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[prs4guitars]

The Compensaver  (http://www.compensaver.com/) is a oil delivery system for the compensator. I recently installed on on my 2008 FLHRSE. It looks to me that it would work on the "new" compensator as well. It is a well made unit that bolts inside the primary an sure makes me feel better than glueing some plastic pieces in the primary. So far everything has been great, but i only have about 1k miles on it.

[LC110]

Had one compensator replaced 2 years ago. (upgraded to SE) Now it is starting to rattle and a few noisy starts.
So I am willing to give this new compensator a try. Now to decide which lifters to use. 

[Boatman]

Had one compensator replaced 2 years ago. (upgraded to SE) Now it is starting to rattle and a few noisy starts.
So I am willing to give this new compensator a try. Now to decide which lifters to use. 

A lot of us are going thru the same decisions.  A lot of recommendations on lifters but no definitive answer.  Sad that lifters are a preventative maintenance item.

[RayG]

My 08 SERK has over 66,000 miles and I'm on compensator #4.  I now run the S&S124 with the 66mm throttle hog and while the motor is everything that is printed about them my primary is still the weak link.  Having the 110 gave me a number of weak areas to be concerned with.  I know if I start to drive aggressively the primary will require an inspection and probably compensator #5.  So I'm just cooling my jets for awhile,  I will open her up once I'm moving but no more jack rabbit starts.  As cool as they are and fun to boot at least for me anyway, no more dropping the hammer and replacing parts on a frequent basis I would think I would need a new type of compensator and a chain drive to go back to the Hooligan days.  I sure hope someone solves this issue.  So much for the old statement (ride it like you stole it) what they fail to mention is once something fails ( and we all know it will)  you need to go out and steal another & another etc.  I'll just be a good boy for my taking off from a dead stop.   But this 124 has shocked quite a few riders trying to run me down. 


Ray G.

[Boatman]

Ray, I don't even ride like you and the compensators still go bad.  Don't run under 2200 rpm's in any gear.   You may as still "ride it like you stole it" and at least have some fun.

The compensator wear is also why I change my primary oil every 5,000 miles. 

I am fortunate mine does not make any noises on startup or when riding but clunks when you shut it off.

[msemersky]

I have almost 16k miles on my 2011 SESG and am still on my original compensator.  How would I know if it is going bad?  My bike currently feels sluggish coming off the line but once it gains RPMs feels OK.

[sadunbar]

I have almost 16k miles on my 2011 SESG and am still on my original compensator.  How would I know if it is going bad?  My bike currently feels sluggish coming off the line but once it gains RPMs feels OK.

Clunking sounds from the primary upon acceleration and de-acceleration, squeaking sounds from the primary and hard starting are typical signs of a compensator failing.

[msemersky]

Thanks,
Not doing that yet but I'm sure it is coming.

[RayG]

Have 5000 miles on my last SE Compensator and it just starting to make that awful noise when I start it.  Not all the time but maybe once every 20 or 30 times when I hit the start button.  This usually happens when it is hot.  Not sure if it is the starter or the compensator.  I change my primary every 5000 miles as well.   I would like to go through just one winter when I can park it and take it out in the spring without some major maintenance or repairs. 

[sadunbar]

Have 5000 miles on my last SE Compensator and it just starting to make that awful noise when I start it.  Not all the time but maybe once every 20 or 30 times when I hit the start button.  This usually happens when it is hot.  Not sure if it is the starter or the compensator.  I change my primary every 5000 miles as well.   I would like to go through just one winter when I can park it and take it out in the spring without some major maintenance or repairs. 

Very strong likelihood it's the compensator.  Classic symptom.   

[RayG]

I tend to agree with that.  It's going to have to make it through the fall as I plan to wait for an improved version.

[dlaws01]

Having things GLUED onto the inside of the primary scares the BEJESUS out of me!

Ken

I'm with you there!  I've been around machinery and motors for a long time and have yet to see where any adhesive can stand up to hot oil and moving parts.  I think I'll wait for the Version 6.0 model. 

[RayG]

I should have never read this post.  I used to occasionally have the loud noise.  My first post said I had the noise when starting the bike once in every 20 times. Today it was about 4 times to every 10 times when I hit the start button.  I'm beyond frustrated.  I think I'll buy a freaking scooter to finish the year, maybe an aftermarket one will be well tested by then.  Sometimes you just reach a point when you have just had enough.  If it's not tires scalloping it's compensator's.  Must be operator error. 

[Twolanerider]

I'm with you there!  I've been around machinery and motors for a long time and have yet to see where any adhesive can stand up to hot oil and moving parts.  I think I'll wait for the Version 6.0 model. 

I'd give some benefit of the doubt on that.  We've developed adhesives that live through orbital shots and reentry.  My bigger concern would be using any adhesive on pieces that might come apart and come up the primary chain when it's up to all of us at home to recognize then do the requisite prep for the adhesive to work well long term.

[grc]

I'd give some benefit of the doubt on that.  We've developed adhesives that live through orbital shots and reentry.  My bigger concern would be using any adhesive on pieces that might come apart and come up the primary chain when it's up to all of us at home to recognize then do the requisite prep for the adhesive to work well long term.

   Exactly!  There are adhesives these days that will basically last as long as a good weld, so if the correct adhesive is specified that won't be the problem.  The problem comes from prepping and applying the adhesive and parts outside of a strictly controlled process.  Just telling someone to clean the cover, slap on some adhesive, and press the parts in place is a recipe for disaster.  I'll be very interested in reading the actual instructions that come with this latest money maker for Harley.  And you can bet if those deflectors come loose and jam in the primary good ol' H-D will disavow all responsibility.

Funny how the guy who invented the idea bolts his parts into the primary, but the folks who stole the idea decided to glue the parts to the cover.  Was that an attempt to avoid litigation, or just the typical Harley cheapness coming through?  I wonder how they will do this when it becomes the regular production version of the compensator?

This entire compensator deal is like one of those never ending soap opera's.

Jerry