Compensators For Your Harley...Should You Eliminate Them?
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- Опубліковано 24 чер 2024
- if you are considering eliminating the compensator on your Harley-Davidson you should watch this video. to compensate or eliminate that is the question
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Hey Kevin, good to see you in the new shop and making tech videos. The compensator is there for a reason. I’ll never get rid of it. I agree with you completely…..most of us don’t need to remove it.
If you have a big bore Evo motor you have no other choice. Nobody makes anything for older bikes.
40,000 miles with the manowar compensator, working perfectly and not noisy with my Heritage. Engine build perfect, might have something to do with that, also ride moderately. I can and do recommend the product strongly. Glad to see you back in your business, looking great. Hope to get together soon, best always. Bob
Exactly what my intuition was whispering in my ear. Make perfect sense to me. Better to replace compensator than trans, clutch and many other components
I changed my Man O War in my 128" build at 20,000 miles to see if I'd notice any wear. The new bushings quieted it down. So while 20,000 miles doesn't seem like a lot, remember it is a 150hp 128" and the bushings are only $40.00 and really quick to change...not to mention the better drivetrain feel the Man O War gives...
I agree 100%
Always useful to tune into the latest banter, no doubt there's no shortage of confusion there to clear up hehe. Whichever way you choose to teach please keep it coming Kevin, can't tell you what you've done for my bike building knowledge.
Hey Kavin, fantastic to see your tech videos again! I opened my Darkhorse comp after 10k miles during primary and clutch maintenance. Cushions were like new. I had new ones for replacement but decided to put back old due to its condition.
Great tech video as always. You always are honest about your opinions and thoughts on any subject. You don't try to push one way or another and always give plenty of info to consider. Thank you!
And on belt drives, clutch hub is a wearable part. I would never get rid of the compensator, on a modern, daily rider. JMO. Great video!
You have the best HD information on the internet, period. Very informative even for people not mechanically inclined like me.
I appreciate you talking in layman terms, and also appreciate the honesty that you give.
Substituting beer for coffee.but I’m watching and listening. Good info.Thanks
Kevin, you speak reason. As an engineer myself, I recognize that Harley engineers are not infallible. However, they are the experts in that particular design and they don’t add features just to make the product more expensive for the consumer initially or to make it more expensive to maintain. Those features like the compensator are added to make the product more reliable overall. Deletion of a certain feature should only be done after learning why it exists and deliberating the resulting pros and cons.
You’ve added some education to why the compensator exists and what can happen if it’s deleted, which is truly helpful. Thanks!
Yeh, explain twin cam tensioners
Then why don't they balance their cranks from the factory?? Yeah great engineers and we are charged to much for very minimal
Really appreciate that video. Not having trouble out of my compensator. Have an '02 Dyna Super Glide and was researching for an upgraded comp. for future reference and couldn't find any. You answered my question without me asking. Guess I won't worry too much about it. Thanks
Well Said!! Thank you sir.
My Darkhorse compensator has been working perfectly so far.. They make a great one! I drove over to WI. to their shop directly from MI. to purchase it. Thanks for your recommendations. 20 K on it and running strong! M8 107 2017 Roadglide Special..
Just saw this video Kevin I thoroughly enjoy your videos they are very informative. I just upgraded my 2011 FLHX with a 96” TC motor with a new S&S Camchest kit, oil pump etc. based off watching your videos I took great care to measure everything to assure my crank and other areas within the camchest were in spec.
I replaced the stock compensator with a dark horse comp, Barnett clutch with the coil spring pressure plate to assure I had no issues in the primary. Since the upgrades I increased my torque to 110ftlbs. I had the bike tuned and put in a dyno it throws out respectable numbers for a stage 2 with my set up on that motor. Thank you for passing on your knowledge it definitely helps with making sound decisions.
Nice job Kevin, you explained that very well 👍
Good information as usual Kevin ! Thankyou!
I just replaced my compensator in my 2007 Street Glide with 56,000 miles on it. I some what knew the purpose of the comp was but your video explained it perfectly. Thanks for educating to me on what a compensator does.
I swapped my Comp ramp in my FLFBS with a tool steel one from CycleRama. Problem Solved. Compensator features preserved.
Was a fairly easy swap. You dont need to pull the clutch basket. You can pull the entire compensataor out once you remove the chain tensioner.
I have Hayden primary a tensioner. I have run them for 30 years. I got a 2020 Road limited new. I put the Hayden in the first week. Last fall I put a Dark Horse in 5000 miles. No noise from the primary. Love the Dark Horse.
Very happy to see you back
Thank you!!! Great info!!
Good to see you making videos again!!
Thanks for sharing. I really enjoy your videos!
Good information and explanation Kevin, thanks for sharing. 👍🏻🇺🇸
Kevin, I agree with your choice. When I watched your video with Dark Horse and saw the Dark Horse product, I knew I wanted one in my bike. Little did I know at that time I was going to do a full build. I am glad now I waited. If I remember, you couldn't wait to get to there new part to talk about it. I back it up and watched it twice. I just ordered me a Skunked Hoodie. We are having some
cooler mornings down here in Georgia too.
Thanks Kevin, you've answered a lot of my questions. I will be doing the Dark Horse!
Had to replace my compensator on my O4 after some one did a complete engine rebuild. They didn't check it but I found it along with a lot of more problems.
Thank you for the GREAT !!!!! information !!!!!
Good information. Thanks!
Sportsters were sold with compensating sprocket on e start and straight sprocket on kickstart models until the mid 70s. The old timers told me horror stories, but I havent seen it first hand. People have run straight sprockets on pans and shovels for years and have generally been fine
Kevin you're right on time with this one...... I'm about ti pop my primary open for inspection of everything in a 42k mile new to me 2011 Crossbones. Have been eyeing the Darkhorse unit as a possible upgrade if I need to replace my compensator.
Mr. Kevin I think your videos are outstanding! So much so, when my 2015 Road Glide Special hits 50k I plan on taking it to you from Albuquerque, NM for a complete rebuild.
Great feedback, Kevin 👌
Awesome video, working on bikes myself for living for quite a few years and from time to time, not always but there will come a bike with its springs shattered inside needing spring discs replaced and good to go, and a good service of course. But on my case there tends to be a trend and these bikes for the most part have either neglected service such as regular km oil changes, and/or as you stated very aggressive along with a few bad habits when riding (conclusions made after talking to clients leading me to that) great content sir, a huge follower all the way from Chile, south America
Thanks for this video, Kevin. I am new to Harleys, and am discussing whether to upgrade or delete my factory compensator on my '21 M8 107, which I upgraded to Stage II. Since I don't race, the answer is clear to keep the compensator, but I will upgrade to high alloy steel billet. I have seen reports of stock cast compensators cracking even at lower miles. I don't run the power many do, but even so that's an untenable failure on the road!
Excellent explanation on the compensator eliminate debate-totally concur with your views/opinion on the subject👍🏻
Thanks Kevin, just what I needed to here.
Thanks Kevin, great food for thought as always..photo bomb fly!
Kevin good video, I've got a 2008 CVO its my babe of choice, I have 76,842 on the clock I've had to replace the primary chain looked at my compensator there is very little wear. I'm a cruiser rider LD is weekly thing but from day one I changed oil products I'm my bike I contribute that to assisting in reduced friction less wear. I use a fully synthetic oil from Amisol. In all 9 of my bikes. Never had a comp failure.
So...... everyone just decided to go Dark horse. Me too. Did a 107in upgrade with a ton of head work and ez start .585 cam. Now it's on too comp and clutch upgrade, thunder max tuner, 2-1 exhaust, cam chest, oil cooler, legend suspension, led headlights, fat spoke rims, chromed swingarm, and 18in meathooks. Then sell it, take a huge loss, buy another bike. Rinse and repeat. 😂😂😂
Thanks Kevin. I have been doing research into what you just covered in your podcast. I have a 2018 HD Softail deluxe flde and I want to have work done on my primary side ie compensator, clutch etc.
Another vote here for the Man O War. I have one in my 2015 Ultra and I love it. Shifting is so much better. It didn't really have a shifting problem before but now its silky smooth.
Thanks for the vid, it definitely helped make my mind up about changing to an eliminator. Let's just say I have a softail with compensator.
You have to be the most agreeable engineer I've ever seen. Keep it up.
I needed to replace the comp on my 06 Road King, and thought I would try an eliminator. So I purchased a well known Comp eliminator sprocket. installed it and it lasted in the bike 3 days. I hated the way it felt! I felt it totally changed the way the ride ability of the bike. Very pulsey, almost like I could feel every fire of the cylinders. ya it might be for some people but I personally hated the feel. So I installed the new comp and everything was sweet again. Good video.
Good explanation! I've made an aluminum shim to tighten the spring preasure on mine,I ride mine to drag race wheelie and travel at highspeeds and shim Works well!
Solid mount I've stripped clutch basket splines,no issues after adding shim
Cheers
Good insight - My billet Comp and Evolution Industires New Comp Spring packs are a good match. Compensators are a serviceable item and should be looked at for wear and if worn replace'em. My guess is checking around 10-15k unless sooner is needed for some unforeseen reason.
This is excellent information, by a Very Experienced Motor Builder..
And I will back up his Opinions fully, because I had an eliminator, but the clutch soon needed a new splineed hub..I did put back a compensator, currently It runs and shifts more smoothly.
Excellent !
I have a solid on a 120 Evo, I also have the Dark horse on my S.2 M8 r.king I love it. Probably will be going back to the original comp. on the Evo. Always a pleasure thank you sir.
I have heard, and totally believe that quite a few failures of compensators were / are caused by bad riding habits, and NOT just overly aggressive riders, but the crowd that likes to lug their engine. You know, the guys that short shift their bikes, and are heavy on the throttle at sub 3,500 rpms.
Great vid Kevin. I have a stage 2 107 M8 and I want reliability. I choose to keep the stock comp and if it fails which I don’t expect it too because I don’t abuse my bike, I’ll just replace it with an upgraded ramp and spring pack. I want my transmission, clutch and driveline to stay healthy. I’ll build a SE 119 or a 124 some day and will still keep the compensator. My right wrist will roll the power on slower and I’ll shift the bike easier to keep the primary and driveline from getting hammered to aggressively.
Nice info kevin, thank you for your honesty my man! 👊
Great thought and much appreciated! There is a place for the compensator for a reason! Well explained. To each His Own, you have shared the Facts Well! Thank you
From what i understand, the weakest compensators from HD came in stock bikes from the 06-09 Dynas and 07-09 FLs and Softails.
Thank you for this information I've been considering eliminating my compensator but after careful consideration I think I'll just replace it.
Rite on ...sounds like good since....it is what it is ...look like you caught up on rest,congratulations on your new shop may you prosper my friend 👍☕️☕️✌️
GREAT show 👏 👍
Thanks
Thank you.
You explain it in a way that makes logical sense. These parts are put in for a reason. The Motor Company wouldn’t add more for no reason. I’m in the camp of having a compensator.
I have a Baker Compensator 36,000 miles on it no issues at all well worth the money . Great Video Kevin !!
Sir all I have to say is this. Lol
As a Skunkworks 124, it has all the trimmings. She looks stock...but nowhere near it.
We start with Öhlins USA fork and shocks, a race ready Darkhorse Crankworks custom bottom end and motor sprocket, Baker Drivetrain Official Page DD7 and primary adjuster, Trask Performance billet clutch basket and air cleaner, @Bandit Sportsman clutch, S&S Cycle, Inc. gear drive with plate and pump, our own Skunkworks heads and cylinders, Horsepower Inc. throttle body, our blueprinted custom injectors, D&D Exhaust Billet Cat, @AIM slave cylinder, and ARP 12 point polished fasteners hold it all together.
Shes smooth as silk, easy to ride, but at 152hp and 148 torque, be ready when you whack on it.
After 13k and a few oil changes she’s still running like a Swiss watch, or better.
Ready with Coffee!! Great Info!
Well said young man, as always.
LORDY, IN THE FIRST 20 SECONDS I SEE PREMIUMN EQUIPMENT, GOOD FOR YOU AND THE REST OF US THAT LEARN AND GET SERVICED BYE YOUR SHOP. I WISH GREAT BUSINESS FOR YOU.
Well thought out. I am a fan of belt drives.
Installed a Dark Horse compensator along with a Oregon Hot Bike hydraulic chain tensioner. Better throttle response, smoother shifting, and dead quiet primary!
2015 SGS.
Very good Topic Kevin we have a Company that produces these Compensator Ramps in Australia in Gladstone Queensland they are making these items that are virtually indistructable the name of the Company is called ALPHA PERFORMANCE ENGINES (APE) ,, The guys at Harbour City Harley Davidson really do know their Stuff and are Building some Awesome Big Power out of these M8 engines aswel like I'm talking 165 HP 173 Ft Lbs of torque and Beyond. But here I think the component is valued at around $700.
Keep up the Great work Kevin I always love watching all of your informative videos Maaaaate.
Brett in AU🇦🇺
Excellent video brother!!! Keep'em comin'!!!
On my '09 Road King, I have chosen to compensate. After 70k miles the oe compensator began to fail, I opted for the factory recommended S.E. for replacement, my engine is relatively stock aside from an increase in displacement(to 103ci) and the usual "stage 1" goodies, I'm also not an aggressive rider (as I once was in my youth😉), so far so good and I don't expect it to fail anytime soon with my style of riding. Ride on all and be safe.
Installed a man o war. in my 07..Ultra...Hated it to much gear changing due to lurching...made sure primary chain was was right even put Hayden tensioner...Put in a 2010 SE comp...factory tensioner....Seem to be good.....
I agree the Dark Horse unit is a great way to go. I’ve got 2 years on mine with no issues. 2010 Softail Convertible street / strip.
Went to a manual primary chain adjuster and solid sprocket. At 10k miles and counting, like being able to find neutral and the easy gear shifts.
Go hydraulic for tensioner , they rock 🤙
@@jimscycleandautotn8508 any recommendations?
Great video, point well made, l am going to fit a Dark Horse or Baker Drivetrain compensator, have not decided which one yet, to my 2010 Fatboy Lo, beginning to clank loudly on start up and neutral difficult to find sometimes, l suppose it must be the compensator.........
I’m running an extra spring in my compensator by Dan Thayer and I have 110,000 miles (18 RG) on the stock comp with a built motor. I ride briskly, but I don’t beat on it.
And where do I find info on the extra spring...can't really find a link on the net
I ran a solid gear on my 2013 Road Glide for roughly 500 miles, I didn't like the feel the bike had running, more of a vibration, so I went back to the SE compensator and haven't had any issues so far.
Good content...a little less tension on the drive chain working for mine..Carry on
Great advice
good video Iam at 165 hp on my everyday bagger and I run cycle rama ramp
no problems
Thank you Kevin it is a great informacion that sometimes we take for granted just because we want to go fast. But at what cost?, thank you again
I've decided this video is spot on. I tried a solid...........Don't do it. I took it right out as the chain clatter worsened especially at Idle. There was no more compensation for the pulses. I had the dealer install a booster spring on the original compensator and that was the ticket to a smoother shifting quieter compensator. 2014 Rushmore edition.
Good information
I wish some one made a compensator for belt drive ..it would save wear and tear on the trans and engine shaft...I run an Evo with 4speed trans on an fxstwg /chain at the wheel...fun ride old school...thks for sharing ..stay safe..Peace
Awesome vid! And I personally think that if it's in there from factory there's a reason. For the most part at least. Cheers from frosty Alberta Canada 🇨🇦
Your info reminds me of the guy that replaces his stock bumper with a piece of iron. Then a minor hit bends his frame instead just the stock bumper. Thank you.
I’m running a Dark Horse balanced crank with their dark horse compensator on a mild 110 build. I don’t baby it but I don’t beat it to death either.
Great info Sir
Great info, have a question about the baker compensator for the M8.
Compensators are not currently an issue for me but that you for the lesson.
Thanks!
Thank you sir! I really appreciate it!
Before I watch IMO to eliminate is only pushing the problem of the weakest link to another location to absorb. To eliminate again IMO should be reserved for 1/4 miles runs not the street but hey it's just my opinion. OK now I'll watch and get the education, might change my mind Kevin.
Kevin, I have a 2012 Road king and I put the Screamin eagle compensator on mine and it works fine. I think it’s the same thing as the stock compensator just a little more heavy duty.
Great video Kevin
You go above and beyond supplier loyalty to your customers. Very much appreciated!!! There are not very many people of your caliber in the world today, right up to our President and government. If our country was run by people of your caliber, this still would be the greatest nation on earth.
Good stuff ! 👏👏👏
Kevin, good chat on the subject, is there any way to tell if you have a compensator going bad other than tearing into it ?
i put a Screamin Eagle Compensator in my 2008 96ci Road King, and i'm an old man that cruises the coast of NH and ME not racing, and for me that SE Compensator is AWESOME !! for me.
I'm guessing that it could be said that the compensator is a sacrificial link that helps preserve other components in the drive chain setup, kind of like a fuse in an electrical system. So it's a replacement item that's easier and less costly to replace than everything downstream, would you say?
The engine shaft side variator pulley on my moped is made of aluminum I've replaced it many times but it's a lot cheaper than a bent crank! I think this is a similar situation.