I have a 2009 Ultra Classic and have just had a sound
start and just noticing it. I would call it a clatter, when I release
the clutch this CLATTER is audible in the 2000-2500 rpm range.
It goes away until I shift into the next gear and here we go again,
and it goes away again until the next gear. No sounds while riding
or cruising along until I twist more throttle and then it tapers off.

I am wondering if this is the dreaded compensator or a clutch
tweaking off???? No noticeable vibration or performance fall-off
just the audible noise.

 

May be simply the chain tensioner.

 

That has crossed my mind also, I have wondered if a way
to jump it (ratchet) the tensioner if it was loose other that
going in and replacing it.

 

Toad,

What your describing is why I just changed my compensator. It had the bang on start but it was starting to get really noisy in that range.

I had know idea how bad it was. Feels like I have a whole new bike. Over time I had not realized how soft the bike had gotten on take off. Almost felt like the clutch was slipping.

Hope it is the tensioner but it's not that much more work to do the comp once you have the primary cover off. If you're doing the work yourself.

 

Wondering about all in the primary to be honest, she has right
at 50k now and that whole operation is on my mind.

 

Yep, basically rebuilt everything inside the primary cover, Compensator,
Clutch assembly, and Tensioner. Comp was bad, Clutch had a broken spline,
and replaced tensioner just because already in there. Yep, rode like a NEW
beast. My thoughts of trading are out the window, she is paid for and running
like a champ. Well, gotta go ride................yes, I GOTTA!!!!