The Chopper Compendium

I recently learned about someone replacing a compensator sprocket with a regular sprocket.
I understand the purpose of compensator sprocket is to reduce shock to drive components,
by causing the application of the torque load from the crankshaft to the drive system, to be more gradual.

Supposedly, the reason for the switch is to give better (more immediate) throttle response/control.

Any thoughts or experience with this?

Comments or advice?

This seems to be a trouble area generating a lot of work for the dealers, and headaches for the owners.

I am considering installing a 2" belt drive. I am not replacing anything, just starting from scratch.

http://www.harley-davidsonforums.com/fo ... ubles.html

good info in the thread.

I talked again with the people I mentioned.
They replaced an open belt drive system with an enclosed chain drive, and did not use a compensator sprocket.

I don't know for sure but aren't belt drives more of a solid connection they use the belt to absorb the shock I thought . if a chain didn't have one I would think it might be a little harder on the chain adjuster but with the modern hydrolic adjuster as long as tranny shifts alright and you can get neutral you should be alright never tried it though so i couldn't say with 100 percent certanty

Back when I was young and dumb I had to pull the compensators off my strokers they wouldn't stand more than about 90 horsepower. It's really upsetting to have the front about a foot in the air at 60 miles per and hear zippppppp crunch Zippppp and have the front slammed down like you chopped the throttle suddenly.
Dusty

not sure why the drive system was changed.

makes sense that big HP/torque would be hard on a compensator, now that it is mentioned by Dave.

I'm wondering if there is any worthwhile benefit to replacing a compensator with a regular sprocket.
This guy replaced a belt pulley with a reg sprocket.
Haven't had time to ask the right question of him.

look at a car clutch disc and note how strong the coil springs are that make up their compensator !!