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On my 12 StreetGilde the primary chain was really tight even when dead cold. Tried loosing it and it would get really tight again. This is why i installed a manual tensioner.
On my 15 Tri-Glide i installed the baker right away so i don't really know how tight it was running before the install.
I wish HD would just go back to the manual tensioner. Worked well !
Got my wish when they went back the the cabled clutch.
I have not had any issues with the stock tensioner.
The use case that can cause trouble for the stock ratcheting tensioner is drag racing. H-D actually sells a SE manual adjuster for twin cams and they say "for bikes equipped with big displacement high performance (100hp+) engines that are regularly used for track-day drag racing". These bikes are usually quick-shifted at wide-open-throttle with air shifters. Reviews say this particular tensioner was too noisy for street use.
No. My 2017 had 70K miles with the original tensioner and chain with zero issues. My 21 CVO RG has 12K miles with no issue. All stock. Never a problem. All my riding club uses the stock tensioner and not a single problem. At least 8 of those bikes have modified engines.
The latest tensioner used on touring bikes is P/N 36500075A. According to H-D parts lists, the "A" version was introduced in 2022. Here's a couple pics I found. It appears to have a new shoe material and a spring loaded support plate in the wedge. I would guess that the "spring wedge" is there to preclude over tensioning.
I don't expect to have any trouble with this in my new bike.
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Poll: Have you had any short or long term issues with the OEM primary chain tensioner
