I saw in the Harley catalog a automatic primary chain tensioner that can be installed on the older bikes, I guess they are on the 06' and newer models (mines an 04'). Sounds like it might be a good upgrade. Any one here done it? worth it?

TIA, Keith

 

My 07 came with it. Personally, I don't trust it . Would sooner have a manual adjuster.
Ron

 

Oregon Hot Bikes make a hydrolic tensioner which I have and like---
sohotbikes.com @ $100.00

 

The automatic adjusters on the new bikes are fine. They are pretty trust worthy I think. I have seen no failures or reasons to fail yet. The stock adjuster on an 04 is fine. I wouldn't change it. It's a primary chain. If it isn't slappin the cover, Ride It!

Jason

 

The seal on my shifter shaft went bad under warranty on my 04 RKC so I had them upgrade the tensioner since they didn't charge labor with primary already apart. I would wait till the shoe wears out on the stock set up.

 

Unnecessary luxury, IMO. You gotta take the cover off to pour new oil in, so sticking a finger in to check the chain tension is no big deal. Besides, they are set it and forget it items. The shoe will wear out on them just like the stock set up.

 

I've been running the Hayden M6 automatic tensioner on my DYNA for 3 years and I am happy with it. It keeps tension constant on the chain so there are no tight and loose spots. Shifting "clunk" is slightly reduced and it is easier to find neutral. I had the primary apart a few weeks ago and there is very little wear on the shoe. I will put one in the Ultra the first time I have to take off the outer primary cover.

 

Stick with the stock piece. The new automatic tensioner keeps the chain too tight and some have malfunctioned and had to be changed whan they kept the chain like a highwire.. As XXX said, how much does it take to stick a finger in there when you change the oil.

 

Looks like I will leave well enough alone on my 2800 mile bike . Thanks

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The Harley unit has had some problems and I would not recommend it, but Hayden M6 and other aftermarket units have been in use many years and have had few problems. One advantage of the automatic tensioners is that they keep constant tension on the chain. The stock tensioner allows the chain to have tight and loose spots. That's why you need to rotate the wheel to find the tightest spot when adjusting it. The M6 eliminates the tight spots.