Switchback Primary chain tensioner?
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Joined: Aug 2013
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From: Colorado
Switchback Primary chain tensioner?
I was reading through all the threads about the good the bad and the ugly about the tensioner, I couldn't find info. if my 2013 switchback has the MoCo automatic adjuster that's caused problems of overtightening, anyone know? And while I'm asking, what's the compensator? My main curiosity is smoother shifting with the hayden I've read but also read a post where a guy said they don't help smooth out the shifting much on the 103 6 speed.
Any clues?
Any clues?
Road Master
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 765
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From: Missouri
Well I'd say if your primary cover doesn't have an adjustment cover plate, you have the automatic adjuster. Replaced the automatic adjuster on my 06 Bob and it certainly runs a lot smoother
As far as I can tell it still shifts ok. Don't know about 103's, but would imagine it'd be about the same.
As far as I can tell it still shifts ok. Don't know about 103's, but would imagine it'd be about the same.
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Joined: Apr 2006
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From: Clarksburg, PA
For me, I wasn't so much interested in changing the way the shifting felt, it was more for the way it ratchets tight and doesn't back off.
It is not certain whether that is what causes the bearing to go bad or not, but either way, holding the chain too tight can't be considered good.
I have done the tranny mainshaft bearing and don't really want to do it any time soon. If the Hayden helps with that, that is all I care about.
I have the two springs in mine, and I would say the shifting feels close to the same as it did.
It is not certain whether that is what causes the bearing to go bad or not, but either way, holding the chain too tight can't be considered good.
I have done the tranny mainshaft bearing and don't really want to do it any time soon. If the Hayden helps with that, that is all I care about.
I have the two springs in mine, and I would say the shifting feels close to the same as it did.
Road Captain
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 676
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From: Glendale, AZ
Why I installed the hayden?...its the loud "clunk" that is reduced from neutral to first...and from gear to gear. Still shifts the same as far as the trans goes. When you are in your RPM sweet spot...it just clicks into gear.
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From: along the shore of Mishigami
I have had a Hayden in my 02 Dyna since 2003 and a lot of the clunk in the initial shifts are gone. I firmly believe that the HD auto tensioner has been a factor in primary bearing failures by over tightening the primary chain to the point where the crankshaft sprocket and main output shafts have a abnormal load/stress put on them. I have a Hayden for my 2013 that will be going in real soon.
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From: Colorado
I'm using the bel ray big twin trans oil, 75/145 my bike shifts fine, I'd just like to quiet down the clunk shift noise a little more.
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Joined: Nov 2010
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From: Montana
I have a 2011 Street Bob. I just changed out my tensioner for the hayden unit and I have to say I will never ever go back. Way smoother shifting, way less vibration , I have checked my tension twice in the last 10,000 miles and the chain adjustment was spot on. The hayden unit does not over tighten the chain.
Also forgot to mention I had a bad whining either coming from the primary or the transmission in 1st gear as I got some miles on my bike it got worse. Was told it was normal for the bikes to do this. I no longer have the primary and or transmission whine anymore after the change to the hayden unit. A lot of us used to run these in our EVOs before the auto tension unit from HD was even on the bikes and they are durable and work.
Last edited by missedem; Apr 29, 2014 at 03:06 AM.