Stiggy, I've been wondering why Baker doesn't embrace these proven little gems myself!

 

I suppose there is a chance of a spring breaking and pieces flying around the primary until I shut her down, but as I said, so far so good. ( 12 years!)

I expected to go in there and replace at least the shoe by now, but there's certainly no need at this time.

Best single accessory on the entire bike IMO.

 

We have not used any chain adjuster other than the stock Harley auto tensioner in testing. We have seen tons of compensator failures, clutch bearing failures, primary bearing failures, busted main shafts and even crank shaft failures all with the same common denominator, the primary chain was too tight.How long it takes for these failures to happen depends on a couple of factors, riding style, size of rider and size of the motor. The bigger the motor, the harder the rider the quicker the failures. If you are using an aftermarket automatic style tensioner that you are happy with carry on. We have just seen to many failures with the stock H-D auto tensioner to recommend them.When you decelerate there is slack in the chain this is when the auto tensioner "Ratchets up" upon acceleration the slack is now gone from the chain but the H-D auto tensioner does not release. With this continued cycle it does not take long before your chain is banjo string tight and that's never good.

 

Mark, that's interesting and usefully expands on your earlier remark, which was very sweeping! I shall ride on with my M6, smug in the knowledge that it doesn't have a ratchet.

 

Don't waste your time or money; no real value added with auto tensioners, plus you have reason to peek in on the primary every so often. Replace with the OEM unit and spend the savings on something that does add value, or save it towards some other upgrade. JMHO.

 

My M6 gives a smoother ride and better gear changes. IMHO well worth having. One of those extras that makes the bike a bit nicer and more pleasant to ride. Not earth shattering, admittedly, but I won't be taking mine off!

 

Yep, just a little item that makes motoring around on these things a little more pleasant. ( Unless your idea of a good time is looking forward to peeking in your primary once in awhile! ) Sorry djl, couldn't resist.

I do peek in there every 10,000 or so, particularly since I've got an inspection hole in which to peek in. But as I said earlier, there's no way IMO that I'd still have a shoe that looks that new without the M-6 at 107,000 miles.

And to Mark ( Baker,) I believe the blown compensators, and the all too famous "Clink Clank Grind," along with shot bearings is endemic to the 96/193 motor. There's a hell of lot more wrong with those motors than a simple tensioner. ( Again JMO.)

Finally, what fool would offer a tensioner that ratchets "up" but not "down" too? That's how the new HD unit works? (!)

 

That's exactly how it works.

 

No problem, the M6 is one of those items that make motoring around on a Harley a little more pleasant until it's not. Apparently you and grbrown have had good luck with yours but if either of you were one of the unfortuantes that did not, you would have a different view. We just disagree on the value added aspect of an auto primary chain tensioner. We all have to change primary lubricant from time to time so we are in the area anyway. Why pay for a piece of hardware that has malfunctioned for others when it adds 10 minutes to complete a regular maintenance item.

Glad you two have had good results but I don't trust'em and would rather spend my money on things that really do add value.

 

I found an Indie in town that keeps the Hayden M6 in stock although they were waiting for a half dozen restocks to arrive so I did not pick one up. The differences in opinion I got out of this thread have left me more confused than before. Should I just go stock? Use Bakers fine tooth stock style version? Use the HD auto adjuster? Or go with the M6?