After reading some books, researching posts here, talking with an indy, and talking to a dealership, I'm thoroughly confused about primary chain adjusters.

Bike is a 94 FLSTN, and my chain is a bit slack, bike is jerking around a bit throttle on and off, and since I'm in there, thought I should maybe replace the adjuster with an automatic adjuster-- maybe a Hayden M6, one of the aftermarket hydraulic ones, or the HD hydraulic part. Problem is, I can't seem to get a consistent answer. Here is what I've heard so far:

KIP WOODRING, in his book 101 EVO PERFORMANCE UPGRADES: "M6 tensioner fixes clunk from neutral to first, removes jerks from primary, reduces vibration, smoothes out the ride and takes up slack when compression braking" (loosely paraphrased)

INDY: "hate those automatic adjusters, nothing but trouble with them. Takes too long for hydraulic adjusters to build pressure. Just use the manual adjuster."

HARLEY DEALER: "We've had problems with the M6, use the HD hydraulic" (of course)

HD FORUMS: After a couple of hours searching old posts, it seems most posters are split on opinions, although several, including a guy from Baker, say that the HD part is garbage and places too much tension on the chain. Many say just to keep stock adjuster, but it seems 2007+ bikes have automatic adjusters already so it's comparing apples to oranges?

I'm hoping that some of you other EVO owners have been through this once or twice and can make sense of all of this. Anyone know what's best? In the end, I don't mind adjusting manually, but like the idea of smoothing out the drivetrain a little bit if that is indeed possible.

Thanks in advance for your help with this

Jim

 

Never had a problem with the stock set up, can't see why you would.

 

I just adjust mine manually every so often. Don't think I've ever had a bike that didn't go "clunk" into first.

 

I adjust my stock one when it needs it, which has been once since I've owned it. The shoe itself had no wear whatsoever. I even bought a new shoe in anticipation of the old one being worn. Now I'm stuck with a new shoe I'll probably never need.

 

I put an M6 in mine. So far so good.
I plan on opening up the primary to check it out at the next oil change.

 

Stock for me, seems to be the most dependable, I check it at every oil change,
just try not to "lash" the chain with the throttle.

 

Not a fan of automatic anything to be honest....the H-D stock auto adjuster is a pig to assemble and get the primary in place....anyone who says the manual one puts too much tension on the chain is adjusting it too tight IMHO.

 

Always had the stock setup, 5/8-7/8 cold and only needed to set it if I've pulled
Primary.

 

Hells yea it can be a pain to refit.
One of them jobs where another hand would be perfect.
Cheers.

 

I have had an M6 for several years. It does as you summarised. Very pleased with it and don't see what the fuss is all about!