Modifying stock ratcheting primary tensioner?
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Road Master
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 848
Likes: 30
From: CO
Modifying stock ratcheting primary tensioner?
I've been unhappy with the Hayden tensioner in my '13 FXDF and am about to go back to the stock one and I just had a thought about modifying it to keep it from adjusting itself too tight. What if you removed the spring and set the tension like a manual adjuster? Without the spring it won't tighten automatically. Just a thought. I haven't played with it to see if it will actually work yet.
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Road Master
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 848
Likes: 30
From: CO
Where to begin...
First off, I think on bikes like mine that come stock with the SE compensator, the Hayden keeps the chain WAY too tight. I've spoken with others here who agree. Then there's the primary noise...they say it's supposed to quiet down after a few hundred miles, but it's been about 600 for me and the chain is very loud and obnoxious riding on that shoe, probably because it's too tight. In addition, I've had knocking sounds at shut down, and most importantly, I haven't seen any of the benefits they tout. It doesn't shift any quieter or smoother. It's bad when I can hear the primary over the exhaust. Also, I've recently developed a new whine from the primary that may or may not be related to the Hayden, but regardless I'm going back to the stock tensioner to see if all of these issues resolve.
First off, I think on bikes like mine that come stock with the SE compensator, the Hayden keeps the chain WAY too tight. I've spoken with others here who agree. Then there's the primary noise...they say it's supposed to quiet down after a few hundred miles, but it's been about 600 for me and the chain is very loud and obnoxious riding on that shoe, probably because it's too tight. In addition, I've had knocking sounds at shut down, and most importantly, I haven't seen any of the benefits they tout. It doesn't shift any quieter or smoother. It's bad when I can hear the primary over the exhaust. Also, I've recently developed a new whine from the primary that may or may not be related to the Hayden, but regardless I'm going back to the stock tensioner to see if all of these issues resolve.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 11,392
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From: Big ol Titties
That's what the OP of this thread did. It's something I've been thinking about myself.
https://www.hdforums.com/forum/touri...xperiment.html
https://www.hdforums.com/forum/touri...xperiment.html
Thread Starter
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Road Master
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 848
Likes: 30
From: CO
That's what the OP of this thread did. It's something I've been thinking about myself.
https://www.hdforums.com/forum/touri...xperiment.html
https://www.hdforums.com/forum/touri...xperiment.html
Did read lots of posts in that thread about how others removed their Haydens for the exact same reasons I am.
Club Member
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 247
Likes: 9
From: Anoka,MN
I tried the Hayden also with the 2014 compensator. I can't tell you if the comps are the issue. For some the new Haydens work fine, or so they say. I pulled the primary cover off multiple times with the hayden installed. The primary chain was scary tight. Plus the noises I was getting the hayden came out. After a couple thousand miles it had it's chance to shine.
I went back to the stock tensioner. I've pulled the cover twice with the stock adjuster to check on the chain tension. I had enough play in the chain to be comfortable without any further modifications.
Maybe it's the fact I have 40,000 miles on the original tensioner. It's worn in !
I went back to the stock tensioner. I've pulled the cover twice with the stock adjuster to check on the chain tension. I had enough play in the chain to be comfortable without any further modifications.
Maybe it's the fact I have 40,000 miles on the original tensioner. It's worn in !
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Tourer
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 268
Likes: 2
From: sonoma county
you guys are worring about a non issue. there is nothing wrong with the stock one. it only rachets tighter when needed.
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Thread Starter
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Road Master
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 848
Likes: 30
From: CO
I tried the Hayden also with the 2014 compensator. I can't tell you if the comps are the issue. For some the new Haydens work fine, or so they say. I pulled the primary cover off multiple times with the hayden installed. The primary chain was scary tight. Plus the noises I was getting the hayden came out. After a couple thousand miles it had it's chance to shine.
I went back to the stock tensioner. I've pulled the cover twice with the stock adjuster to check on the chain tension. I had enough play in the chain to be comfortable without any further modifications.
Maybe it's the fact I have 40,000 miles on the original tensioner. It's worn in !
I went back to the stock tensioner. I've pulled the cover twice with the stock adjuster to check on the chain tension. I had enough play in the chain to be comfortable without any further modifications.
Maybe it's the fact I have 40,000 miles on the original tensioner. It's worn in !