Auto primary chain tensioner
I fitted the Hayden, after removing the Harley stocker. Had the same on my RK after the stocker killed the inner primary bearing.
I can't speak about the other makes as I have never used them.
The Hayden works, I trust it so that's what I would go for.
I can't speak about the other makes as I have never used them.
The Hayden works, I trust it so that's what I would go for.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 38,543
Likes: 6,418
From: Honah Lee
If you have an older Harley with the manual tensioner, leave it like that. Only reason Harley put it there was metric competition and all they did was screw up. The call out for maintenance is way over kill. I adjusted mine up one notch for 40K of miles and it has yet to fully grove in and the rollers roll. Then, it will never chance till chain wears out. Probably life of bike for 90% of bikes.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 10,232
Likes: 9,282
From: Georgia
Agree with you on this RIPSAW. Just changed mine out when I replaced the spring pack on the compensator. It had 74k on it and was far from worn out.I think I've adjusted twice in those miles.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 2,395
Likes: 153
From: Utah
I have a Hayden... and 75k. I replaced the stock manual HD after the FIRST 500 mile maintenace with it before the HD automatic came out. I have NEVER adjusted my primary chain. I noticed a jingle after I did my trip to sturgis a year ago and when I had to replace my stator I noticed that the outer spring on the Hayden was broken. I replaced the spring for 11 bucks and all is well and good.
When I do my belt, I will do my chain... and put a new shoe on the Hayden just because...
If only HD 'mods' were as dependable as the Hayden... I completed a survey the other day that had me go through the history of my bike and figure out what I had spent on it since it was new... I remembered things that HD is hoping I will forget... such as 6 new turn signal lenses (mine are a STUPID design by HD and made in China). Counting tires, oil, etc., three ignition switches, batteries, three sets of flush mount fuel gauge and cap, master cylinder rebuild, new clutch cable, timing chain tensioners, bad cam/cam bearings, stator, brake rotor, brake pads, headlight bulbs, plus the mods I have done if I sold mine tomorrow it would have only cost me $5,000 a year (no fuel included) to own this bike AND I DID ALL THE WORK. (I did spend $7k on parts and new leathers when I bought the bike which adds $1k a year of that $5k). STUPID ME... maintenance on a Ferrari is about the same.
The moral of the story? It depends upon how much riding you do, if you do your own work, and if you bought the extended warranty or not.
C#
When I do my belt, I will do my chain... and put a new shoe on the Hayden just because...
If only HD 'mods' were as dependable as the Hayden... I completed a survey the other day that had me go through the history of my bike and figure out what I had spent on it since it was new... I remembered things that HD is hoping I will forget... such as 6 new turn signal lenses (mine are a STUPID design by HD and made in China). Counting tires, oil, etc., three ignition switches, batteries, three sets of flush mount fuel gauge and cap, master cylinder rebuild, new clutch cable, timing chain tensioners, bad cam/cam bearings, stator, brake rotor, brake pads, headlight bulbs, plus the mods I have done if I sold mine tomorrow it would have only cost me $5,000 a year (no fuel included) to own this bike AND I DID ALL THE WORK. (I did spend $7k on parts and new leathers when I bought the bike which adds $1k a year of that $5k). STUPID ME... maintenance on a Ferrari is about the same.
The moral of the story? It depends upon how much riding you do, if you do your own work, and if you bought the extended warranty or not.
C#
Trending Topics
Road Captain
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 725
Likes: 33
From: East, TN
If you have an older Harley with the manual tensioner, leave it like that. Only reason Harley put it there was metric competition and all they did was screw up. The call out for maintenance is way over kill. I adjusted mine up one notch for 40K of miles and it has yet to fully grove in and the rollers roll. Then, it will never chance till chain wears out. Probably life of bike for 90% of bikes.
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post