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Tensioner

2427 Views 18 Replies 10 Participants Last post by  Geezer-Glide
Has anyone installed the automatic primary chain tensioner that Harley sells? I was thinking of getting one if they are worth it and installing it on my Road Glide.
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I just had one installed on my Dyna when I had the 6-Speed tranny put in.
I only have 600 miles on it but it seems like things don't go "clunk" when I
shift like it used to. I still need some more miles to evaluate it.
FULLDRAWMIKE said:
Has anyone installed the automatic primary chain tensioner that Harley sells? I was thinking of getting one if they are worth it and installing it on my Road Glide.

Mike,

I have one on my 02 RK. So far so good.

The wrench at my dealership says his experience is 50/50 meaning on half of the bikes he's installed the autotensioner on they perform correctly, on the other half, they tighten up and won't self adjust.

YMMV.

regards,
wyo
I put the hydraulic tensioner on 2 fat boys and they worked great. My neighbor who owns a hydraulic products company just raved about the design I think he was sorry he didn't think of it.

Simple installation and what a great excuse to get up close and personal with your primary!
Why not just put a non harley tensioner. They been around longer. Don't know if its warranted or not, but here more complaints about HD brand. Some say its over complicated.

Like most things your probably better off after market.
HB-125 Hydraulic

I put an HB-125 hydraulic tensioner in my bike about 7-10k miles ago.

They're great. When stopped then you put it in 1st, there is no more clunk, shifting between gears, much smoother. Also, when you are cruising along and let off the gas then back on, it eliminates the 'slack' in the drivetrain.

Definately worth every penny. I have heard the hydraulics work better than the spring types.

Do a search on Hayden M-6 vs. Hb-125
Where did you get the HB125? I have to remove primary for leaks and think I will install at this time. Been looking for HB125. J&P carries some kind of generic version. Plus I am sure there are cheaper places out there.
berserker said:
Where did you get the HB125? I have to remove primary for leaks and think I will install at this time. Been looking for HB125. J&P carries some kind of generic version. Plus I am sure there are cheaper places out there.

I just ordered one from here.

I don't know if it's the cheapest place though.
I've got the HD on mine. Smoother shifting and no problems so far (2000 miles)
csoday said:
I've got the HD on mine. Smoother shifting and no problems so far (2000 miles)
Unless I am mistaken were you not one of the people who said jsut maintain your equipment?

As for brands, I don't brand loyality gets you far. My goal is pretty much replace the weak parts with non HD parts.

Only reason I would consdier going with HD was maybe they have had time to look at others peoples design. That and they have more to risk by putting in bad tensioner.

That being said I am still looking at HB125.
CS- Whats next gears?
I got it from Fog Hollow a couple years ago, here's a link to one:

http://www.wallyscycleworld.com/virtualshop/vsquery_new.asp?PVMID=98&PVSID=508

They have a better description here:

http://www.foghollow.com/cgi-bin/ca...unction=Search&submit=Search&cgifunction=form


Like I said, worth every penny.

Once you have the primary cover off, it takes about 20-30 minutes to install. It takes about 5 miles to prime- (fill with oil) Once it's primed it never needs to again.

Make sure you take note of where each primary cover bolt goes- they are a few different lengths. You also have to take 2 of the bolts out of the primary chain inspection cover- they go all the way through to the inner primary.

You won't find a torque spec for the bolt that holds the unit to the rear of the inner primary. Make sure to clean the bolt off, use blue loctite and torque to 16 ft/lbs. It helps to thread the bolt 2x to spread the loctite onto both sides of the thread.
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berserker said:
Unless I am mistaken were you not one of the people who said jsut maintain your equipment?
I was doing the 3.37 anyway so I figured I'd give it a try. Figured I would just see why all the bitchin' about the HD version was about.
As for brands, I don't brand loyality gets you far. My goal is pretty much replace the weak parts with non HD parts.
My goal is to prove all the HD complainers are just that, complainers.
Only reason I would consdier going with HD was maybe they have had time to look at others peoples design. That and they have more to risk by putting in bad tensioner.

That being said I am still looking at HB125.
..........
berserker said:
CS- Whats next gears?
When you're riding a GoldWing, I'll consider gears.
csoday said:
When you're riding a GoldWing, I'll consider gears.
That was a cheap shot.
WallyCylce world had it for $80. Ordered it. Most places seem to have it for it $80.
csoday said:
When you're riding a GoldWing, I'll consider gears.

Berserker - Can't believe you would let him get away with a shot like that without a response! :roflback: :roflback:
LongRide said:
Berserker - Can't believe you would let him get away with a shot like that without a response! :roflback: :roflback:
It was a Saturday morning, I was feeling little slow.

Got tensioner this weekend. $95 with shipping. Primary is of right now so will probably be a while before I can say say how it I like it.
I put the HD on 500 miles ago. Checked it yesterday, that chain sure is TIGHT! Friend of mine who works at my local HD says his is tight too. (The chain that is) So I guess we'll see. If I drain 2 qts out of my primary next time, I can count on changing the tranny seal out too!
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