Many will say that "the stock tensioner works just fine, save your money"

I'll agree with that, but if you want ot tinker and try diffrent tensioner methods, I'd say the HB 125 has more features than the M-6, but the M-6 *is* theoreticly less likely to have mechanical failures. Fewer parts, less chance of issues.

I personally run the HB-125. Both units use spring tension to control chain lash, but the HB-125 adds a hydraulic dampner. Like a springer front end, which has a better ride, a basic springer, or a springer with a shock absorber?

Both the M-6 and HB 125 have good features and will do the job. it all falls to you and how you want your bike built. read the instructions, follow the instructions, and always wear sunscreen.

 

Have you considered the new MoCo version? P/N 40063-05 and $99.95 MSRP, should be able then to pick it up for about $80. I have no idea of the quality of the new unit but there is advantages to sticking with H-D parts if a warranty issue ever came to be.

 

Wow..that one looks alot more complicated than even the HB 125...I'd have to hold one in my hand and see how it was supposed to work before I'd install one in my bike..

 

I have the 125. Works great, I'd do it again.

 

Wow..that one looks alot more complicated than even the HB 125...I'd have to hold one in my hand and see how it was supposed to work before I'd install one in my bike..

I agree with you. If I was going to do one, it would be the HB 125. The HD one looks very complicated, and like you, would want to see one, and hold it in my hands first. Don't get its design from the picture at all.

 

Yea... let HD get a few more miles with those under their belt.... I don't want to be a guinna pig. The HB-125 is looking pretty good right now. Really wish I knew why the MOCO went with these.... I guess by leaving all those backrest and sideplates off the '06s they could afford to drop these in the primary.

Maybe our new sponsor (CycleCustomizing.com) can kick me a good price on an HB-125????

 

Another vote for the HB-125 here.

It clunks into gear less often, and driveline slack is much improved.

 

Looks like they only have the M6.......

Maybe our new sponsor (CycleCustomizing.com) can kick me a good price on an HB-125????

Accel M6 Chain Tensioners

Automatically adjust the tension of the primary chain. Provide constant and even tension, which improves gear shifting. Reduce shifting noise; makes for a smoother ride. Extend primary chain life. Made in the U.S.A.

[M6-BT-01] For 01-04 Big Twin
Fits: 01-04 Twin Cam
$90.55
($109.95)

 

I've had my M-6 for about 10,000 miles now. Just checked it during my 30,000 mile service on my 04' Ultra. Everything looks great and no excessive shoe wear. It uses springs. How much simpler and reliable can ya get?

I like it.

 

I have had the M6 and the twin cam version on two bikes ,, a total of 47k on the glide and 37k on the lowrider ,,,, total of 84 thousand miles. I have never had to touch either bike... and have done inspections inside the primary every 30k....... they are the best thing since sliced bread ... it makes service a drain and pour deal ........At 47k the sprockets on the glide looked great ,, i swapped out the primary chain just because chains dont last forever.......I recomend the auto shoe for any HD ......rat

 

At foghollow.com, the HB125 is $83.95, the M-6 is $80.95. They listr a replacement M-6 shoe for $10.95. No replacement show listed for the HB-125.


Keep your eyes out there on the net, you CAN find them for less...

 

When I went with the M-6 unit, the Hb-125 was the new kid on the block and people had fears that the hydraulic unit would foul due to debris from the clutch plate floating in the oil.

I went with the M-6 because of its simple, proven, reliability...but since then the 125 unit has proven itself in many bikes and I wouldn't have the fear of installing one in a future bike.

I honestly don't think you can go wrong with either one.

 

The 125 unit stood up to my 117 so I give it a thumbs up. Having said that I did have some problems with it pumping up after service. I ended up pulling the cover each time and re-priming it as the 117 would punish it if I did not. Not sure if that has happend to others. I have not seen that happen to mild builds though??

 

I'm in for the M-6. Its simple design provided smooth operation on the RK for 68K miles before replacing the shoe. I don't see the need to complicate something that works well.

 

M-6

I'll vote for the M-6 as well. Much simpler, and IMHO and experience, the M-6 is better than the 125.

 

found the M6 at Wally's for $69.00 plus shipping on their magazine ad specials page.

 

I just installed the M-6 in my FXR evo. It still clunks into gear, but the shifting is a little smoother, and the primary is quieter. But...it has a howling sound when the motor revs down, like the chain is too tight, which it isn't. I've checked and rechecked the adjustment and it is right. Anyone else notice this with theirs?

 

HB125 for sure. It's a damper, versus a spring in the M6. Whenver you have a spring loaded tensioner on a belt and chain, you get harmonics and oscillations at certain speed and tension points. That does not do much for smoothness of the power flow, though the tensioner would still keeps the chain under some control. Dampers kill the oscillations. Do you drive around without shocks on your car? The function of the tensioner is analagous to your suspension controlling your tires contact patch on the road. Without damping, you have less control than with it. The HB125 functions as a damper, and the preload compression supplies the spring component to best control the chain.

HD Wrench, you probably had problems with pump up on your 117 because all your primary fluid was pinned back against the rear of your primary cover !

 

http://www.harley-davidson.com/gma/...02491575&ASSORTMENT<>ast_id=2534374302491575&bmUID=1122604890688&bmLocale=en_US %potstir@

 

MSRP US $99.95 .......... Keeping the H-D line alive = Hundred Dollars

 

HB-125 is on it's way. Let you know how it works out.

 

Does anyone else have trouble with the HB-125 not pumping up after a primary change like HD Wrench? I'm hoping that Austin is right!

 

Hb 125

I have had mine rattle for maybe 2 seconds if I had the oil out of the primary over the winter. I run a '98 Road King with turbocharging and the tensioner has been on there for 10K miles with no problems and it makes the shifts smooth and trouble free. I have bad feet/titanium toe joints so I just get a few attempts at neutral and have to hold it in gear and pull the clutch til I get rolling. The HB 125 makes it easier to get in neutral. This bike dynos at 112/110 HP & TQ, so it is working great so far. Friday

 

Anyone with an HB-125 notice a whine after warm up?

I installed one about 1000 miles ago.. followed instructions for zero slack plus 1/16" of preload. I installed the tensioner in a stone cold primary.

After install, at idle the primary sounded normal but after the engine was warmed up I could hear a very subtle whine. As I put on few hundred miles that 'subtle whine' diminished to the point where I have to get down next to the primary to hear it. But I still hear it :hmmm:

The HB-125 instructions state that whining indicates the chain tension is too tight. Anybody notice this 'subtle whine' ? It would seem to me that if you have a nylon shoe in contact with a chain.. you've got to hear something.. or no?

Thanx in advance,

Rich

 

Anyone with an HB-125 notice a whine after warm up?

I installed one about 1000 miles ago.. followed instructions for zero slack plus 1/16" of preload. I installed the tensioner in a stone cold primary.

After install, at idle the primary sounded normal but after the engine was warmed up I could hear a very subtle whine. As I put on few hundred miles that 'subtle whine' diminished to the point where I have to get down next to the primary to hear it. But I still hear it :hmmm:

The HB-125 instructions state that whining indicates the chain tension is too tight. Anybody notice this 'subtle whine' ? It would seem to me that if you have a nylon shoe in contact with a chain.. you've got to hear something.. or no?

Thanx in advance,

Rich

Mine has whined since day one. I did it at 1000 miles now 14,000 miles later I don't notice it.