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Harley Compensator Noise Explained: Why Your Bike Sounds Broken

Mark Young - Outside The Box

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Harley compensator noise can sound like your engine is about to fail — but in many cases it’s a weak spring pack, not a catastrophic problem. In this video I play the exact clunk and rattle so you can compare it to your bike, explain what the compensator actually does, and show you how to tell normal Harley primary noise from a real issue on Twin Cam and early Milwaukee-Eight models.

You’ll hear the cold-start and hot-idle knock that has so many riders worried, learn the common causes (worn springs, loose compensator nut, primary chain tension), and get clear guidance on when it’s safe to keep riding versus when it’s time to replace or upgrade the compensator.

What you’ll learn:
• How the compensator works as a shock absorber for engine pulses

• Why 2006–2011 96" Twin Cams are especially prone to this noise

• Cold-start knocking vs. failing compensator symptoms

• Simple diagnostic steps you can do at home

• When to replace vs. when an upgrade (like Screamin’ Eagle or aftermarket) makes sense

If you’ve been searching for “Harley knocking noise primary,” “Harley compensator rattle,” or “Harley sounds broken at idle,” this video should save you time, money, and unnecessary stress.

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Comment with your year, model, and the noise you’re hearing so we can compare notes.

#HarleyCompensator #HarleyDavidson #MotorcycleRepair

DISCLAIMER: All content is provided for informational and entertainment purposes only. Mark Young makes no warranties or guarantees regarding the accuracy or completeness of the information presented. Any actions taken based on this content are done strictly at your own risk. Mark Young assumes no liability for any injury, damage, loss, or consequences resulting from the use or misuse of the information in this video, its comments, or any associated platform. This content is not a substitute for professional advice.

20 Comments

@MarkYoungOTB Creator 7 months ago Pinned

Be honest — does your Harley knock louder on cold start or at hot idle? Drop your year + model below 👇 Let’s compare notes and help each other diagnose it.

@AmericaFirst2020 1 month ago

Harley should've had a recall on this very poor design problem for these specific years. I've had 3 bikes, every one of them had this problem before reaching 10k miles, but sounded much worse. Nothing new, the quality goes down but the price goes up.

@kdarnit 2 years ago

Mark thank you for the reply, I still have the Hayden tensioner in my 2014 fat boy, I did have to drain a little oil to get this to work, but I'm leaving it alone until the next service interval, it's winter here until April, I'll address it then.

@leewarry8641 4 years ago

I've had Harleys since 85 & never had a problem with a compositor yet on my evo ,or 05 sporty ,08 fat Bob, or my o13 street Bob. All of witch have high millage, the problem is lack of real mantince as in look or over tightened primary chain ,incorrect clutch adjustment & rear belt adjustment .my fat Bob has 130k klm on it with a sidecar ,never had a problem .my street Bob has 50k on it never had primary cover off ,my evo I sold at 120k not a thing wrong .I admit I don't do burnouts but I do ride hard & long distance .

@Anthony-kj2vl 2 months ago

Exactly what my 2010 he Electra glide does and is getting worst with noise on start and turning off

@brettlowery3121 5 years ago

As far as the 110 goes I know they have the same compensator as the 96 cubic inch they got the same crank they got a lot of same parts you would think with a bigger engine that they would beef up some of that stuff but they didn't and while you're in there instead of replacing the compensator with the original one you might as well go with a heavy duty compensator

@donsvideos1985 5 years ago (edited)

mine broke on my 02 Heritage 88" at 52k miles and it sounded much worse. I thought it was the lifter running dry on startup. I was afraid to even test drive it but after much head scratching and inspecting we took out the clutch and primary chain plus the compensator and it seemed fine. My son was holding the compensator and turned it over to set it on the work bench and it fell apart. The spring pack was completely busted. No warning at all, it seemed fine at first. We had loaded it on a trailer to bring it to my my son's home about 400 miles and it made the noise on startup to park it after unloading. It sounded perfect when he started it and road it up on the trailer. The only thing I can think was when we loaded it my son left it in gear and all the bouncing around to the driveline finished off what time and use had already started. I felt really bad because I was giving my old bike to my son. I tried to take it back home and fix it but he would not have it. He said It was fine and if he fixed it he would feel better. It runs fine now!

@metatronmen2431 6 years ago

I have a 2007 with 96ci and mine dont make any noise in the start or stop of the engine, mine you can hear the noise when It shift gears fast, riding like grandpa is ok but if you kick it a bit you hear it and also feel it in the reaction of the bike.
Thank you for the videos.

@nickmoore996 5 years ago

Very good radio voice 👌🏻
Not the noise I’m hunting down but great video 👍🏻

@luistrenche939 5 years ago

Yeap, so if you know anyone with the same noise please take the bike home and check it, and if everything is good all you loose if about an hour of labor and a few bucks in primary oil. Be safe everyone

@martincvitkovich724 4 years ago

get rid of the automatic chain adjuster. They will tighten too tight and puts stress on the front sprocket/bearing etc

@SmOoThYwOoDy 1 year ago

My 103 cubic inch motor in a 09 clanks and clunks when starting off in first gear and when I turn it off. But I'm going with the Man of War compensator.

@dougfresh1341 5 years ago

Gave you a "Like" just for the narration. You sound like one of those radio Financial guys. I don't mean that in a bad way. :-)
Easy Compensator fix, buy a Darkhorse ManOWar. Reliable, rebuildable, smooth. Problem solved for the life of the bike.

@chillinwithpoots 3 years ago

THANK YOU!!!!!! My 03 dyna is doing this and i thought i toasted the engine because it sounded like rods knocking lol

@lowrider1960 2 months ago

Great Video, thank you

@nazdak691 4 months ago

Thanks for the info.

@raytheElectrician 5 months ago

Mine sounds like that since I bought it. Time for a change 2011 Heritage softail classic

@alexreinhardt6971 5 months ago

0:32 incorret. The 6 speed came out with the 88 ci in 2006 on the dyna's. 2007 was the 96 ci and 6speed

@dallaspirate5093 5 years ago

Wish I'd thought to record mine just for educational purposes. The high pitch whine with the splat/klunk and smoke puff typically didn't happen more than 2 or 3 times before turning over. 600 mi later (43K total) noticed the fluid leak, and made it 50 mi to HD. Busted springs, missing teeth and metal shavings EVERYWHERE. Next time I see her, it'll be corrected.