How do you know when it's time to replace a compensator sprocket? There seams to be a lot of free play in my drive line. With the bike in 1st you can roll it about 6 inches before it stops. I'm replacing the clutch this week end and thought I should check while the primary's open.

 

Has any one had to replace the compensator sprocket?

 

What exactly are you calling the compensator sproket? If you are talking about the primary chain tensioner, it is a nylon shoe, not a sproket.

 

If it is the tensioner shoe your talking about its time to replace it when you can no longer adjust the primary to spec.
With your high mileage I would say it would be a good idea to change it while your in there anyway.

 

The compensator sprocket is primary drive sprocket. It is designed, to allow some free play in the primary chain during acceleration.

 

I'll have to check that out, I thought it was just a solid sproket. Does it slip or is it spring loaded? How does it work?

edit: Google is my friend!

 

I removed the primary cover and discovered that there is a solid drive sprocket. Turns out that only big twins have compensator sprockets.