HD SE primary chain tension adjuster!
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 3,791
Likes: 57
From: N Texas
Have read up on this over at the HTT Forum, seems like the SE has a knack for making noise. The Baker manual tensioner is well liked, if I go to manual instead of my Hayden, it will be the Baker.
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Tourer
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 320
Likes: 0
From: Meridian, Idaho
Thank you for the responses! So nobody has got one of these in their bike now! Hmmmm...kinda makes me wonder why! It is a well designed unit and the price is right! I think it will give me that warm fuzzy feeling that it is prolonging the life of my IPB and left main bearings! The way I ride puts no stress on the primary chain at all and the auto-adjuster would have been fine but I keep thinking of the Harley's I have owned before this and the recommended slack of 3/8 to 7/8"! Oh well, I will install it and let everyone know how well it works and the amount of warm fuzzy I get...thanks again.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 2,555
Likes: 3
From: Clarksburg, PA
It is basically intended for a high HP motor that gets hard shifted...this would cause the stock ratchet type to get locked in a too tight position between the hard shifts. This one would not do that which is great.
I would prefer it over the stock unit, but think that something like the Hayden, which is self adjusting would be perfect for you. It is virtually no maintenance which is nice.
I would think that with normal riding the SE uniit probably wouldn't be too much maintenance either...even on a normal build with a big bore and cams...probably only needs adjusting on a high HP motor that would tend to stretch the chain.
Either way, I definitely would take anything over the stock design.
I would prefer it over the stock unit, but think that something like the Hayden, which is self adjusting would be perfect for you. It is virtually no maintenance which is nice.
I would think that with normal riding the SE uniit probably wouldn't be too much maintenance either...even on a normal build with a big bore and cams...probably only needs adjusting on a high HP motor that would tend to stretch the chain.
Either way, I definitely would take anything over the stock design.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 11,814
Likes: 5,120
From: SW Ohio
There's a thread here about a guy who went with one of the SE versions and as I remember, it turned out "don't do it, it's a POS". I can't remember who it was but it was someone who posts here fairly often (or at least at the time) and seemed to know what he was talking about. I only say that because I never remember posts or threads that are clearly made by dumb*sses. Could be the reason I can't find any of MY posts
Last edited by Campy Roadie; Jul 4, 2014 at 11:36 AM.
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Tourer
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 320
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From: Meridian, Idaho
Thanks again guys! I think the guy that posted that it was a "POS" was put off by noise it made after installation! My stocker made noise when the bike was new but broke in after a thousand or so miles and is quiet now! Anyway, the Baker and the SE both attain the goal by a different path and, like you, I don't mind getting in there and doing the adjusting myself!
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Tourer
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http://www.thunderpress.net/editoria...2013/08/21.htm
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Tourer
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 320
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From: Meridian, Idaho
I've linked an article below that explains why the author believes the SE manual tensioner is easier on the engine than the self adjusting type.
http://www.thunderpress.net/editoria...2013/08/21.htm
http://www.thunderpress.net/editoria...2013/08/21.htm
Bag!
Cruiser
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 232
Likes: 11
From: montreal
I had the SE and landed up switching to the Baker which in my opinion, is far superior. The SE is very noisy........ I'll sell you mine for $100 if you want! It's all about where and at what angle the chain hits the tensioner. The SE unit engages the chain closer to the engine sprocket and at a steeper angle. I assumed that's why it was noticeably noisier (in reality, not just "slight added noise" .....a LOT noisier!!)
PS: The SE unit also sits directly on the primary case bottom where as the Baker unit attaches to the back of the primary like the old OEM units and floats where the chain makes contact
Installed the Baker and never looked back.
PS: The SE unit also sits directly on the primary case bottom where as the Baker unit attaches to the back of the primary like the old OEM units and floats where the chain makes contact
Installed the Baker and never looked back.
Last edited by johnnyjellybean; Jul 4, 2014 at 09:17 PM.