Automatic Primary Chain Tension Adjuster
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 4,813
Likes: 6
From: Rio Grande Valley-Texas
I've been running mine now for about 22k and no issues. I had the primary cover off about 1500 miles ago and all looked in order. Chain looked great and the shoe did not have any excessive wear. Overall I am glad I switched.
Tourer
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 455
Likes: 1
From: Deep River ON
No. Did the conversion on my 03 FLHTCi myself. Straightforward. Changed because trying to manually adjust the primary was a right pain even after I had made myself a measuring gauge. Note I really could tell when the chain was too slack and I have a friend who fried a bearing (when it was too tight
Tourer
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 464
Likes: 1
From: NoCal
The auto tensioner was put on the 06 Dyna's along with the 6 speeds. Then was put on the 07's to present.
Put one on my 03 Tsport this winter. Easy job nto removing of chain. About 1 hr job from tear down to botton up.
If dealer has issue with them why is the MOCO still putting them on all big twin models from 07 onward?
Put one on my 03 Tsport this winter. Easy job nto removing of chain. About 1 hr job from tear down to botton up.
If dealer has issue with them why is the MOCO still putting them on all big twin models from 07 onward?
Tourer
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 485
Likes: 10
From: East Tennessee
It's an easy job and well worth it. You don't have to take off the chain, just the primary cover. I put mine on at about 24,000 miles, when I installed the easy pull clutch kit, which is another upgrade that's well worth it.
I have 61,000 on the bike now and I've never had to deal with the primary adjustment since installing the adjuster. Before, when the chain would get some slack, I could hear it clatter a little bit and feel some slack in the drive train. But I've never had the problem since. I did open the port and check it at about 32,000 and the tension seemed fine.
You can install it wrong and the instructions warn about setting it too tight. They explain how to re-**** the spring in case you do it wrong. If you install exactly according to the directions you really can't go wrong. In my experience, having a chain a little snug is much better than having a lot of slack. A slack chain will destroy your sprocket teeth in no time.
I have 61,000 on the bike now and I've never had to deal with the primary adjustment since installing the adjuster. Before, when the chain would get some slack, I could hear it clatter a little bit and feel some slack in the drive train. But I've never had the problem since. I did open the port and check it at about 32,000 and the tension seemed fine.
You can install it wrong and the instructions warn about setting it too tight. They explain how to re-**** the spring in case you do it wrong. If you install exactly according to the directions you really can't go wrong. In my experience, having a chain a little snug is much better than having a lot of slack. A slack chain will destroy your sprocket teeth in no time.
Road Warrior
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 1,652
Likes: 5
From: The sticks in SC
I have the HB125 hydraulic tensioner and love it! 
I did install it a little looser than they said to, on a new chain I'd went with what they called for, but mine had reached the point of needing an adjustment so I set it up to the tight spot and it's been two years now and still in perfect adjustment 
Another plus it seemed to make finding neutral while the engine was running a lot easier, not that it was hard before just easier now. 
I did install it a little looser than they said to, on a new chain I'd went with what they called for, but mine had reached the point of needing an adjustment so I set it up to the tight spot and it's been two years now and still in perfect adjustment Another plus it seemed to make finding neutral while the engine was running a lot easier, not that it was hard before just easier now.
Tourer
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 464
Likes: 1
From: NoCal
Was put on the 06 Dyna's and then all the Big Twin 07's. Installed one on my 03 T-Sport and no special tools or chain removal needed. Pretty straight forward install about 1 hours time.
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
Advanced
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 86
Likes: 2
From: Springfield, IL
Kram,
Not sure if your does or doesn't, but look at the primary cover. Do you have an inspection cover plate, or not? My '08 Dyna does not have the inspection cover and of course it has the new tensioner.
Not sure if your does or doesn't, but look at the primary cover. Do you have an inspection cover plate, or not? My '08 Dyna does not have the inspection cover and of course it has the new tensioner.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Wisenheimer16
2014-2024 Touring Models
21
Jul 4, 2017 05:34 PM
azharleyrider86401
Primary/Transmission/Driveline/Clutch
2
Apr 8, 2011 05:43 PM
