Compensatorages

[fuzznut5197]

I started tearing the bike apart yesterday, and noticed that the compensator uses every inch of those ramps. That brings up the question, how do you know when the spring has weakened enough to warrant replacement? And with all these bigger motors running around, why hasn't the aftermarket produced a more stout version? I see SE has one, but only for post '06 bikes, what about us guys with our pre '06 obsolete, vintage, historical bikes?

[05softail]

Good question.
Just this summer I've noticed what I think felt like the comp bottoming out at times. A couple years ago I shimmed the comp nut with all the talk about loose nuts and the tsb. I used a .090 shim as it was the only one the dealer had in stock. At the time the ramps only looked to be using aprox 3/4 of their travel. I plan on replacing mine with an oem assembly when I install the chrome inner primary housing and shifter shaft seal. I'd also be interested in an aftermarket replacement but can't complain since springs do fatigue and those ramps wear from constant sliding. At 40k I figure it as a preventive maintenance item.

[ederdelyi]

I'll be the first to admit I have never seen a spec on the spring pressure for the compensator assy and I've never found the need to actually measure it. Usually if the dogs are worn or chewed up you replace the whole enchilada and all is well. For non street driven high power applications I go direct with no compensator. That said, the spring setup is of a type that is pretty bulletproof ... I can't imagine the primary getting hot enough to un-temper that spring without there being some other serious problems ... ever seen the stacked cup washer setup on the old Maico dirt bikes? PITA to work on, but bulletproof.

IIRC, BDL makes a chain compensator setup that uses teflon discs vice steel spring. I've never used one and I don't know that it's any better or worse than the stock setup. Also, Eagle (motors?) and a couple of other big inch specialists had some mods for the compensator, but IIRC that was mostly to prevent the compensator from being launched into high orbit rather than reducing/eliminating slippage. Maybe some of the big inch guys will jump in and enlighten us with their experience.

[skyhook]

good stuff...my first guru when I was 22 said he liked weak clutch and compensator...if we make them stout, engine, belt and tranny are more likely to break...this was evo's so not sure if it still applies...also I like the stock comp on my 115/115 motor cause I can hear when it bottoms....I have '08 stock bottom end and smooth loading/unloading of the drivetrain is a must

[fuzznut5197]

OK, sounds like it's really a non-issue. I will push that aside and find something else to worry about.