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[LarryB]

not a new compensator, just changing part numbers. so far no change

[Hugh Janis]

I have an 07 CUSE with 24k miles. This summer it's started to kick back when starting. After a pause of a second or two it always fires right up. From reading this thread and others it sounds like the compensator is beginning to fail. If that's the case, and I have it replaced will it be covered by the ESP and will the upgrade to the SE Comp be automatic? 

[SBB]

I have an 07 CUSE with 24k miles. This summer it's started to kick back when starting. After a pause of a second or two it always fires right up. From reading this thread and others it sounds like the compensator is beginning to fail. If that's the case, and I have it replaced will it be covered by the ESP and will the upgrade to the SE Comp be automatic?  

No!

But you should only have to pay your dealer the difference.

Good luck.

If you plan on keeping the bike it is worth the extra cost.

SBB

[hd-dude]

I have an 07 CUSE with 24k miles. This summer it's started to kick back when starting. After a pause of a second or two it always fires right up. From reading this thread and others it sounds like the compensator is beginning to fail. If that's the case, and I have it replaced will it be covered by the ESP and will the upgrade to the SE Comp be automatic? 

The non se style of comp assembly has been discontinued and is no longer available. It has superceeded to the se version so yes you will get the upgrade for free.

[LarryB]

Jim. the "old" style is still available because the SE version only works on 06+ Dyna's, 07+ softails, & 07-10 touring ( standard beyond that). they call it the rotor spring assembly.
whether its factory warranty or esp, the customer can be charge the difference, about 140.00.
some dealers will let not even tell you that you can upgrade

[Hugh Janis]

Sorry Larry, I like HD-DUDE's response better. What's your advice on how to handle this conversation with rhe servicing dealer?  I take it there in November every year for storage and service. I have the ESP for 2 more years. Should I insist on starter and clutch also?

[Trapperdog]

Sorry Larry, I like HD-DUDE's response better. What's your advice on how to handle this conversation with rhe servicing dealer?  I take it there in November every year for storage and service. I have the ESP for 2 more years. Should I insist on starter and clutch also?

More about the "starter clutch" than the starter and clutch. They probably won't replace it unless its starting to go. However, they should check the clutch plates, etc., and clutch basket "hub" for wear as a few of us have striped (partially or totally) ours out. They should also check the inner bearing and see if it is walking. Replace it with a 1 piece Baker if it is.

[hd-dude]

Jim. the "old" style is still available because the SE version only works on 06+ Dyna's, 07+ softails, & 07-10 touring ( standard beyond that). they call it the rotor spring assembly.
whether its factory warranty or esp, the customer can be charge the difference, about 140.00.
some dealers will let not even tell you that you can upgrade

The compensator assembly part number 40296-06A is discontinued and pending obsolete. The replacement is the SE unit part number 40274-08A. We have done two of these in the last month on the ESP with only the $50 deductable to the customer.

[JCZ]

Sorry Larry, I like HD-DUDE's response better. What's your advice on how to handle this conversation with rhe servicing dealer?  I take it there in November every year for storage and service. I have the ESP for 2 more years. Should I insist on starter and clutch also?

Find one that's honest with you up front or find an independant that is.

Roger has pointed out other issues that also need to be checked at the same time.  I know that a number of us here in Nor Cal had the whole clutch basket, clutch plates and all go at the same time.  We all use an independant and he always shows us our parts (actually, he trys to give us our parts to lighten his trash load  ) so there's no secrets.....you know first hand.   It's just a whole lot different when you can talk face to face with the person doing the work vs. talking face to face with a service writer.

[Boatman]

It's just a whole lot different when you can talk face to face with the person doing the work vs. talking face to face with a service writer.

 

[Hugh Janis]

All good advice guys. Thanks again. I think I'm in the infancy of a failure. Its unlikely I'll do more than 500 more miles before it goes to the dealer for service and storage during the winter.

[Hugh Janis]

This is odd.......  They took it apart and there was damage to the clutch basket and the starter clutch but said there was nothing wrong with the compensator.  I told them I didn't want them to put the old compensator back in and to upgrade it to the SE.  The part is $249 minus 15% and I paid the $50 ESP copay.  Now I'm looking forward to riding it to see the difference.  I was disappointed that the comp sprocket wasn't covered but all in all it wasn't horribly expensive to upgrade it.

[lilcoot]

I've been using the BDL CS-34a compensator for 15,000 miles on my '13 Ultra FLHTCUSE8, and it works great. 

After only 5000 miles on my '13 Ultra, my compensator was shot.  It would clunk when starting and shutting down.  Every time I opened or closed the throttle, there were driveline lash/rattles and clunks, and it sounded and felt like the driveline was falling apart.  It really was affecting the enjoyment of riding, and I knew from my previous bike (replaced 2 compensators in 20,000 miles) it was the compensator again.

Instead of putting in another POS Harley comp, I found BDL, and decided to try their comp.  Installation was a breeze.  The unit was much lighter and simpler than the Harley unit, and it appeared to be very robust.  And, it was significantly cheaper than the HD compensator.  After I installed it, the difference was amazing, and it has been working like a charm since.  The clunking and sloppiness disappeared and the driveline has been consistently smooth and quiet for 15,000 miles.  I can't say empirically that the driveline is tighter and functioning better, but it sure as hell feels and sounds better.  And so far, it has lasted longer than any compensator I've had on my last two bikes.

Until Harley redesigns their compensator, I think it is a waste of time to throw money away buying their current lousy compensator design.  The BDL CS-34a is a much better alternative, IMO.

Dan

[lilcoot]

This is what my Dimple magnetic drain plug looked like with the stock HD compensator:

[lilcoot]

With the BDL compensator: