Chain tensioners, do they work?
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Joined: Aug 2007
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From: NW AR
I've read here on teh webz, y0, of a lot of people with them, and a lot of people having problems with them. Personally, I just check the adjustment at primary oil changes and don't worry about it. Gosh, it takes a whole 2 minutes to adjust, if it needs it, and this way, it's one less thing to go wrong.
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From: Coromandel Peninsula New Zealand
One prob with auto chain adjusters is that if you give it a big handful and all the slack ends up at the bottom of the chain the tensioner can take it up and leave the primary too tight.
The H-D one on the newer TC's is a PITA to keep unadjusted while you put the primary back on.....manual rules!
The H-D one on the newer TC's is a PITA to keep unadjusted while you put the primary back on.....manual rules!
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Joined: Jun 2007
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From: Bedford UK
Tell us what your bike is! The only time I have used a rear chain tensioner was on an off-road bike with very long suspension travel. I don't see any need for one on a normal road bike.
If your chain is causing vibration perhaps it's, as we say here in the UK, knackered?! Along with your sprockets.
If your chain is causing vibration perhaps it's, as we say here in the UK, knackered?! Along with your sprockets.
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Joined: May 2012
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From: In the sticks,KS
Softail with 180 tire. No speedo so dont know how fast but usually lower rpms (but not boggin motor down) in sixth gear, maybe around 75-80mph. Guys next to me say chain moves a bit and figured maybe these tensioners might take that little vib. outta the drivetrain. Seen them on some other bikes around and just figured id ask.
Cruiser
Joined: Nov 2006
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I'm running the M-6 manual spring tensioner. Very well constructed, excellent instructions. Put 5,000 miles on it and had reason to open up the primary (not related to chain tensioner). Looks in great shape, no movement, minimal shoe wear. I'm riding a 94 softail and for me, yes, it does reduce vibration, and it does make shifting more positive, and this unit will not "ratchet" up and create a too tight chain.
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Joined: Jun 2007
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From: Bedford UK
Jethro, we're talking rear chain here, not primary!
Redwood, tell your buddies to stop looking! A belt probably moves around quite a bit too, with the wheel responding to the road surface and changes in throttle position. Can you feel anything going on?
There is a famous photo of an Isle of Man TT rider jumping a bridge, so his bike is completely off the ground, with both primary and rear chains in full view. In both cases the top run of the chain is pretty straight and wrapped about 2/3rds round the small front sprocket, then it sags in the middle and only connects with the rear sprocket behind the centre of it.
Your chain will be doing the same thing at speed. Ain't nothing you can do about it. Except telling them to stop looking.....
Redwood, tell your buddies to stop looking! A belt probably moves around quite a bit too, with the wheel responding to the road surface and changes in throttle position. Can you feel anything going on?
There is a famous photo of an Isle of Man TT rider jumping a bridge, so his bike is completely off the ground, with both primary and rear chains in full view. In both cases the top run of the chain is pretty straight and wrapped about 2/3rds round the small front sprocket, then it sags in the middle and only connects with the rear sprocket behind the centre of it.
Your chain will be doing the same thing at speed. Ain't nothing you can do about it. Except telling them to stop looking.....
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From: Upstate New York
grbrown is right on here. Chains do tend to whip and thrash in operation and there isn't much you can do about it. Belts do it less because they're run with less slack and they have less mass.
When I had my Evo Sporty, I installed the accessory final belt drive kit, so I had the chance to ride the bike both with the chain and with the belt. The belt ran MUCH smoother, with less vibration. It was almost like getting an extra gear in the tranny.
If there is a tensioner for the final chain available, I'm not aware of it. Last time I experimented with a chain tensioner on a bike was on a dirt bike I had 30 years ago.
When I had my Evo Sporty, I installed the accessory final belt drive kit, so I had the chance to ride the bike both with the chain and with the belt. The belt ran MUCH smoother, with less vibration. It was almost like getting an extra gear in the tranny.
If there is a tensioner for the final chain available, I'm not aware of it. Last time I experimented with a chain tensioner on a bike was on a dirt bike I had 30 years ago.