HarleyTechTalk

Primary chain and clutch plates/springs are due for replacement this winter on my 1984 FXSB. Was considering going to a solid engine sprocket and tossing the compensator in the spare parts bin.

If I get some quicker spool up that would be a plus. Not expecting anything drastic.

Pros/cons of going to a solid engine sprocket on a daily ridden Shovelhead with a rider who likes to ride a bit spirited from time to time?

The thing that you may notice is a slightly tighter feel from throttle to back wheel. That is if your compensator is really worn out. But most likely you won't notice much. As far as motor performance, you won't see any faster RPM. All that you're doing is taking a slight buffer out if the drive line and replacing it with a solid connection.

I have experience with solid engine sprockets but not on a shovel platform.

And I'm vise versa, I have Shovel Head solid motor sprocket experience, but never have run one on my TC bikes, yet.

You will feel it in the handlebars and notice it in the mirrors. You may also find yourself feeding it light bulbs too.  As for spooling, when under power it'll lock up on the power end and as said, you won't notice the difference other than no harsh hit with the comp.  When you let off or are cruising the comp will float in the range of the ramp and and use the spring to soften the firing of the power stroke with no real power loss.  When you get on it the comp action softens the initial hit and provides protection to the rod bearings and driveline components like the primary chain.  Not having that protection, but getting the the buzz in the grips (and because of the solid mounted drive train sending out chassis vibes that loosen fasteners and encourage cracks etc.) plus loss of use of the view in the mirrors to me is a no brainer.  Harley spent extra $$$ after 1954 adding the compensator for a reason.  I would suggest keeping it.  But that's my opinion and reasons for it.

"You will feel it in the handlebars and notice it in the mirrors."

I'm just trying to imagine THAT...

On my shovel I noticed no difference in vibration. I used a genuine HD as the aftermarket are a loose fit on the Spline. Fees up some rotating weight also . Also ran a 3" belt drive for 16 years. I use a comp on my TC though as much more power. Old pictures shown a stroker that did heaps of miles as a younger man .

Quote from: JSD on January 14, 2025, 04:23:36 PMOn my shovel I noticed no difference in vibration. I used a genuine HD as the aftermarket are a loose fit on the Spline. Fees up some rotating weight also . Also ran a 3" belt drive for 16 years. I use a comp on my TC though as much more power. Old pictures shown a stroker that did heaps of miles as a younger man .

Beautiful bike. I am going thru a lot of winter clean up with mine. Black Thunderheader going away from a chrome one, chrome battery box cover, polishing the rear Fatboy wheel

Solid motor sprocket here on a 93" S&S "Shovel" for the last 22 years. As of yet I have found nothing negative about it. It might be worth noting I also run a Hayden spring loaded primary tensioner.

Quote from: Garystaven84 on January 14, 2025, 05:09:37 PMI am going thru a lot of winter clean up with mine. Black Thunderheader going away from a chrome one, chrome battery box cover, polishing the rear Fatboy wheel

Aw! Just one opinion from the peanut galley, but I think the black looks bitchin'. Same for the battery box. Were it mine, I'd round up the stock 9 spoke rear wheel and a "whole" front fender...
 

Nice looking bike, though. My favorite FX shovelhead.

-JW

QuoteAw! Just one opinion from the peanut galley, but I think the black looks bitchin'. Same for the battery box.

  I replaced all aluminum but the riser cover with chrome after my accident in 03.  As beat up and pitted as that cheap chrome is now I've been debating about selectively blacking out my Franken shovel. I like it then waffle.  That bike is good looking.

I waited till I posted this but..

I switched to solid engine sprocket on my '61 Pan FLH. The only time I can tell the difference is... if I'm lugging it.

My shovel doesn't run compensator either but it's belt drive so I suppose that changes the game a bit. Of the 2 bikes, the pan is the actually smoothest.
Just telling it like it is. Make of it what you will.

Quote from: JW113 on January 18, 2025, 12:08:16 PM

Quote from: Garystaven84 on January 14, 2025, 05:09:37 PMI am going thru a lot of winter clean up with mine. Black Thunderheader going away from a chrome one, chrome battery box cover, polishing the rear Fatboy wheel

Aw! Just one opinion from the peanut galley, but I think the black looks bitchin'. Same for the battery box. Were it mine, I'd round up the stock 9 spoke rear wheel and a "whole" front fender...
 

Nice looking bike, though. My favorite FX shovelhead.

-JW

I really miss my '80/80" FXEF!

This Shovel is my forever bike. Owned it 10 years now and it has never let me down except for a snapped clutch cable. 

My other bike... a 1999 FXDX with a built 95" is a better motorcycle in every way... on paper. But I enjoy riding the Shovel just as much if not more. Something about it really feels good riding it.

I have an evo compensator on my 76 shovel. Works well.

Quote from: capn on January 21, 2025, 04:41:57 AMI have an evo compensator on my 76 shovel. Works well.

Same as 70 on I think an used that style to 06 

I wanted to give the solid sprocket a try but fell short.

I ordered a 24t solid motor sprocket from BMI Karts for low cost. It is manufactured by Dixie Distributing Company. The sprocket slides on with ease. Too loose for my liking on the splines.

Unfortunately, good quality companies no longer make solid motor sprockets for the old Shovels. Vulcan, BDL, Evolution Industries... no one is making them anymore unless it is newer Evo/TC/M8. Getting harder and harder to find good stuff for the old bikes. I tried finding a NOS OEM 40211-55 but nothing out there.

All that is left is loose fitting low quality junk (Dixie, V-Twin, Mid-USA etc).

May just continue with the compensator setup I have which fits good and tight on the splines.

Mine was a little loose too but with a proper clean, Loctite green on spline and Loctite red on the nut. Some time later I pulled the sprocket and was pleased how the Loctite was holding.

Quote from: Garystaven84 on February 06, 2025, 04:08:00 PMI wanted to give the solid sprocket a try but fell short.

I ordered a 24t solid motor sprocket from BMI Karts for low cost. It is manufactured by Dixie Distributing Company. The sprocket slides on with ease. Too loose for my liking on the splines.

Unfortunately, good quality companies no longer make solid motor sprockets for the old Shovels. Vulcan, BDL, Evolution Industries... no one is making them anymore unless it is newer Evo/TC/M8. Getting harder and harder to find good stuff for the old bikes. I tried finding a NOS OEM 40211-55 but nothing out there.

All that is left is loose fitting low quality junk (Dixie, V-Twin, Mid-USA etc).

May just continue with the compensator setup I have which fits good and tight on the splines.

Have you considered European Manufacturers? European quality is seldom negatively remarked upon and there is quite a following of the early HD Motor styles throughout the Continent. You'll never know until you're desperate. The Inter-weeb is your friend. Search for your target product "in Europe" instead of letting Google default to USA. Should get you something to drool over.
Maybe Finn can help direct you?

V-Twin MFG for the win. Very nice tight fit!

I found the after market Taiwan to be loose fitting. I entered the HD part number and found a few available genuine and in the box . Nice tight fit .

QuoteLoctite green on spline and Loctite red on the nut.

 

Quote from: FSG on February 08, 2025, 02:17:15 PM

QuoteLoctite green on spline and Loctite red on the nut.

 

And a good puller to remove later . 

QuoteAnd a good puller to remove later .

     a bit of warm goes a long way