Primary chain tensioner concern
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 5,577
Likes: 138
From: South of Dallas Area, Texas
Those are the only ones I have heard of any issues with. The self adjusters can tighten up the chain but have no way to back themselves off. You end up cruising around with the chain way to tight and it can cause all kinds of issues. That said there are tons of high milage bikes out there that have never had issues with the auto adjusters. Not sure if it's luck of he draw or if riding style has anything to do with them over tightening.
Supporter
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 15,788
Likes: 5,625
From: along the shore of Mishigami
+1 on the overtightening of the chain, the Haydens allow for chain flex on loading and unloading conditions, Accel and decel. I've got Hayden adjusters on all 3 bikes, really like them.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 6,470
Likes: 4
From: on the road
Well I have researched this site and others on the subject and end up walking away with the same thoughts that none of the above have a strong enough following to sell me on whats right. Baker has always been a good product but like what was mentioned there is a side affect of using them. My dealer refuses to use the hayden on anything that has any mods on the engine.
Road Warrior
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 1,510
Likes: 23
From: Connecticut
Gears? Belts?
How do Victory and Indian handle the primary side of things?
Tourer
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 357
Likes: 0
From: Long Beach Ca.
If you look at the design of the Hayden, it just makes sense. I've had them on both of my bikes without a problem. I just installed on a friends 2 weeks ago and he is happy as well. Really worth looking at.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 17,548
Likes: 7,201
From: Oxford, Nc
141,000 miles on a '00 FLTRSEI equipped with a Hayden and never one primary issue thus far. Original clutch and chain and the only refresher was a new spring cap on the compensator just for good measure at 120,000.
The bike pits out 85 HP and 95 FT/LBS TQ, about the same as a new 110" Stage I today.
The primary problems started with the 96" motor mated to the 6 speed transmission, first in the '06 Dyna (guinea pig,) and the all big twins in '07 and later when they all got that combination.
Its a design flaw IMO, not a power issue.
The bike pits out 85 HP and 95 FT/LBS TQ, about the same as a new 110" Stage I today.
The primary problems started with the 96" motor mated to the 6 speed transmission, first in the '06 Dyna (guinea pig,) and the all big twins in '07 and later when they all got that combination.
Its a design flaw IMO, not a power issue.
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 11,226
Likes: 3,049
From: St.Louis Mo.
my 12 streetglide tensioner was to tight and was wearing uneven. seen problems with the hayden tensioner ,decided to go with the baker attitude. so far it's the best thing i've done so far. less noise and alittle easier shifting. nothing going to stop that clunk going into first unless you pull the clutch in for 20 to 25 seconds before dropping into gear. that seems to work the best. with the manual adjuster in there i don't worry about it running to tight. removing the compensator is no big deal, takes 10 min. easier on bearing too, don't know why harley ever got away from the manual adjuster in the first place.