Took my 2010 Limited in yesterday for 1000mi. fluid change and complained about the horrible noises from the compensator/loud bang when starting/next to impossible to find neutral/frequent difficulty in downshifting into second and first gear. Service writer was very friendly, but was obviously under orders not to do warranty work. He told me that the tech said everything was in specs(must have xray vision as he didn't take off the primary to check torque on the compensator nut)and that he heard no abnormal noises(must also be deaf). I told the Service Writer that it was a safety issue and that I was very disappointed in their lack of concern for their customers and got a blank stare. He said if it gave problems to bring it back. I asked him "why would I bring it here, you can't find a problem and obviously won't honor a warranty". Another blank stare. Paid my bill and left. Won't spend any more money at this dealership.
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Problems with Compensator
- Thread starter Small Fry
- Start date
pineapplepower
New member
I filed a complaint with the NHTSA today.
Thanks for filing a complaint! If every single HD owner who had this problem did the same, we would have a massive recall and ALL owners would get this remedied for FREE by the company, and we would all be safer.
I just got mine back from the dealer (after two weeks in the shop), and I got the SE compensator installed. I had to pay the difference between the stock compensator and the SE compensator unit (about $120), but it definitely sounds better now. Still not happy that it happened in the first place, because it could have been a major catastrophe, maybe involving death or serious injury! I'm taking a long ride tomorrow, so I'll get a better feel for the repair and whether or not it seems to be the right fix.
Ride safe all!
I just got mine back from the dealer (after two weeks in the shop), and I got the SE compensator installed. I had to pay the difference between the stock compensator and the SE compensator unit (about $120), but it definitely sounds better now. Still not happy that it happened in the first place, because it could have been a major catastrophe, maybe involving death or serious injury! I'm taking a long ride tomorrow, so I'll get a better feel for the repair and whether or not it seems to be the right fix.
Ride safe all!
Filing a NHTSA complaint is a simple online form. You will receive an email confirmation. In the event of a fatal accident you will have proof of the complaint. Won't help the rider in the accident, but may help all HD riders down the road. We shouldn't have to pay for an upgrade of an inferior, potentially dangerous, repair. My .02. If enough HD owners filed a NHTSA complaint, HD would be forced to recall. The feds carry a lot of clout. Just ask Toyota.
fascistbaraq
New member
What are the symptoms of the compensator problem. This is my first Harley, a 2010 EGC. I have around 2k miles on it. To me the bike makes all kinds of noises compared to my VTX and Roadliner. I'm not really sure what to be looking for. It does kinda make a knocking noise when engaging the starter but I just thought it was normal.
flapjacks is fun
New member
Symptoms? Loud noises when engaging transmission. Or in my case, pull up to a stop light and just listen to the extreme grinding and noise coming from the transmission case. Pretty unmistakable that there was something major-league loose and flopping around inside the box. Not pretty at all!