I am replacing the primary chain in my 89 FLT and am curious how much the new chain might stretch in the initial 2k or so miles? I never had to replace a chain before ( normally went to belt drive) and inquiring minds want to know!
I was close to the limit of adjustment when I installed a new clutch a couple of months ago and now am back for a bad stator so I might as well replace it now.

 

I'd check it 500-1000 miles after installation. After that adjustment you should be able to return to regular service intervals on adjustment.

 

What mileage does it have on it? I ask because there isn't much point replacing an old chain and not the compensator as well, possibly also the clutch basket. If you run a new chain on a knackered sprocket you may be in need of adjustment pdq! I had a new engine installed at around 45k miles and the teeth on my comp were sharp, so we replaced chain and comp.

 

48k on the clock. Clutch basket was replaced recently as well as the hub ( hub broke and I did not like the look of the basket) Compensator looks good and I have only had this bike about 5k miles. It may have been changed before as there was no doubt someone had been there prior to my purchase. Eventually I will have repaired all of the former owners attempts at repair.

 

Graham is right. If the teeth on the comp or clutch basket are sharply pointed or hooked like sharks teeth it all has to be changed.

 

As stated I replaced the clutch basket with ring gear when I replaced clutch hub. Compensating sprocket showed no signs of excessive wear, teeth not sharp, not hooked, in fact looked as if possibly replaced previously. I am curious about stretch because I am installing the York adjuster( similar to Haden M6) and wonder if I should initially shim it on the tight side as to avoid removing the primary cover in a short time.

 

I've never heard of a specification as to how much a new primary chain will stretch. The specification that is given is the amount of free play the chain should have. Check a new chain after the first 500 miles, than at 2500 miles, than after every 5000 miles.

 

A feature of any chain, even a new one, is that it is not uniformly consistent around it's length, so tension will vary slightly at different points. That is why we should only set tension at the tightest point. In my experience the spring-loaded Hayden compensates for those variations in tension, providing a smoother ride and better gear changes.