Bike Talk motorcycle forum

Couldn't get on the shovel forum today because they are revamping it. Apparently, some of the members have been indulging in some very bad comments & language, either political, racial, or hate related in some way.
I personally & thankfully didn't see any of that.

I have to totally agree with the shovel folks who administrate the forum.
Just thought I'd mention it in case any Bike Talk guys might use the shovelhead forum, too.

Hello, I have been riding and rebuilding bikes for myself & friends for over 30yrs. My first bike was a 72' Sportster with a 12" over front end. After 3 months I tore it completely apart and rebuilt the top end and sent out everything to be chromed. Took the tube front end off and replaced it with a 13" over Girder front end. Took off the old wiring harness and rewired the whole bike myself, all this was done in a friends garage with the help of his father who had been a Pipe Fitter and had been building bikes while I was just a "Little ****". He had been in the process of building a Trike with a Volkswagon Engine for a power plant while I rebuilt my bike. He would give me advise and ideas, but no help as he said "You learn more by doing it yourself". He painted the bike for me though!...

Animated chase video, lots of fun.
RUIN on Vimeo

Finally, a new ride. 2005 FXSTI with a fair amount of added extras. I am very very happy.

how necessary is it to change the compensator and what does it do?