Twin Power Heavy Duty Axle and Adjuster Kit

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Nov 29, 2022 | 11:35 AM

#21

hardheaded

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From: St.Louis Mo.

I have the Jim's tool and have used it for years without a problem. Works great for adjusting the belt tension.
The Big Bear axle lock along with the late model axle and cam plate looks like it would be the way to go. Simple and very effective and cost alot less than all the other systems.

Nov 29, 2022 | 12:10 PM

#22

smitty901

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I switch rear wheels more often than most. Sidecar on I run a 16 inch car tire. sidecar off I run 18 inch factory wheel and tire.
Guess i just never found it to hard to do.

Nov 29, 2022 | 12:30 PM

#23

LoneBone

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From: Whiskey Falls, Texas

Quote:

Originally Posted by hattitude

I have one of those and use it too.... That Jims Tool is well worth it's cost..

IMHO... It doesn't address the weak design of the OEM system to handle the big torque builds in reference to holding the adjustment.

I haven't noticed any issues with mine, but I looked at several of the aftermarket offerings so I'd be prepared to make an upgrade if I encountered any issues with my current 135hp/151tq bagger.. I don't beat on it, so I haven't had any issues..... yet...

I get what your saying and agree to a certain point. IMO you are at the border line for using OEM swingarm and axle. My bagger is 125/130, stock rear.

Anything bigger than what you're running they're going to be going with a performance swingarm and axle anyway.

Maybe you already said it. What part of the design in the OEM system do you find weak?

Nov 29, 2022 | 07:08 PM

#24

hattitude

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From: San Diego, CA

Quote:

Originally Posted by LoneBone

Maybe you already said it. What part of the design in the OEM system do you find weak?

I'm certainly not a mechanical engineer... however.... I am comparing the axle adjustment system on my touring bikes to the system on my softails.... The listed aftermarket axle adjustment systems seem to make the touring bike's system more like the softail's system which I believe is superior.

The Touring system uses a couple curved discs, rubbing up against a stop, to set the alignment. Then to hold that alignment, it is solely the two washers pushing against the swing arm and stops from the torque of the bolt on the axle. Should the axle loosen for any reason, the adjustment washers can easily change their position. Especially from the twisting action of a high HP bike being ridden aggressively

The softail system uses bolts pushing against the axle washers on each side to set the alignment. Then to hold that alignment, you have the two washers pushing against the swing arm from the torque of the bolts, PLUS you still have those bolts, hard up against the axle washers keeping the axle in position. Should the axle loosen for any reason, the adjustment bolts would still keep the axle in place, unless they too become loose.

It would appear to me that it far less likely for a softail system to change adjustment once set, than the touring system. I also find the softail system, by virtue of threading a couple bolts, to set and hold that setting while torquing the axle nut. You definately don't need a Jim's tool to tighten the softail system.

IMHO.... These aftermarket systems seem to add the advantages of the softail system, to the touring bikes...

Last edited by hattitude; Nov 29, 2022 at 07:14 PM.

Nov 29, 2022 | 08:34 PM

#25

LoneBone

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From: Whiskey Falls, Texas

Understand now....I had my mind on the adjustment process, so wasn't following completely.

100% agree on this. Beside my baggers I have an '08 Heritage Softail that I tricked out a bit. Yes, that axle system is superior in more ways than one, than the touring axles, which you pointed out.

Most aftermarket chain drive swing arm systems for high HP bikes have very similar setups, only beefier.

Nov 30, 2022 | 04:23 PM

#26

julesdain

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Joined: May 2009

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From: Saskatchewan

Quote:

Originally Posted by LQQK_OUT

Have you looked at or evaluated any of the other options available?

https://bigbearperformance.com/produ...atent-pending/

https://www.performancemachine.com/p...-axle-adjuster

https://krausmotorco.com/vector-one-axle-adjuster/

I had seen the PM one but not the others. For whatever reason the PM seemed to have a couple of folks not happy with it when I was looking into it. The Kraus might be worth doing some research to check it out.

Dec 1, 2022 | 05:22 AM

#27

jake24lt

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Joined: Jan 2017

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From: Massachusetts

Quote:

Originally Posted by hardheaded

I tried that axle lock, It is a pita. You have to remove the shock to install it. You need to install a spacer on the top mount keep the shock straight, hence the reason for the shock removal. whenever you need adjustment, same deal.

Dec 1, 2022 | 08:33 AM

#28

sixguns

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From: SW Washington State

Quote:

Originally Posted by jake24lt

I have no issues with the factory setup. Anti-seize on the face of the cone nut is key to help prevent rotation of the adjuster cam while torqueing. Good Times!