Tri-Glide problem alerts

Bikerbozo

Class Clown
Jun 9, 2010
4,579
907
Coram, NY
Name
Andrew
Unofficial, of course. With 15,000 miles on my 2010 Tri-Glide, The Compensator Sprocket just had to be replaced. Luckily problem found at regular service. My H-D mechanic thinks they are making them (and clutch pack for it) out of weak metal. He showed me the wear on it. The owner told him to call The Factory and find out if they have any suggestions for future replacements. It had Screaming Eagle in it and that's what replacement is.

On another note. Ignition Switch replaced for 2nd time. Starter Motor turns on at random times. Not engaging, but still annoying.

Mechanic tells me they are sealed units and made in Mexico. He looked up in the computer and found a massive amount of these replaced under warranty. Doesn't know what The Factory will do in future (certainly not a recall).:blahblah::Joker3:
 
What oil have you been running in the primary? I know the SE compensator is sensitive on what oil is used. There are some folks running ATF and Redline MTL or their chain case oil that have noticed high wear on the ramps of the compensator. So far it seems Harley Formula+ has been the best for the primary with 20w-50 V-Twin rated oil right behind.
 
Another + for NAFTA and cheap imports!
Just glad warranty will take care of it.
What is used for lube is a good point, IMHO. Syn3 was my choice on my Harley's I owned. 47K on my Ultra when I sold it and no problems ever, although the cam chain tensioner pads did require replcement @ 40K.
 
Using Syn3. I forgot another issue to bring up also. Recently, my alarm has been acting weird sometimes. When I mentioned it to mechanic, he asked if I keep my cell phone in my pocket. Apparently, the alarm key fob and cell phones are on very close frequencies and can interfere with each other. My phone was replaced recently and problem started after that with "new" reconditioned phone (warranty replacement).
 
Using Syn3. I forgot another issue to bring up also. Recently, my alarm has been acting weird sometimes. When I mentioned it to mechanic, he asked if I keep my cell phone in my pocket. Apparently, the alarm key fob and cell phones are on very close frequencies and can interfere with each other. My phone was replaced recently and problem started after that with "new" reconditioned phone (warranty replacement).

Hope your next compensator will last, must have had a dud from the get go.
 
The H-D mechanic thought the early wear was due to all my snow riding, but I don't buy that. I was very careful to not let wheel slip and grab, which is what he said wear patterns looked like.
 
I noticed in the service requirements that the compensator gets an inspection at 20k miles. I'm thinking it's something that would be in the weak link category. I have a 2010 triglide and have not had a problem yet.
 
I piked up my 09 Ultra/CSC after having the 103 Big Bore upgrade today. I have complained since day ONE on how my bike cranked(Loud Bang). The Dealer always said -Oh thats normal- Well I had the compensator replaced with the Screaming Eagle compensator when Big Bore was installed. Here's some pictures of my compensator after 7800 miles. I asked the dealer DOES THIS LOOK NORMAL? Needless to say a warranty claim is being made!
 
I piked up my 09 Ultra/CSC after having the 103 Big Bore upgrade today. I have complained since day ONE on how my bike cranked(Loud Bang). The Dealer always said -Oh thats normal- Well I had the compensator replaced with the Screaming Eagle compensator when Big Bore was installed. Here's some pictures of my compensator after 7800 miles. I asked the dealer DOES THIS LOOK NORMAL? Needless to say a warranty claim is being made!

No that doesn't look normal, there is a reason why HD is using the SE compensator on all their 103" touring line right from the factory. The stock compensator which comes on the 96" isn't the most robust piece as you found out by all the banging it did when you would start the engine. With the SE compensator there is 0 banging at startup. I inspected the SE compensator from my 10 Triglide with 10,000 miles and my dads 09 Triglide with 20,000 miles and both were in great condition with no real signs of wear.
 
If the compensator looked like this at 7800 miles as a bike I can just imagine how it would look as a trike. Whats so bad about this is that the dealers are saying they have contacted Harley and this loud start is due to the position of the crankshaft at the time it cranks and this is normal. The dealer won't even take the cover off and look at it. When you ask if they have had problems with the compensator they say no we have replaced hardly any. Well that's probably due to them telling everyone it's normal. After looking at mine I would advise anyone with a 96 engine and a loud bang when starting to check the compensator as soon as possible!
 

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