Primary Chain Adjuster: Manual or Automatic

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Feb 3, 2016 | 01:46 AM

LQQK_OUT

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From: East Coast, USA

Primary Chain Adjuster: Manual or Automatic

It's interesting how the Evo came with a manual primary chain adjuster and people would install a Hyden M6 or a Southern Oregon Hot Bikes HB-125 automatic primary chain adjuster and many would claim the bike shifts better.

Harley then releases the next generation engine (Twin Cam) and in model year 2006 (Dyna) & 2007 (Softail, Touring) releases an automatic primary chain adjuster. Harley then releases an accessory, the Screamin' Eagle manual primary adjuster that allows one to "lock the chain tension in place to prevent the chain from adjusting during severe shifting".

Baker Drivetrain started offering their Attitude Adjuster manual unit around 2013.

People with a Twin Cam now are changing to a manual adjuster and are claiming their bike shifts better.

I wonder if the manual adjuster is just a better product for both an Evo and Twin Cam?

Feb 3, 2016 | 04:21 AM

grbrown

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From: Bedford UK

I used a Hayden for many years, which I would say was better than the original my '90 came with. It's spring-loaded so not 'automatic' in the same way the infamous TC one is. Made bike run quieter and smoother and improved gear changes. Having installed a DD6 with larger comp I've had to go back to the original tensioner, but haven't ridden it yet. If you're thinking of your Evo I suggest a Hayden.

Feb 3, 2016 | 04:37 AM

misfitJason

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The issue with the Harley automatic one is that it only gets tighter. The Hayden can spring back. Pick whatever you want just make sure the chain isn't too tight or too loose

Feb 3, 2016 | 05:16 AM

Big Money

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From: PA

Manual is better, once you set it you know what it is. Check it every 5000 miles.

Feb 3, 2016 | 03:56 PM

LQQK_OUT

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From: East Coast, USA

Quote:

Originally Posted by misfitJason

The issue with the Harley automatic one is that it only gets tighter. The Hayden can spring back. Pick whatever you want just make sure the chain isn't too tight or too loose

Exactly! The Harley automatic one can ratchet up without coming down causing the chain to be too tight. In regards to the Hayden like you mentioned the spring can compress causing the chain to slap around. And other people claim the spring may be too tight, causing a whirling sound.

I'm just saying the simplest solution here may be the best, a manual adjuster.

Now, how about those Balance Masters?

Feb 3, 2016 | 10:53 PM

Racepres

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From: Cental, MI

Quote:

Originally Posted by misfitJason

The issue with the Harley automatic one is that it only gets tighter. The Hayden can spring back. Pick whatever you want just make sure the chain isn't too tight or too loose

There is the Problem...the Damn Spring. Control does Not mean spring. Control should include over and under guidance. How much spring pressure do we suppose is required to control Chain Whip?
Much Much more than most suspect, and wayyyy more than any Goofy Hayden

Quote:

Originally Posted by Big Money

Manual is better, once you set it you know what it is. Check it every 5000 miles.

I sort of agree...I prefer a Guide top and bottom to effect Control.
But, Manual/ rigid, Shoe/Roller is better than Whip.

Feb 4, 2016 | 10:59 AM

Uncle G.

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From: Upstate New York

Quote:

Originally Posted by LQQK_OUT

Now, how about those Balance Masters?

Funny you should ask. I've been running the Balance Master on my compensator since about '03. I admit I was skeptical of their claims, which sounded like so much "snake oil", but IMO, it really works.

When the MoCo did the second rebuild on my motor (new top end) the bike came back with a bad vibration in it, much worse than the original motor. Harley didn't consider "smoothness" to be a warranty issue, so I was faced with either selling a bike I'd sunk a lot of money into, or pulling the engine and having it balanced. It was that bad. I figured why not try the Balance Master?

100,000 miles later I'm still running that motor with the same balancer.