What does a bad compensator sound like on a Harley?

The symptoms of a bad compensator are a loud clang at start up, trouble shifting into first or neutral and a sound like gravel in the front of the primary around 2200 RPM. But, the only way to know for sure that you have this problem is to pull the primary cover off and look.

How do I know if my inner primary bearing is bad?

If your primary drive becomes increasingly noisy, you may have a bad inner primary bearing. Especially if you notice the sound changes when pulling in the clutch lever, with rpm changes, or when shifting between neutral and first gear.

Why are Harley engines noisy?

These big V-twin engines have large valves with heavy spring pressure that all add up a degree of noise not found in many modern engines. If you are hearing an engine noise, chances are it is emanating from the valvetrain.

How do you check the primary tensioner on a Harley Davidson?

Check the primary chain tension. Push on the upper strand to verify that it has free up and down movement midway between the engine compensating sprocket (front) and the clutch sprocket (rear).

How long does it take to change a compensator on a Harley?

Re: Compensator Replacement cost The manager said Harley gives them . 9 Hours for the job!

Why do Harley-Davidson’s vibrate so much?

The vibration of Harleys is mostly because of the V-Twin motors that power them. The smaller AoD allows for a more compact engine but increases the engine’s shaking forces. As a result, Harleys vibrate more than other motorcycle brands such as Ducati and Moto Guzzi, even though they use the same V-Twin engine.

Why do Harleys sound so good?

With the spark plugs positioned 180 degrees from each other, each of the two pistons fire on every-other revolution to produce an exhaust noise that is even, smooth and balanced. Harley-Davidson engines are unusual in that they have a V-shape and only a single pin to which both pistons connect.

Where does the noise come from on a Harley Davidson?

If a suspension change were to cause a rubbing or a load on a part. It would be constant or, intermittence would be based on load. This makes noise only in first gear, only when decelerating (engine braking). This noise is coming from the Primary, probably the primary chain or possibly the clutch or trans.

What are the primary issues of a 2007 Harley Davidson?

2007 and Later Harley Primary Issues – YouTube Solutions to prevent Starter Grinding, Damaged Ring Gears, Compensator Clunk, and failure of Inner Primary Bearing, Clutch Hub and Primary Chain Solutions to prevent Starter Grinding, Damaged Ring Gears, Compensator Clunk, and failure of Inner Primary Bearing, Clutch Hub and Primary Chain

Why does my primary make a rattling noise?

They took the bike in, disassembled the primary and did not find anything wrong. After putting it back together, the noise was still there. They took it apart again, compensator, clutch, everything and called HD Tech Support with spring measurements and whatever other info the dealer provided.

Why is my primary chain making a noise?

Do this 2-3 times in succession and you’ll notice that the noise that you thought was the valve train is almost completely gone now. Low speed riding is a bit smoother also due to less play in the chain. By doing this, the automatic primary chain will ratchet up a bit tighter if it was loose before this.