I have a 2009 Ultra and I have been struggling with the amount of noise my engine makes, cold or hot. After seeking some input here, I went ahead and purchased an SE compensator to see precisely what difference, if any, it would make. My main goal has been to reduce the perceived noise coming from the bottom end of my engine. My engine, hot or cold, usually sounded like it was a bag of bolts and ready to explode under aggressive acceleration. It was to a point where riding had become less than a joyful experience. Many have said that this rattling, clanging, banging and buzzing are normal and an integral part of the Harley mystique, but it was getting a bit too much for me.
I was able to purchase the SE compensator at my dealers Open House and get a 20% discount, so that was cool. I do my own wrenching and set about putting this thing in. Based upon measurements I found on thread here, I made my own sprocket locking tool and the only other unusual tool I needed was a 1 3/16th socket. I had a 30mm socket and this worked fine.
First off, let me state that the physical differences between the stock compensator and the SE version are massive. Just looking at them side by side, you would have a hard time imagining both of them doing the same job, let alone fitting in the same space. I followed the manual and everything came apart as expected until I tried to remove the stator housing. The diameter of the housing is too large to simply slide off the crank spline, as there is extra thickness to the inner primary case at this point. I was expecting this because of other posts here and I was also expecting to have to do some grinding. However, I loosened the 6 inner primary bolts by about 4 turns each and achieved enough slack and space to easily remove and replace the new stator housing without any grinding at all.
Everything fit perfectly and went back together with ease. It took me about 3 hours from start to finish.
I took the bike out for a ride and I would have to say that this 'upgrade' cured at least 80% of the problems I was having. I never really had much banging at start up and it wasn't this that concerned me. Starting now however, was quieter and smoother. Selecting gears has improved significantly, with reduced clatter. Riding around, the bottom end of the engine no longer sounds like its ready to fly apart. Acceleration and deceleration are much smoother and quieter too. I put about 200 miles on the new compensator and I am very pleased with the results. It still has the 'normal' top end tapping, but thats another project.
Everyone says it, but I mean it when I say that the SE compensator, in this instance, is by far the best money I have spent on my bike. The joy is back and I wouldn't hesitate to recommend this change. I only hope it does the same for anyone else contemplating the swap.

 

Thanks for the review

 

Great write up. It's always nice to read when something turns out as planned. lol

Another tech in the shop (that wasn't working on my bike) recommended I put in a "SE Compensator" when I did my "SE 103 Stage IV kit". Sounds like he made a great recomendation. The tech that did do they work was like you, amazed at the difference in the stock and SE version.

 

Because you loosened the inner primary bolts, did you have to change any other gaskets? I do not have an engine parts drawing in front of me...

Thanks for the review.

 

I've only had mine rattle a time or two that I know of (accidental bog) but I'll be getting the SE compensator when I build my motor. Thanks for the review.

 

thanks for the write up

 

so even with the new SE compesator there was no grinding of the primary cover as long as you loosened it up

 

I didn't replace any gaskets at all and everything is still dry as a bone.

 

The grinding that might have been necessary was on the INNER primary cover. By loosening the 6 bolts that hold on the INNER primary case, I avoided any grinding at all.

 

Good post, I am very happy with the results I got when I added the SE compensator. It really made difference with my 103 ci with 10.1 to 1 compression. I also added TP rocker boxes and shimmed the rocker shafts to get my valve train noise under control.