2005 ultra
want the spring tensioners out!!!,,but dont want to put a tuner on the bike if i dont have to,,want to keep it stock as possible,,i just like it that way,,so--if i do the tensioner up grade to hyd. tensioners , are they gonna last awhile?? or is it just another 20-30k maintance item??? or do they last along time? wanted to go gear cam but i hear the hyd tensioners last. any input would be appreciated.
thanks

 

A great amount of the wear on these tensioners happens as the new chain "Polishes" its sharp edges when your bike was new. If your chains are still in good shape, installing new tensioner shoes will last easily longer than your first set did. You will have brand new shoes running against an already polished smooth chain. Swap em out, and ride on!

 

when should they be looked at for swapping out????

 

so ur saying put back in spring type vs the upgrade kit?? i was going to but the hyd up grade kit.to put in the new plate ,pump,hyd tensioners,.my ?? was how long do the hyd. tesioners last vs the spring type?? chains are still good.
thanks

 

Yes, install new spring type tensioner. You expressed the desire to stay with stock parts. There are no stock cams available to fit the hybrid plate. You would have to use the 'n' cams. Rule of thumb is to check them at 30k. If yours look pretty good at 30, replace them and you should be good for 45k. Although that's not science. The fact is that they can still fail. If they do, the result is bad. The hydraulic tensioner seem to do much better, but there really doesn't seem to be a set mileage for them. Obviously they don't have as much pressure on them so they will last longer. I put the hydraulic plate in my bike, and I will still look at them in 30k.

 

[QUOTE=jus2anoyu;11329342]Yes, install new spring type tensioner. You expressed the desire to stay with stock parts. There are no stock cams available to fit the hybrid plate. You would have to use the 'n' cams.
This isn't exactly accurate. The N cams are only required if you use a kit compiled of newer style OEM parts such as the one available from Andrews or Woods. If you install the Screamin Eagle hydraulic tensioner/oil pump upgrade kit, then you can use any cams that currently fit your bike including your stock cams. Personally, if I was in it that far, I'd stick some cams in it, for a little extra giddy up. Not sure why you're reluctant to get a tuner. That being said, you could absolutely just replace the spring tensioners with new ones and continue to monitor them periodically. That would be your least expensive option, and a new set should last a while on smooth chains. I still feel like they are kind of a crap shoot though.

 

This:
https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=...47008514,d.aWc

 

The hydraulic tensioners give you the same hardware as in the later TC96s etc and they are getting good service life. However simply replacing your current shoes will also give good results, as they have been upgraded, in other words the bad ones that wear out are no longer available. So you have those two options. I know you like your bike stock, but a change of cams to a mild aftermarket set will give you a little more of what you like!

 

When you have the chain off, you can polish it some more also...You can replace the shoes with the Cyco shoes for about $68 FROM eBAY...not bad...

 

SKULLY1200 nailed it