I have a 2007 ultra classic with approx 55000 miles. Bike runs great but it is making some rattling noise from the primary. I'm thinking it might be the compensator but what I've been reading says when the compensator is going bad it makes rattling noise and starter will make a clunking noise and it will be hard to find neutral. All I have is the rattling noise. Starter sounds great. Neutral is easy to find. Is the compensatory my problem??

 

Make any noise shutting down ?

 

It could be the chain tensioner and the chain is loose. If you are mechanically inclined, open it up and check it out, or take it to the dealer (or an indy) and have it checked out. Make sure you have the Harley service manual beforehand if you open it up yourself.

Dave

 

I'd lean towards the tensioner being the culprit. Does the noise go away with the clutch pulled in? If yes the inner primary bearing may be the problem. At 55k it's time to pull the primary cover and have a look before something comes loose and wreaks havoc inside the primary or worse gets you hurt. I did a big bore for a guy on an 08 street glide with about 62k on it. Pulled the primary to do the lock up on the clutch and found the compensator was junk, the tensioner was shot and the bolts were so loose they were bent, actually I think that's all that kept them from coming completely out. After removing the comp and clutch basket I found the clutch hub splines were half broken. Then I found the main drive gear bearing was shot. It was so shot for so long it ruined the bearings in the trap door as well. What started out as a simple 107 big bore turned into a complete tranny and primary rebuild...luckily he's a single guy and had a big enough contingency budget...not saying all that is wrong with yours but saying do not ignore bad noises.

 

No noise shutting down