Twin Cam Compensator Failure and What You Can Do About It

Compensator failure is no secret and a big issue on Twin Cam engines. This is what happens when the factory puts a part from an 80 cubic inch engine on a 103 cubic engine. You can fix it and even eliminate the problem forever. OEM compensators are prone to failure, especially on the Twin Cam 96. Now while there was a new alternate OEM part number to fix the issue it never completely fixed the problem. When you start adding power and torque to your motor this only increases strain on the compensator. We're going to look at what the options are and how you can even eliminate the compensator altogether.

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Bikes on the channel:

Motorcycle: 2016 Harley-Davidson Sportster XL1200CP (Sportster 1200 Custom)

Custom Parts Installed:
Screamin' Eagle Heavy Breather air cleaner
Harley-Davidson Reach Seat
Harley-Davidson Chrome and Rubber Collection grips
Drag Specialties Offset Clevis Footpeg Conversion Kit
Aftermarket Detachable Back Rest
Harley-Davidson Air Flow timing cover
Harley-Davidson Air Flow clutch cover
Screamin' Eagle spark plug wires
Screamin' Eagle spark plugs
Flipped Down Stock Mirrors

Motorcycle: 2017 Harley-Davidson Sportster XL1200X (Sportster Forty-Eight)

Custom Parts installed:
Harley-Davidson Factory Security System
Screamin' Eagle Exteme Billed Air Cleaner (Black)
Harley-Davidson Burst Collection Foot Pegs
Harley-Davidson Burst Collection Grips
Harley-Davidson Burst Collection Shifter Peg
Screamin' Eagle spark plug wires

[lg]

That shelf holding all those fluids in the background could sure use a quality compensator.

[stuartbuckley]

That Baker sounds like the best option to me. Thanks for the great information.

[garycarvis]

dont forget you can also change yer final gearing with a comp eliminator...made a huge diff on my breakout

[paulwisuri]

July 2020: I replaced SE compensator on my 2013 103-stage 2 with a Man O-War. This year & 15, 000+ miles later, I replaced the 103 with a 120ST based on a video of yours. The Man O-War had no noticeable wear. It's now on the 120 and quiet as before. Very happy with the product as I ride the bike hard, lots of W-O-T and clutch less shifting.

[douglaw]

Just found your site. Great info but above all, you.. I'm 73 and ride a 2004 FXDL. Hydraulic cam chain tensioners kit just completed at 62000km by Motorcycles and More in Kingston, On, Ca. Leaving on a solo trip from Kingston to Calgary and back Aug 01.

[jimedward]

These vids are very informative without being too long and wordy; the important info is conveyed efficiently to the viewer. Keep 'em coming and thanks for posting this.

[octavioquilichini]

Your videos are very enlightening and highly appreciated. I was looking for a more comfortable ride, and your video on the Switchback conviced me. Yes, it was hard to find, and it was somewhat neglected, but with only 14000 miles I and all the accessories, it was an unresisistable offer. This week changed that automatic primary tensioner for an SE manual one which brings me to the topic at hand. The compensator is asking for a replacement. After reading the reviews on that Man O War from Dark Horse, I believe it's the way to go. Yes, it may be more expensive, but in the long run, being that it's serviceable might save some $$ in the long run. Thanks for your advice.

[danonoveh]

Up until now no problems with my comp on my 07 96ci but only 23k miles, I hope it stays this way, thanks for the great videos Gix

[James-fksb]

Dark horse makes a amazing compensator for a fuzz over cost of screaming eagle. It’s also serviceable for about $40 instead of needing a new compensator years later

[wolfemanbog]

So far in all my YouTube studying and searching for Harley stuff you have the best info also easy to find !!

[Jameswest]

You left out the best option that's from Dark Horse the man of war compensator great affordable price best option on the market

[aragos]

Another sign of them going out is hard starting when the engine is warm. Just started experiencing that myself.

[ccollins]

I shared my compensator nightmare in one of your last videos but the gist of it was it exploded my starter gear which got lodged under the clutch hub assembly and the chain which prevented the ability to push start.

The only thing I would like to add here about compensator eliminators is that even a compensator will crack the teeth off of the stock clutch hub assembly on the main transition shaft meaning that if you pull the clutch basket flip it over and look at it You're going to see gears missing on a normal stock unit....The compensator eliminator is going to double or triple the stress on these gear teeth so if you're going to run a comp eliminator and you're going to keep a stock clutch hub assembly you're going to shred it in no time. If you've priced billet clutch hub assemblies you might change your mind about running a comp eliminator. Just my two cents from someone who's seen clutch hub assembly teeth shredded from just a standard compensator.

[STIFFRIDES]

I just replaced my compensator this weekend. Unfortunately due to funds I had to go with the drag specialties, which is a three-piece kit direct replacement of the stock unit in my 2009 103 electric glide police. Bike runs amazing though, the wife and I did 162 miles on Sunday. Feels like a brand new bike at 72, 000 miles.

[quackbeck]

What is your opinion on the BDL eliminator.
I put one in my 2006 88TC about 6 years ago. Love it.
Also run a sidecar with the Champion reverse kit.

[unclemikeb]

I'm slowly being convinced NOT to upgrade the HP on my 2000 wide glide.

You are talking here of problems with the compensator. Mine has 85, 000 on the OEM and no trouble. Sure as I swap for the S&S 509 cam you recommended in another video, I'll start having problems. Plus, the local harley guy tells me if I install the 509 cam it will be opening the valves a fraction higher which means the stem will move farther into an area previously untouched. The slightest bit of debris or grit there will soon damage the valve seals and then I will be burning oil.

Thanks for the reviews, I greatly appreciate them and will save all your videos for future reference.

[briana]

Most other brands have the buffering built into the clutch basket.

[franklucas]

Vulcan has a compensator eliminator along with a Hayden tensioner and BAM you got a rocket

[StreetGlide]

I swapped out my broken OEM compensator out with a Baker Compensator and installed a Baker manual primary chain tensioner about two years ago. Both were found broken when I pulled my inner primary out here last month. Went back with a Darkhorse Man O War motorsprocket and original chain tensioner.

[arthurevans]

08 FLSTC found broken compensator spring. Is inside rotor spring cup.Swapped to drag specialty rotor w. Spring and now goes into neutral pretty easy. Lots better that before barley ever could find neutral, took possibly 5 tries or more if ever went to neutral. Also adjusted the primary chain adjuster is manual adjustment not auto