bolt that you are breaking and taking off? I ask only when removing the bolt.

[@RidinDad]

Not really. Better to air on the side of caution

[@donnieperry9559]

Do you recommend the dark horse or an upgraded ramp?

[@RidinDad]

I personally prefer the dark horse. I like the feeling of it better than a ramp. But for durability an upgraded ramp is an awesome choice

[@alfonsothegreat4481]

Does the primary oil seeps into the stator copper coils?

[@RidinDad]

Yeah, I’m any setup the stator coils are open to the inside of the primary

[@amg5795]

Is there is any difference in a riding quality of the bike once you installed that compensator and run for a drive test ?

[@RidinDad]

Yeah, runs smoother. Shifts better? Less harsh and more positive engagement. Smoother acceleration. All around better

[@seankeeshan4600]

That's all well and good and great info. Why in gods name did you paint your wheels blue?

[@RidinDad]

Not just the wheels. And not paint. Powder coat. Many items. Because it looks good and I don’t want another black Harley like the rest of the world. God actually told me to do it one morning in church

[@ericrhinehart6055]

SO you .... listen .... to what the voices in your head tell you to do ......I can't do that and stay out of jail....@@RidinDad

[@RidinDad]

🤷‍♂️

[@VN9001]

I hear 'ya! Took me a while to realize that Harley makes bikes in colours other than black! 😄 I had to search months for a non-black Harley. (Finally found a Scorched Orange Sport Glide). Good video Michael.@@RidinDad

[@RidinDad]

Thanks man

[@shanegoodman5420]

Getting ready to tackle the Man O War and an AIM SDR variable pressure clutch. Are you still happy with the Man O War and Hayden M6? What kind of torque is your scooter putting out? I’ll be at about 155 lbs and was just curious what yours is and how it’s standing up, to it. Great video by the way! Straight forward and very easy to follow. Thanks for putting it out!

[@RidinDad]

Thanks man! My bike is right around 130 ft lbs. I love the setup still. No issues, smooth power delivery. Holds up to the abuse I put to it constantly with no problems. I still recommend the setup very much! I know guys complain about noise from it but I still have 0 noise from mine.

[@shanegoodman5420]

Great, thanks for taking the time to reply. Stay safe!

[@RidinDad]

No problem. You too man 👊🏻

[@Big_John_C]

What's up with the raised foot pegs? If you're that damn short how do reach the ground?

[@RidinDad]

What are you talking about raised foot pegs??? These are stock mid controls that come on the bike and regular ol pegs from flo motor sports

[@ashebarley77385]

Fucking jerk of a comment period !!! Sick of jerks period

[@bhop8465]

Is ease of reassembly the only reason you took the clutch basket off?

[@RidinDad]

Understand what you are asking. This is a three part series where nothing was installed regularly and everything is being put in together. But yes, you cannot install the compensator or the clutch by themselves. You have to fit them together in the chain and then put them in the primary as a single unit.

[@Streetbob_Nomad]

@@RidinDad(edit) I get it now. I have seen a video of someone taking the chain tensioner off and removing the stock comp then putting the new comp on.. I thought it was that simple with the slack of the chain. Just trying to get an idea of what I’m up against.

[@RidinDad]

Yeah, I suppose you could do that with the compensator. But if you are going to replace both of them, it’s definitely easier to just take it off as a set.

[@MILLERS066]

How would you run your clutch in if its hydraulic?

[@RidinDad]

That’s a good question for someone who has a hydraulic clutch. But I think it’s the same concept. Just don’t need to adjust the line at all

[@felixanderson4815]

Hey I have the 32 tooth manowar comp and the m6 by hayden. Can I get a shorter chain cause mine is slapping

[@RidinDad]

I’m sure a shorter primary chain exists. But I don’t know where to get one honestly.

[@edmundwasilewski]

I'm taking my Man o War compensator off. Either the primary chain is crazy tight, or, leaving half inch it is rattling it's head off. Have had a few master technicians work on it and they are all stumped. Every possible thought has been thought of, and have simply given up. My conclusion is to go back to a new screamin eagle compensator, a few other people i know have also come to the same conclusion. Ive also been told its a neutral rattle. When its hot, idling and you pull the clutch in, the noise goes away. Fit a SE Compensator, and there is no rattle at all. Clutch in or out. Conclusion is this is not a viable option for a road going bike, more for racing. Wasted a bag full of money 💰

[@RidinDad]

It’s not like that for everyone though. Mine makes no noise at all

[@jasonarena-z8l]

@@RidinDad do you have aftermarket basket? wonder if thats the key. the noise is the clutch slop in the plates and basket.

[@RidinDad]

Yes I do but I know people with a stock basket with no issues either

[@losetruth1622]

Are the bolts of the compens sweater reused?

[@RidinDad]

Technically any bolt that is torqued down should be replaced except most arp bolts. However, I’ve reused every comp bolt I’ve ever taken off with no issues. And everyone I know has down the same. So I would not personally worry about it at all

[@jimscycleandautotn8508]

no reason to take that derby off untill everything is reinstalled and needs oil back in it . otherwise hell yea ✊

[@RidinDad]

Yeah but it does help drain the oil & it had to come off for my stuff anyway

[@RidinDad]

And thanks!

[@paologiorgini9821]

Buongiorno questo compensatore è adatto per trike harley davidson flhtcutg anno 2011? Grazie buona giornata

[@RidinDad]

I’m sure man o war has one for that bike but this specific one is not the same I think. Just gotta check their site and see what fits your specific bike

[@LukeTPZ]

What Primary oil did you switch to, please?

[@RidinDad]

I stated this in the video I filled it up in as well. ATF type f is required. I personally used oreillys per evolution’s recommendation

[@LukeTPZ]

@@RidinDad Thanks, brother. I typed my comment before I got to the end. It's great you respond to your subscribers too.

[@RidinDad]

I appreciate that man. Just trying to be honest and help some people out!

[@richardadams6821]

114 fat bob , any tips for getting clutch basket off . Having a pig of a time , no way is it coming off as easy as yours did. Am also working with workshop manual

[@RidinDad]

The whole thing? If the tensioner of off and your bolt is undone there should be nothing keeping it on. Try to wiggle back and forth a little I guess? Maybe rubber mallet hammer?

[@richardadams6821]

@@RidinDad cheers , I’ve done it . It was just bloody tight. Man I war comp is on , just installed Hayden tensioner. Rekluse clutch is going in tomorrow. Thanks for your reply Chris 👍

[@RidinDad]

Awesome man! You’ll love that setup!!

[@richardadams6821]

All done , primary is a lot quieter with that new comp. and the Rekluse auto clutch ,

[@RidinDad]

Nice man!

[@rickotte2120]

Made my primary noisy like chain slap, was fine before

[@RidinDad]

What chain tensioner are you using? The stock tensioner is not recommended

[@rickotte2120]

@@RidinDad screamin eagle

[@stevencorry5790]

Is that the stock gear shifter?I'm looking to buy one that length.My bike currently has a shorter one in it.

[@RidinDad]

No. The shifter lever itself is from flo motor sports.

[@JCunningham21]

the way to fix run out is to buy a Dark Horse Crank.

[@RidinDad]

Yeah that’s correct. Never said anything else about it. Just what was the tolerable amount for these products….

[@VN9001]

"the way to fix run out is to buy a Dark Horse Crank." ............or buy an Indian. 😁

[@Bluis5445]

Sorry brother but the only speed I like is the type you can cook with a spoon. Regardless cool shirt.

[@RidinDad]

Yeah I’m pretty anti that kinda speed…..

[@Bluis5445]

@@RidinDad you don’t have to join in brother you can just watch, either way I get off.

[@Bergamot88]

What is this thread lmao

[@jeffcollins7611]

I might subscribe if you get rid of the music

[@RidinDad]

Ok then you won’t subscribe. 🤷‍♂️

[@jeffcollins7611]

@@RidinDad I know

[@RidinDad]

Perfect. Glad we got that squared away 👌🏻

[@richardadams6821]

Can you send me a 1 3/16 socket , uk suppliers are s@%t !!!!!!! Can’t get one anywhere.

[@RidinDad]

I’m sorry I cannot. Try something like eBay or Amazon?

[@richardadams6821]

@@RidinDadyou “Cabot be bothered “ cheers dude . As if I’d buy shit from Amozon

[@richardadams6821]

@@RidinDad more like “ I’m ok jack , fuck you !!!!!” Cheers Christine

[@RidinDad]

Wow lol that’s a big escalation from you man. I was not being sarcastic or rude in any way. I do not ship out of the US. I’m not a company. I’m just a regular person. I’m sure there are many options for you. You probably could even find a hardware or auto parts store that has it in stock instead of shipping. I don’t know why you feel I’m your only option

[@richardadams6821]

@@RidinDad auto parts in the UK are shit , I was asking as a favour. I’ll pay for part/ and your time and shipping if you could help me

[@tchogworks1987]

I had the same thoughts about using a impact when someone told me not to use one. I don’t know if it was a coincidence or not. But I used a impact taking mine apart and back together. A couple weeks later my bike stopped charging. Yep the magnets was loose. All 3 was touching end for end . Those compensators take a beating and a impact will break them loose. Unbelievable I’m not taking any chances next time

[@RidinDad]

Yeah I hear ya man. I’ve used an impact for the the compensator on 4 different bikes now. And I know several others who’ve done it too. One bike I actually did the same thing 4 times to it lol. I’ve never had an issue ever but ya never know