another primary chain tensioner thread
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Cruiser
Joined: Aug 2016
Posts: 201
Likes: 57
From: Gorham NH
another primary chain tensioner thread
The more I read about the tensioner the more confused I get. Is the auto adjuster really that bad? They have been using it for 10 years. How many of you guys have had no issues? Sometimes I wonder if the hype on this and other stuff is just to make money, although I am convinced the compensator is junk....more confusion. (16 ultra btw)
Cruiser
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 136
Likes: 81
From: Massachusettes
Never had an issue with mine but that is because I usually throw a Baker Chain Tensioner on for peace of mind upon getting the bike. I consider it preventative maintenance, $200+ is a hell of a lot cheaper than tearing the primary apart for bearings and what not. Also you DO NOT have to remove the Comp to install it.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2010
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From: Honah Lee
How do you do that? How much play do you see?
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 11,224
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From: St.Louis Mo.
Never had an issue with mine but that is because I usually throw a Baker Chain Tensioner on for peace of mind upon getting the bike. I consider it preventative maintenance, $200+ is a hell of a lot cheaper than tearing the primary apart for bearings and what not. Also you DO NOT have to remove the Comp to install it.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 38,586
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From: Honah Lee
The tensioner comes off with both the clutch hub and compensator still on there. You remove it before locking up the drive to remove them if you were taking them off.
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Cruiser
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 136
Likes: 81
From: Massachusettes
^^^ What he said. Plus the Baker Tensioner can be taken apart and re-assembled behind the chain while it is still on the bike.
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Road Warrior
Joined: Aug 2016
Posts: 1,877
Likes: 659
From: Yuba City, Ca.
The stock auto chain tensioner that I had on my bike was a piece of crap. It would keep ratcheting up so the chain was extremely tight. I finally installed a Baker Attitude Adjuster. I had to remove the compensating sprocket and clutch to install it. I tried to take it apart and I still couldn't get it behind the chain.
Cruiser
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 136
Likes: 81
From: Massachusettes
The stock auto chain tensioner that I had on my bike was a piece of crap. It would keep ratcheting up so the chain was extremely tight. I finally installed a Baker Attitude Adjuster. I had to remove the compensating sprocket and clutch to install it. I tried to take it apart and I still couldn't get it behind the chain.
Interesting. Mine went on easy with little fuss. I thought I did need to remove comp until I saw a post saying you just needed to take the Baker unit apart. Sorry it didn't work for you.