About 60% of the time I hear a loud noise coming from the primary cover when I go to start the engine. However sometimes the bike will start with no noise at all. On and off problem, any idea on the issue? I thought it was the starter so I replaced it.

 

Sounds like your compensator to me. Do a search for such and read some threads. You will probably see some familiar stories and gain some idea about what to do next.

 

"Loud noise" coves a lot of territory. Is it a loud bang, or crack? Is it a grinding noise? Something else? YOU know, no one else does.

 

Like post directly above, what exactly does the 'loud noise' sound like? your description was pretty vague.

you could record it w/ your phone (video), upload to Youtube, post a link here.

 

i get it too sometimes....its like a loud bang, not backfire bang although i have that sometimes too...not a grinding, almost like a metal on metal banging two frying pans together....lol

 

Betting the farm it's your comp...swap w/SE comp nd you're good.

 

Hey throttle, sound a lot like this? couple of before and after....thats what mine sounds like....
ok, here's the next question, how bad does it have to get before swapping it out. i have a 2013 flhtk, doesn't it supposed to have the upgraded compensator? which is better to put in SE or Baker?

 

good questions.

I think the 2013s have the SE already (?) are you hearing a knock on startup like the video?

My 08 does it, putting in a new comp next Spring for sure. havent' decided Baker or SE yet. Leaning at SE due to cost.

 

yeah F150, sounds pretty much exactly like that. I'll ask the stealer about it when they switch out the bike frame. sometimes, really hard to get that first roll over crank too....

 

Big difference in price between the SE and Baker kits. I'm also leaning toward the SE for that reason. Putting mine in this winter along with a new starter drive clutch for good measure.