Primary Chain Upgrade : V-Twin Forum: Harley Davidson Forums

HDSG · 09-24-2008, 06:41 AM

I am curious if many out there have taken off the mechanical primary chain tentioner and installed the newer spring loaded adjuster/tentioner. Is it worth the trouble? Are there real advantages to the spring loaded unit? How hard is it to install?
Thanks for the input.

kemo · 09-24-2008, 06:51 AM

I did the HB125 hydralic tensioner. Makes a world of difference in stop and go traffice. Also shifts better and is quiter and smoother. My chain was adjusted proper but you have that slack in it. A lot of people say when the chain is broke in that it does't strecth much more and does't need much attention. I recommend the HB125. Not much of an issue to install.

dog155 · 09-24-2008, 07:15 AM

The hydraulic tensioners are the cats,the bike shifts much better,the chain lasts longer better all around.

TheNowhereman · 09-25-2008, 11:36 AM

The only thing that would make the hydraulic tensioner better is if it would have a gear follower instead of the plastic shoe.
It's always amazed me how a basically good design is never finished and taken to it's potential.
A gear follower will control chain momentum and reduce total stretch by 50% based on gear to gear axis centers.
Maybe I'll come up with a upgrade kit for it.. $$$$

Fred1369 · 09-25-2008, 06:45 PM

after reading some posts here and earlier my HB125 is on order.

hdmarsh77 · 09-25-2008, 06:55 PM

HB-125. That is all I have to say...also, I think Nowhereman might be on to something.

kemo · 09-25-2008, 07:38 PM

That gear on a tensioner sounds like a great idea. They could use it on a cam chain or a primary or any sort of chain.

dog155 · 09-25-2008, 09:06 PM

Not a whole lot of room for a gear in the primary,so far the shoe is doing a great job.

jbxmn · 09-25-2008, 09:34 PM

I've the hayden auto tensioners for years with no problems. They are very easy to install.
95 Road King-M6-85K
98 Fatboy-M6-33K
00 Ultra-M6-65K
00 Roadking-HB125-60K(107"with tons of torque and heavily abused)

route66paul · 09-25-2008, 09:53 PM

The MoCo's version has had some over ratcheting problems, go aftermarket.

compressor#v · 09-26-2008, 06:40 AM

I've had really good luck with the Hayden M-6 tensioners.
On 3 different bikes in the last 16 years have put on over 180,000 trouble free miles. Never adjusted a primary chain, replaced a shoe, added a shim, or needed to replace a chain. All 3 bikes close to or over 100hp, and ridden hard.

machinist · 09-26-2008, 08:12 AM

Put a Hayden in my buddies bike. Ride his ride mine. I really dont see much of a difference.