2016 Doc Harley: COMPENSATOR 

I have an 06 dyna, and yes the alternator sheared the screws. The bike was in for warranty work at Chesapeake harley, the entire primary was apart, and they DID NOT replace the problem alternator when they could have, and this problem was known in 2015. I replaced the entire charging system myself. I like the bikes, but some of the dealers suck.

Great video Doc, you make everything clear and do a good job on the video part. I feel I have a charmed Harley experience. My 2000 wide glide has had NO major problems in 21 years and 88,000 miles of usage. I don't beat it, it rarely has been revved higher than 3,500 rpm. I don't need to rev it high, it pulls like a torque monster from 1,500. I had the shop install a screaming eagle air filter and ignition module before I picked it up. And the mechanic swapped jetting in the carb, so it pulls really strong, and I change the Amsoil every 5,000 miles. I started seeing horror stories about my engine on YT and had to do some digging. The compensator for 2000 must have been made of titanium because mine is still smooth and quiet. The cam followers still have half the material left on them. The local shop that trued the new spokes for me showed me my wheels have the extra wide bearings. When people talk about poor Harley quality I have to shake my head in disbelief. Maybe I just got lucky but NOTHING expensive on my bike has had problems. I replaced the spokes because several had seized and could no longer be tightened. That's it, that's all that has been done except for tires and brake pads but those are normal wear items. Years ago I swapped the factory pipes for vance and hines longshots. When installing them I noticed there was no cross over tube. I immediately noticed a loss of low end power. That was a major disappointment to me. So even though the long shots had no baffles and should have less resistance to exhaust flow, they did not provide the same low rpm power I was used to. I went back to the factory pipes and it was much better. So, that cross over pipe really does add to the low rpm power. Drag pipes are strictly for high rpm riding.

Very good. I'm in a Harley rider for the last 40 years got me 2014 Street Glide I like listening to your cam to get to the point and no other BS enjoy watching you keep it up

Doc you do a fantastic job explaining! I'm always impressed

I have a 2007 Electra Glide Standard I've been debating what to upgrade my compensator to, original owner installed a SE at 20k miles, I have 45k miles and hearing the rocks in a can rattle when I take off as I'm letting off my clutch. Your video explains the why and what that other's haven't

I've been a Harley man for long time. However, it is disgusting to see such poor engineering for the money we spend. If I didn't do most of the work myself, I'd have to get another job.

BDL belt drive and dry clutch. Get the one that fits inside the stock primary. No more knock at start up and you'll never have a compensator problem ever again. Cost less than 2 compensators.

Doc , Not sure why you skipped over the pre 2006 model twin cam compensators. They did not have the integrated spring pack. I have a 120 HP 124 TQ 2001 fatboy. Everyone in the industry I talked to (Baker included) told me that the stock compensator would definitely hold but anything after the revision in 06 would need replaced. So it sounds to me like it wasn't a problem until they changed it in 2006. I am fairly rough on it and it has held for 22k on the original motor and 7k on the 107 build. Knock on wood. Now the M8 comp ramps were changed as well and are breaking. When you find something that works well, stick with it. Or improve it and test it to make sure you improved it. But don't go backwards. Please. Thanks for the videos Doc. Little O

Thank you Doc. Always superb advise and videos.

Doc Harley, How Goes it Sir, Wanted to Let you Know, Your Videos are the Best Pointed and Clear (How To, How It Works, WHat to expect when Performing Maintenance and through adding a few more "Bald Eagles" under the Jewels. This Compensator video is exactly what I needed to watch, My current Project Has just commenced the past few months, I felt like I had all the Parts Finally Purchased and In Hand for my 2010 FLTRX Custom Rebuild. Stage V, Go Big or GO Home They Say... Except wouldn't you know what I did not pick up,,,,COMPENSATOR!!!! I Have the New Jugs, Pistons, Rods, Lifters, ROcker/rollers, 259 cams, 2 to 1 Borzillo Header through slip On, Ported & Polished Screaming eagle Racing Heads, 38mm Throttle Body, Injectors, Screaming Eagle Plugs, Wires, 38mm Screaming Eagle Breather, 259CAMS ONE MORE TIME, New Stator, Rotor, Cap, And Dyno Jet Power Commander V, (hope it pairs well since SER Programer is not available),,, I had Previously Installed The Stage 1 Kit, and went with the DJ V Fuel Mapping / Programmer. HOWEVER UNTIL I WATCHED THIS VIDEO,,,I WOULD NOT HAVE THOUGHT OR EVEN KNOWN WHAT YOU JUST TAUGHT ME DOC HARLEY,,,THANK YOU,,, CAN You tell me if my Power Commander will work on THe STage V Tire SHREDDER 110 Kit,, Or even better, DO you Happen to Have a Pre Programmed Screaming Eagle Race Tuner I could Pick up,, EVEN BETTER THANKS DOC HARLEY,,,, Im now a Subscriber,,,and when Brothers want to Know,,,Im pulling your videos Up,,,And Buying all the Products advertised across your Channel....lol

My compensator will last a LONG time since it's sitting in a box on a shelf after I chucked it for an Evolution industries 30T engine sprocket on my 106" Dyna. That 30T sprocket is the best mod I ever made.

I put a man-o-war compensator and a hayen M6 BT07 primary chain tansioner in my 2012 (103) road king classic and it is doing great.

I've been paying alot of attention about compensators and primary drives for big twins. I had an 02 Dyna FXDX and made it a drag race bike. I used a BDL comp sprocket with 2 teeth shorter. Broke the first one and BDL sent me an updated version. No issues. Product worked great. Sold bike. Fast forward to 2019. I have a 2012 roadking which I race in "Hogs gone wild" series new this year. I race in the "street" class. We have to complete a 20 mile ride before each event. As wear and tear are coming with bikes with milage (mine had 30k when I bought it used) I tore into the primary. I found some massive wear on the 3 arms and 3 ramps..so much so, I didn't even question it. I purchased the SE comp and installed it. You can deff tell the robust and better engineering. But we are about to find out how well it will take 6500 launches and see what's lacking, if any, with this design. After all...the sprocket and clutches are much cheaper to replace than a transmission....

DOC: love watchin your videos. You da man!

Made mine direct drive after balancing my crank 2000 miles ago on my 2008 Road King. It runs and accelerates great.

My 2011 Ultra Classic 96 is box stock and when I asked the dealer which compensator was in my bike they checked the serial number? and found it is the newer heavier duty one. They said as long as I don't upgrade the power, it should be fine for a long time. No issues to date after 30,000 miles.

Very good info, well detailed, thank you.

Great content! Super informative

Thanks for all these very usefull informations.

It’s a matter of evolution. I think he was compensating for something.

Doc you sure know what the hell you're talkin about love watching your videos I learned a lot

Great info you got my subscription...

Great vid! I'm so glad I have a 2014!

I pulled the primary chain drive out ; and replaced it with a 3 inch belt drive. That was over 10K miles ago, on my 99 twin cam, still works just fine and dandy. Harley will never go with a primary belt drive. They are too robust, and dealers would take a huge hit in "shop income" not fixing primary chain drive problems......

Great info, thx Doc

So true. I am on my 3rd comp in my 103 (In 13 years) and went right down Doc's line there. One other thing: the comp "Kick Back" puts hell on the starter (Think about it), so the Dealer recommended a new starter on the last (Literally, I hope) comp upgrade, and after dissecting the old starter, it was really needed. Something to think about, folks...

As ALWAYS great video and information now tell me can the comp.from the 14 be retro'd to the first year twin cams ??

I enjoy your videos due to their professional approach and content. I am wondering if the Indian TS 111 has a compensator?

I had a Sturgis belt drive (both belts) installed on my 1979 Superglide at 18,000 miles. The compensator started making noise, at idle, 10,000 miles later. I welded the damn thing solid and haven't had any trouble for 73,000 miles. Maybe the belts make up for the power pulses or something but I'm not about to put a new compensator in with no other issues having occurred.

Great video. Could you tell us what the ID and OD and the thickness of the middle size belleville washers (the newer SE ones)?

I put a solid in my 2014 ulta ltd. It shift's so smooth it can't be all that bad. Clutch action is more direct also. No waiting for a compensator to engage.

great video! I love Harley's but it's crap how they screw every last cent out of us

Wow great video and super informative....looking forward for more videos from you....great job at demystifying the Harley compensator!

SInce I own a 01 RK, a 10 Dyna and a 15 Ultra, that answered all of my compensator questions. My 15 Ultra I purchased recently with 7900 miles on the clock. Owner said he had just had it serviced, so I lived with the Harley noises for a few hundred miles. Did a three hole change, putting gear oil in the transmission and primary lube in the primary. Noises went away within 20 miles! When I changed the gear and primary, I would bet those plugs hadn't been removed since the break in serv ice! Trans oil looked good and smelled like 10 yr old third member lubricant!. Primary oil was obviously OLD and Soiled... I'm a 1,000 mile oil and filter changer and 2,000 mile max primary oil changer.

thanks doc,I have learned something I didn't know, I'm always trying to learn more about my 2015 street glide I now know that my compensator will hold the power of the new cams going in in 2017

I've owned 3 Harley's, I now ride a 2014 Honda CTX700 100 miles a day, ZERO break downs - 34000 miles - no breakdowns, 60 miles per gallon, love it!

Thank you Mr doc harley I own a 2016 limited low twin cooled 103 so I guess my bike already has the upgraded compensator

I'm 55 years old and I've been a college professor for about 30 years. Now I want to be a motorcycle mechanic! I guess you're never to old to switch careers...hmmmm...

I like to use the term "drivetrain shock absorber" when describing the compensator to my customers. The pulses from a big v twin are hell on the transmission and clutch. The 07 to 11 ones are the worst.

Great Videos. So my 2013 Deluxe 103 has s&s .583? cams installed, but to put big jugs on it I'd have to also change out the Compensator? Do I have that right? Thanks.

Whats the upgraded compensater you talk about from 2014 called. I have a 2013 Streetglide and its been great but if its ever apart maybe i'll drop the better one in.

I had my compensator replaced in 2016 i wonder if they installed a newer version on my 2008 RG ?

So, I have 2018 RoadGlide with a Stage III upgrade. The compensator is starting to make a clanking sound, and the torqued isn't where it was - Is the stock compensator still ok, or do I need something stronger?

how do you stop the se from rattling on a 13 bought bike thought it was bad replaced with new se and its just as noisy as one i replaced

Doc, I have a 2019 M8 114 with a stage 2 kit in it should I be thinking about a compensator upgrade

Does a 2019 cvo road glide come with a screamin eagle compensator ?

Oh my .I have an 03 wide glide. Stock motor. What would I choose to upgrade compensator?

The compensator on my 2011 Street Glide 103 motor went bad at 7,000 miles. The guy talked about the little funnel to get more oil to the part. That seemed like a weak band aide to the problem. I wasn't too happy about replacing internals with such low mileage. I wish Harley would invest in getting the plastic parts out of their engines...

I have a 2010 RK with a 96" twin cam. Other than some slip on tips everything is stock. The bike isn't ridden hard, how likely am I to have compensator issues? I've heard it's more prevalent and 103' and larger motors. Also, from your video it sounds like there was some upgrading around 2010, but it didn't sound like it was a universal change as you mentioned some 2011's having the older compensator. Is there a way to determine which compensator I have without tearing it all apart? Thank you.

Hey doc how do you turn off your head light street 500 while you're riding because its on all the time

What's the best compensator for 2016 Street glide just put. Ams in now watching this I'm a little worried

I have a 2014 Street Glide which compensator you recommend stock or other kind please let me know if anyone knows which is better thank you

I agree Doug. Terrible engineering from this to outrageous tolerances can bearings,etc. Almost seems they are built to fail. My 2009 Superglide just started jumping on hot start. Hope I can install the correct compensator myself!

I just developed the 'dreaded' stator grommet leak on my Stage 2, 2001 FXDWG! Damn! Any ideas/ tips to fix, without replacing the stator? (which is fine)

I'm hearing Squeaking on firm acceleration on my 08sportster,the forums say to check the compensator and clutch basket?

i'm on my 4th compensator in 9k mi on my 2015 limited , what is going on I've had it with getting these replaced

Doc, I ride a 2015 Roadglide CvO. What is the best compensator for it?

I have a 2005 Dyna Wide. Made it a 95" that has 100 HP. With14K miles. About 8 years ago I had a clicking/ rattling compensator. I found a factory bulletin that says to go 1/8 more turn after recommended torque is reached. Harley bulletin # M-1170 I never heard another clicking or rattling noise since. Look it up and give it a try.

Does the springs need to be replaced at same time? I see springs sold separately 2014 sgs

Doc what do i have change on my 2009 cvo road glide compensator I WOULD LIKE TO PUT A baker in it

what about the compensator in a 2017 twin?

What about a dark horse manowar compensator

Buddy,, you are employed at a dealership ? Because the twin cam started in 1999,,with a 88ci with the available 95 ci model for CVO Bikes and for purchase separately from the SE catalog,, then in 2006 was the start of the “stroked” 96ci twin cam.. which used the same pistons ( bore)as the 95 ci,, bit with longer connecting rods hence the “Stroked”engine ,, your dates are all off along with the compensators for those different configurations... i know all this because i am a cert Harley mechanic ,, and have been riding them and building them for 35 years... my point is to become more respectable so that ppl will trust in what you are saying have all the facts straight ,,, my 2cents...

17 Rking m8...Took my comp off to replace with a low mileage comp assembly. I found a extra flat washer attached on the old comp ramp but the newer one doesn't have this flat washer. I checked parts diagram and manual but it doesn't show extra flat washer on ramp either. What's happening.??? Anyone?

I appreciate these videos but... I have a 2003 CVO Road King with a Screaming Eagle 103 cubic inch motor. The 88 motor started production for model year 1999 through 2006, you don't even show one of those compensators. Don't even show a suitable replacement either. Don't know why you're ignoring the massive number of bikes now needing a new compensator to replace the CRAP comp that harley installed but it would have been helpful information for me. Thanks anyway.

At time 5:50, what is the item call? Does it have it on 2014 Dyna?

Doc do you still answer questions.you have so many blog,it is hard to find you. i will fav this one and check back ,it would be nice to chat with you. thanks richard.

I have a 2016 road king with 15000 kms and my compensator is getting replaced. Very noisey. Not sure why it would go bad at that mileage since they’re supposed to be tough as hell.

What’s in a 2011 heritage softail?

Closeups of the parts would be nice.

After the second HD SE compensator failed the Baker compensator is the Way to GO..09 Ultra with a 103 ...

the up date is still a piece of junk check the arms same old arms add a piece of plastic and a Torrrington bearing the only change at 3000 rpm that oil is going to do what ? does not oil get thrown out and the middle piece is still the same , time to stop being cheap and build one that picks up the oil and lubricates this part , after 104 years it time to start building a bike you can put on high mileage its time to stop the icon bull shit and make a bike that lasts

I need some assistance. My comp is going out or slipping because I’m having start up issues and there’s a knock. What would be a bang for my buck upgraded comp. I got a 2012 Fxdb

Thanks doc I couldn't find anywhere that explained what the deflector was designed for i just new it was to redirect oil. Can't I I purchase a 2014 primary cover and derby cover and not have to glue plastic inside mine? 2012 heritage softail classic 103 built cholo style

My compensator started slipping a lot as I went over 70K. I just had the Scream Eagle kit installed on my 2010 Heritage Softail and what a difference it made.

What kind of hub goes with the bigger springs?

Doc, do you see any reason that I shouldn’t just buy a new rotor/spring pack assembly (part #40356-07) and replace that myself? I see them fairly cheap online. I’m thinking that may fix my compensator noises and hard starts on my 2009 FLHX with 28,000 miles. At least maybe for a little while till that part wears out again?

What do you think about the 2017 compensator on a street glide special

I don't know... With all the vibrations, and heat that are in a Harley engine, is it really a smart thing to rely on a "glued in," plastic part, that's there to be an oiler for such a vital part of the powertrain?

you should do a video on the pros and cons of a solid sprocket compensator eliminator. from what i gather it makes the bike quicker but a little jerky at lower revs which is most noticeable when cornering. also, i've heard that if you go with a solid sprocket you need to avoid gunning your bike all the time because that will put too much strain on the press fit crank

So the first compensator you showed is still on the 99-05 twin cam also?

Well Doc an interesting video. One thing with Harley-Davidson motorcycles you will have a job for life.

As a matter of fact Harley doesn't have a solution for 07 (06 Dyna) TC compensator. Even the SE compensator is useless. There are several other solutions that are being mentioned here. He doesn't talk about the "automatic" chain tensioner which stretches the chain so tight that just about every bearing fails in the primary.

Spring Inversion? Baffled by the orientation of the disc washers taken out of a Compensating cover from a 95 Evo, and trying to identify what a new spring pack has for disc orientation, I had to consider: can the Bellville springs "invert" under load? Reading up at www.vinscospring.com , it turns out, when the outer edge of these springs are contained, or trapped, yes, they can invert. Maybe that explains what I found - all springs oriented in the same direction, or parallel. I find it difficult to see how they are orientated on the new factory pack without dissembling it. At $275.00 , no thanks. Logically they should be 2 pair, back to back.They weren't and that's what led to my original request for help. In my OP, I said they are not back to back based on what I found on a used one. Maybe I am wrong. Perhaps the answer to the appearance of the springs NOT all being " back to back" ( what I believe is termed "in series") was also found in the information on the Vinsco web site. They describe one reason for having parallel orientation is low friction (useful in the HD case) and combining parallel and series orientation to match required needs. Is that what we see, (or can't see) when we look into the edges of a new spring pack? They do not appear to be all back to back (in series) as in the new removable TC HD springs are positioned. Perhaps, the first two discs are back to back, the next two parallel and facing the opposite direction? Could that have allowed #2 dics to "invert", resulting in all discs being pulled from the cover all facing the same direction? I'd like to hear from someone who has pulled apart an early style disc pack, in new condition. Does any of this matter?... probably not. But it is an interesting study into the details of what can crap-out on the seemingly bulletproof early style compensating sprocket system and how they work.

love your videos doc. Just out of curiosity, what is your EDC? I see a pen, a blade; I've also seen you carry a holstered flashlight. What tools do you find yourself always carrying around on your person? I just opened a shop last july and generally just toss tools into my pockets as I go, except for a nice inspection light.

Hay Doc" First of all i love your videos, which are inspiring; having said that, i just sold my 2005 triumph rocket 3, and purchased a 2009 fat bob cvo with the screaming eagle 110cc motor which had been upgraded with the fueling 574 cams and she has 10.000 miles on the clock, and just last week i had to replace the starter clutch with an all balls after market one; Do you know if the compensator in this motor will withstand the power increase, and does the cvo's 110cc screamin eagle package have an upgraded compensator? "Thanks Doc and Be Safe"

2003 124” Fatboy what kind of compensator upgrade options would be best??

Question 09 crossbones making a hooting sound help

i had two Harleys, I pulled the compensators out of both of them. They both ran many thousands of miles since

Hi there! For a Full Stage 1 TC96 (2011 FXD)... should I think about changing the compensator??

Tractor technology at its best?

WHAT ABOUT THE WHINING NOISE ON THE PRIMARY ?

Well, after 2 SE Compensator replacements on my 2007 FLSTN, I've had it with crappy Harley replacement parts and shitty plastic oil scoops... hello! I'm definitely going with a Baker comp this time. You suck Harley! This Compensator issue, along with a long list of weak, poorly engineered parts convince me and many others that Harley is deliberately doing this to soak us for every friggin penny they can. Well, not this kid anymore! My stupid days are over! Did everyone notice that Doc Harley never responds. He knows these comps are junk, but he's got skin in the game. He likes fixing your Hogs every 2 years. Keeps him employed!

Why would I pay HD for a fix that it never should have needed, especially since it's obvious that they still don't have it worked out?

Hi sir how to update the rotor for 2010 Turing model it’s should replace or can remove with some lath machine ? It’s possible? Just need to know how’s the thickness for new model rotor and the spring one ..! Replay me please I’m waiting your valuable advise thanks regard

I'm thinking of buying a 2019 HD Heritage classic with the 114. I have been doing a lot of research into Harleys and their reliability. I live in Canada and can only ride 6 months a year. I ride 35,000KM per season. So every 3 years I ride over 1000,000KM. My current ride is a 2014 Kawasaki Nomad 1700 with 164,000KM on it and I have done nothing to it mechanically except wearable items and gas. It has never broken down and never needed to be fixed. I want to know if I can expect that kind of reliability out of a harley given how many KM's I ride? This will be my retirement motorcycle and I will ride even more then I do now. Can I ride 100,000 to 130,000KM (81,000miles) every 3 years reliably or should I buy another metric (Japanese) bike? I have seen hundreds of RU-vid videos of people having nothing but problems with their new and old Harleys. Everything from Compensator sprocket and Spring pack Failures to the Pressed Flywheel coming out of true by more then .003" damaging the Pinion shaft bearings, the oil pump rotor and the Cam support plate bearings which can cause catastrophic engine failure, Failure of the Two silent chain drives (one to drive the oil pump and one to operate the two camshafts) due to a failure of the Plastic chain Tensioners, Failure of the Oil pumps which are inadequate and only pump out 3-8psi of oil pressure at idle which is close to 0 oil pressure, which is why all Twin Cam engines run extremely hot, Inability to fix Coolant leaks, the location of the Copper Stator is placed in the hottest part of the engine (right up against the left side crankcase, in the Primary drive where heat is the greatest so stators may need to be replaced often, and finally the Starter is behind the hottest rear cylinder and catches a lot of heat instead of being located forward of the engine where its coolest. I have not seen one video of anyone owning a Harley motorcycle that has put Hundred's of Thousands of KM's on their bike and not had to essentially rebuild the whole motor frequently. Is that because their not made to last? I'm not trying to pick on HD motorcycles or be an ass, I just need to know if a Harley could be the right bike for me given the huge number of KM's I ride? I expect to put 500,000KM on this bike in less then 10 years. Thanks for your help.

Hmm, you said the 06 was different than the old style like evo and early twins, but my 06 streetglide has the same one as my evo, my 2000 softail, 2001 twin cam bmc chopper, and fyi my softail runs down big bikes and i beat the hell out of it and its as reliable as anything else and has been all over the country. Built motor, and old simple style compensator

Whats your thoughts on a compensator eliminator? Specifically on a 2008 dyna 96ci

Dark Horse comps. are the way to go for any Harley.

nice