SOHB hydraulic primary chain tensioner 07-up?
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senior experienced all-knowing leader of the unwise
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 1,957
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From: USA
SOHB hydraulic primary chain tensioner 07-up?
http://www.sohotbikes.com/hb125-07.html
HB 125-07 Anyone tried one of these? They made an earlier version for 07 up called a wedge that did not do too well and changed it to this newer version recently that looks something like the Hayden. I was thinking about trying one of them in the new 110 motor i was putting together for my "refurbished" Road Glide. I have had the original HB-125 in a 100 HP 95" Dyna for 12 years and 80,000 miles. Except for a shoe replacement at 60,000 it is still working well. That pretty much says something about the durability of the original HB-125 for earlier bikes. When i pulled the 07 bike apart the stock tensioner shoe was worn and needed replacing but was not overly tight so i am going to have to get a new tensioner anyway. I figured replacing the stock tensioner that sometimes over tightens might be one less thing to worry about. Again this is the newer version not the wedge that was poorly built. I don't see much that could go wrong with this version but i really can't find many user comments anywhere.
HB 125-07 Anyone tried one of these? They made an earlier version for 07 up called a wedge that did not do too well and changed it to this newer version recently that looks something like the Hayden. I was thinking about trying one of them in the new 110 motor i was putting together for my "refurbished" Road Glide. I have had the original HB-125 in a 100 HP 95" Dyna for 12 years and 80,000 miles. Except for a shoe replacement at 60,000 it is still working well. That pretty much says something about the durability of the original HB-125 for earlier bikes. When i pulled the 07 bike apart the stock tensioner shoe was worn and needed replacing but was not overly tight so i am going to have to get a new tensioner anyway. I figured replacing the stock tensioner that sometimes over tightens might be one less thing to worry about. Again this is the newer version not the wedge that was poorly built. I don't see much that could go wrong with this version but i really can't find many user comments anywhere.
4th Gear
Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 8
Likes: 5
From: Navarre
2013 FLTRX 7,800 mi. Installing HB125-07
I have a Hayden M6 on my '06 Ironhorse Legend with no complaints. After alot of research and consideration combined with prayer I am going with an So. Oregon Hot Bikes HB 125-07 primary chain tensioner. I already went through 2 starter clutches. I have the Evolution Ind. replacement starter ring gear in hand. Will weld it to the clutch hub in triangulated fashion to eliminate "Spinning." New All ***** starter clutch at time as well. I have Zipper's 110 stage 3 kit with Thunder Max module, and D&D 2:1 exhaust. Not messing with comp. sprocket at this time. Bike shifts and finds neutral easily with Amsoil Primary Fluid since 1,000 mile service. No real pronounced noise issues. 1st. gear clunk very rarely. Only when sub 40 degrees F. and only for 1st. few downshifts in suburban traffic. My decision for HB 125-07 over M6 this time is based solely on the damping/slow bounce effect caused by the hydraulic action if it. I really think they knocked one out of the park here. I can't thank you fellow brothers on this forum enough for all your time and knowledge sharing. I'll take pictures to share the findings. I know that 3 of the ring gear teeth are 2/3 destroyed. Not sure how tight chain is but, soon will.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 28,514
Likes: 3,951
From: Vermont
I had one of the first generations when it first came out. Not sure if they’ve worked things out since, but I would hope so. I had to take the unit out and I had to fix the indents in the back of the unit where the spacers sit as they were off. I had to take the shaft off and polish it and chamfer the top of it as it wouldn't slide in the hole in the wedge. I finally got it to work properly. I was going to put a shim in the spring or get a stiffer spring, but I didn't. However, when riding it there was no chain slap, but if at a higher RPM and when I left off the throttle I could hear the wedge vibrating a little bit. I think that a shim inside the spring in the shaft would have helped that or a stiffer spring. I ended up just switching it out.
4th Gear
Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 8
Likes: 5
From: Navarre
Sohb 125-07
Dawg: I appreciate your input enough to reconsider. Monday I will contact SOHB w/mention of 1st. gen., etc. issue(s), and listen carefully to their responses. If any interesting updates/developments I will advise accordingly right here. Greatly appreciate you. Thanks again.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 28,514
Likes: 3,951
From: Vermont
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4th Gear
Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 8
Likes: 5
From: Navarre
Update: Sent inquiry to SOHB regarding any current concerns with the HB125-07. Waiting for reply. I have been swamped with work which delayed timing of my inquiry until today (3-22-18). Back as soon as response comes.
Dawg: I received the response from So. Oregon Hot Bikes that I'd hope for regarding your previous experience with their primary chain tensioner. I quote from the reply...."Several years ago we made a unit called the wedge. We were not happy with it and discontinued that model. The one we sell for 2007 and newer now is the HB125-07. We have had very good response to these. They have been sold for about 2 years. I'm not sure what kind of problem was had or with what tensioner you are referring to. As a matter of fact they are selling so well that we are back ordered for a couple of weeks." There it is fresh, and straight from the manufacturer. Having mentioned that, it was some years ago that you had a bad go with one from them coupled with the "Wedge" being named as a poor design I suppose that you were an unfortunate victim. Not cool. Not cool at all. I will proceed with caution and hope to get further feedback from folks using this 07-up version.I feel alot better now though about going forward/towards one.
Last edited by ChickinOnaChain; Oct 6, 2018 at 08:15 AM. Reason: Multiple posts
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Tourer
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 280
Likes: 80
From: NW Illinois
Received and installed the SOHB HB125-07 hydraulic tensioner today. Installation was fairly easy, worst part was removing the compensator to get the Baker adjuster out.
Pros:
It's a good concept and pretty well executed. Simple and looks like it should last.
Really quieted down my primary, no noise at all. The Baker manual adjuster I've had in there for the last year would whine on decel. It was very noticeable in the lower gears.
Cons:
No instructions at all, just a box with the adjuster inside. No receipt either.
You have to watch a 10 min YouTube video to learn the finer points of installation. A simple 1 page instruction sheet would be nice.
The only other con is that they provide 4 small washers to space the adjuster out about .090. Why they don't just make the adjuster base that much wider, I have no idea. I didn't care for the small washer idea, so I turned up (2) .100 thick x 7/8 dia. aluminum spacers. They'll give better support to the base block when mounted to the inner primary housing.
After a short 40 mile shakedown run, I'm happy with the results. Barring any problems, I'll see how it looks during next year's service.
Last edited by Mertoid; Jul 9, 2018 at 10:39 PM. Reason: Add photos