Touring Models Road King, Road King Custom, Road King Classic, Road Glide, Street Glide, Electra Glide, Electra Glide Classic, and Electra Glide Ultra Classic bikes.
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by:

When to replace primary chain??

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Mar 6, 2011 | 11:41 PM
  #1  
razehog's Avatar
razehog
Thread Starter
|
Advanced
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 86
Likes: 0
From:
Question When to replace primary chain??

My local wrench helped me adjust a few things on my 2003 FLHT over the weekend. When we checked the primary he pointed out that I need to replace the tensioner and also suggested replacing the primary chain too. I have 55,000 miles on the bike and ride it like I stole it. Is there a lifespan on a primary chain. Can anyone recommend a brand of chain? Thanks!
 
Reply
Old Mar 6, 2011 | 11:54 PM
  #2  
mkguitar's Avatar
mkguitar
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 14,744
Likes: 402
From: Phoenix '53, '88, '09 Big Twins
Default

if the chain has loose and tight spots, if the chain is visibly worn.


the time to replace it would be when the tensioner is replaced ( if that is required) then you'll be paying for the chain and labor costs will be only a few dollars on top of the tensioner service

--- because the tech is already there, and has only to swap chains. the costs of gaskets, fluid etc is the same.

it sound like you have a good relationship with this tech- that is hard to find in this world- ask him which brand chain he suggests, and ask for a break down- how much more to do the chain.

If the answers seem right- then you know.

I had 2 evos wear the tensioner at about 50,000 miles.

Both of those have the same chain at 80,000 + miles & seem fine.

Both of my tensioners I replaced with the Hayden M6 tensioner which was about the best $80 I spent on the evos, much better downshifting, smoother low speed operation, ease of maintenence

mike
 

Last edited by mkguitar; Mar 7, 2011 at 12:00 AM.
Reply
Old Mar 7, 2011 | 11:26 PM
  #3  
razehog's Avatar
razehog
Thread Starter
|
Advanced
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 86
Likes: 0
From:
Default

THANKS FOR YOUR TIME AND INPUT MIKE! I appreciate it
 
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Paul32730
Primary/Transmission/Driveline/Clutch
7
Feb 21, 2025 04:35 AM
Nathaniel King
EVO
15
Jun 11, 2016 07:53 AM
jpooch00
Touring Models
24
Dec 21, 2012 08:24 AM
Ramboamt
Sportster Models
1
Jan 18, 2009 10:41 PM
DaShoveled one
Primary/Transmission/Driveline/Clutch
2
Feb 8, 2008 11:18 AM




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 11:44 PM.

story-0
7 Times Harley-Davidson Chucked Tradition Out the Window

Slideshow: Harley-Davidson built its reputation on nostalgia, but every so often, the company took a hard left turn into the future.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-20 11:18:19


VIEW MORE
story-1
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles

Slideshow: The bar-and-shield logo shows up on far more than motorcycles, some of the company's most unexpected products have nothing to do with riding.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-29 16:50:35


VIEW MORE
story-2
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever

Slideshow: Not every Harley gets it right, but these are the ones that genuinely earned their reputation.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-04-15 14:23:21


VIEW MORE
story-3
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever

Slideshow: From the troubled AMF years to modern misfires, these bikes earned reputations for reliability issues, questionable engineering, or disappointing performance.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-04-01 20:01:09


VIEW MORE
story-4
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In

Slideshow: Killer Custom's "Jail Breaker" build focuses more on stance and visual aggression than mechanical overhaul.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-18 19:20:32


VIEW MORE
story-5
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?

Slideshow: The Swiss custom shop has taken a Harley Softail and stretched it into something so long and low that it looks closer to a rolling sculpture than a conventional motorcycle.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-07 16:15:30


VIEW MORE
story-6
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept

Slideshow: Harley-Davidson's new RMCR concept revives the café racer formula with modern hardware-and it may be exactly the reset the company needs.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-04 12:23:37


VIEW MORE
story-7
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II

Slideshow: A standard cruiser becomes an intricate metal canvas in the hands of a Swiss custom house known for pushing Harley-Davidson platforms far beyond their factory brief.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-02-24 18:19:44


VIEW MORE
story-8
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy

Slideshow: There is no shortage of great motorcycles to buy, but we would avoid these ten.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-02-19 14:50:51


VIEW MORE
story-9
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026

Slideshow: Harley-Davidson's challenges aren't abstract; they show up in dropping shipments, shrinking dealer traffic, and strategic decisions that aren't yet translating into growth.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-01-13 18:33:17


VIEW MORE