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CVO Technical => Drive Train => Topic started by: kng103 on February 16, 2006, 04:03:54 PM

Title: primary chain adjuster
Post by: kng103 on February 16, 2006, 04:03:54 PM
i had the dealer put one of the harley automatic primary chain adjusters on the bike when i changed out the tranny.
is it worth it?
should it be inspected manually periodically?
Title: Re: primary chain adjuster
Post by: Twolanerider on February 16, 2006, 04:16:12 PM
Quote
i had the dealer put one of the harley automatic primary chain adjusters on the bike when i changed out the tranny.
is it worth it?

Wouldn't that be a question more likely asked before money is spent on the part?
Title: Re: primary chain adjuster
Post by: Fired00d on February 16, 2006, 04:22:28 PM
Quote
.....should it be inspected manually periodically?

Isn't that one of the things that is done during routine maintenance? I thought that was what the inspection cover/plate was for?

 [smiley=pumpkin.gif]
Ride Safe,
Fired00d
 [smiley=fireman.gif]
Title: Re: primary chain adjuster
Post by: Dave on February 16, 2006, 06:26:54 PM
Wow Kng103  No one cut you a break on that post did they?  I think there is a thread someplace on the site where someone talks about the adjuster going to the maximum tension.  From my perspective having tried an M6 and the HB-124??? (forgot the number) I like just checking the tension the old manual way. I will say that I think the automatic adjuster you bought will do better than the spring set up of the M-6 or the HB spring and hydraulic setup.  I am wanting to try something else I saw that uses a sprocket and thus has no shoe to wear though there will still be chain wear to deal with.  Sorry, that
Title: Re: primary chain adjuster
Post by: fatboyse2 on February 16, 2006, 06:33:55 PM
The part is $99 list I believe.  If they installed it without too much overhead then it's worth it.  I was looking at it myself, but decided to wait until I take things apart again fo my next inspection.
Title: Re: primary chain adjuster
Post by: SPIDERMAN on February 16, 2006, 06:34:28 PM
I just had one put in Elvis since the dealer had the primary apart anyway. Only have 200 miles on it, but I like they way it feels especially on decel. The standard shoe when properly adjusted always gave me something of a whistle on decel that I notice is gone. Also, from the feel of my boot against the primary case, there is less vibration.

I've said this before - - - -when the MoCo follows the aftermarket with a part it is usually because that part is a good idea AND the MoCo usually improves on it. I was never interested in these until the MoCo offered one. I will post if I have any problems with it.  
Title: Re: primary chain adjuster
Post by: Boatman on February 16, 2006, 07:36:07 PM
I had my HD primary tensioner put on when the primary cover was off for the starter gear replacement under warranty so there was no labor charge.  I also thought it was a good idea and you didn't waste your money. Adjusting a chain can be a little tricky as you can get it too tight or too loose if not done correctly.
Title: Re: primary chain adjuster
Post by: kng103 on February 16, 2006, 07:40:47 PM
Quote

Wouldn't that be a question more likely asked before money is spent on the part?
he did it for free, but thanks for your usefull reply.
Title: Re: primary chain adjuster
Post by: kng103 on February 16, 2006, 07:43:59 PM
thanks to all for the good replies.
thats why i love this forum, you can alway's count on some good input!! [smiley=xyxthumbs.gif]
Title: Re: primary chain adjuster
Post by: Twolanerider on February 16, 2006, 07:47:32 PM
Quote
he did it for free, but thanks for your usefull reply.

No, it was a pretty useless reply.
Title: Re: primary chain adjuster
Post by: kng103 on February 16, 2006, 07:51:20 PM
Quote

No, it was a pretty useless reply.
Title: Re: primary chain adjuster
Post by: kng103 on February 16, 2006, 07:51:57 PM
Quote

Isn't that one of the things that is done during routine maintenance? I thought that was what the inspection cover/plate was for?

 [smiley=pumpkin.gif]
Ride Safe,
Fired00d
 [smiley=fireman.gif]
it is.
Title: Re: primary chain adjuster
Post by: Fired00d on February 16, 2006, 08:03:23 PM
Quote
......That's why I never bought one of these.
Title: Re: primary chain adjuster
Post by: UK Dave on February 16, 2006, 08:04:54 PM
Quote
i am wondering if they(the dealer) will still inspect it when i bring it in for service.

Yeah I'm sure they will check it - you don't seriously expect them to remember they fitted the tensioner do you??  ::)

Cheers

Dave
Title: Re: primary chain adjuster
Post by: kng103 on February 16, 2006, 08:10:10 PM
Quote

Yeah I'm sure they will check it - you don't seriously expect them to remember they fitted the tensioner do you??
Title: Re: primary chain adjuster
Post by: GC_Super on February 16, 2006, 08:23:58 PM
I think they're the best thing since sliced bread. I didn't buy my first one (hb125) to reduce the checking or adjusting of the chain, I bought it because it makes the bike smoother at slow speeds and makes neutral a snap to find. Not to mention the fact that your chain is ALWAYS adjusted. Seem like a no-brainer for me. I mean, how many other worthless $100  items to we buy just for grins.
BTW, a couple of years ago, there was a video of a running primary exposed with and without a tensioner. The one with the tensioner was so smooth. No chain slapping aroun on top. I knew then I had to have one, even though I'm sure that the chain in the video was probably extra loose.
Title: Re: primary chain adjuster
Post by: grc on February 16, 2006, 10:26:04 PM
IMHO, the automatic primary tensioner is something H-D should have had 20 years ago.
Title: Re: primary chain adjuster
Post by: spydglide on February 16, 2006, 11:49:28 PM
Quote

As far as I'm concerned, a tensioner (be it Harley, Hayden, etc.) is well worth the $100 just for the improved shifting alone.
Title: Re: primary chain adjuster
Post by: kng103 on February 17, 2006, 09:19:05 AM
Quote
IMHO, the automatic primary tensioner is something H-D should have had 20 years ago.
Title: Re: primary chain adjuster
Post by: FR8TRN on February 17, 2006, 04:59:41 PM
Well for those of you with the HD adjuster, is it true that it acts with a ratchet type action, once reaching a certain point never being allowed to go back (or release a little) automatically??  

I know the HB-125 and the other one allow movement, but from what I understand about the HD adjuster is that it's more of a ratchet action, once going past the next ratchet point being unable to go back on it's own.  IF true, this bothers me, and could be the real reason behind the Dyna's getting the tranny checked every 15,000 miles, if this were to happen (and the chain was overtightened) it could wear on that bearing pretty quick.
Title: Re: primary chain adjuster
Post by: Fired00d on February 17, 2006, 05:20:03 PM
Quote
Well for those of you with the HD adjuster, is it true that it acts with a ratchet type action, once reaching a certain point never being allowed to go back (or release a little) automatically??
Title: Re: primary chain adjuster
Post by: FR8TRN on February 18, 2006, 08:58:52 AM
Quote

I'm thinking this was like the one I had on my Fatboy. Do shims and a spring do this? After it gets to a point where it doesn't keep the proper tension you just add more shims until it gets to the point the primary chain needs to be replaced? I can see your reasoning on allowing it not be over tightened, just not sure I understand how this is done.

 [smiley=pumpkin.gif]
Ride Safe,
Fired00d
 [smiley=fireman.gif]

No the HB-125 is Hydraulic, the M6 is the one with the spring and shims, but those allow the chain some movement, I've heard that if this one from HD gets tensioned to tight it can't release so the chain just stays tight (until it stretches more of course).
Title: Re: primary chain adjuster
Post by: Fired00d on February 18, 2006, 10:21:05 AM
Quote
No the HB-125 is Hydraulic, the M6 is the one with the spring and shims, but those allow the chain some movement, I've heard that if this one from HD gets tensioned to tight it can't release so the chain just stays tight (until it stretches more of course).

Thanks for clearing that up. Who makes the HB-125, and what is the cost? If you have a website where I could see it would be helpful.

 [smiley=pumpkin.gif]
Ride Safe,
Fired00d
 [smiley=fireman.gif]
Title: Re: primary chain adjuster
Post by: no-rain on February 18, 2006, 10:33:04 AM
Quote

Thanks for clearing that up. Who makes the HB-125, and what is the cost? If you have a website where I could see it would be helpful.

 [smiley=pumpkin.gif]
Ride Safe,
Fired00d
 [smiley=fireman.gif]

Fired00d,

I think this is their website address:
http://www.sohotbikes.com/

No-Rain

Title: Re: primary chain adjuster
Post by: Fired00d on February 18, 2006, 10:39:38 AM
Thanks, that is it, checking it out now. [smiley=xyxthumbs.gif]

 [smiley=pumpkin.gif]
Ride Safe,
Fired00d
 [smiley=fireman.gif]
Title: Re: primary chain adjuster
Post by: FR8TRN on February 18, 2006, 11:39:28 AM
Quote

Thanks for clearing that up. Who makes the HB-125, and what is the cost? If you have a website where I could see it would be helpful.

 [smiley=pumpkin.gif]
Ride Safe,
Fired00d
 [smiley=fireman.gif]

Yeah what no-rain said, thats it, had one on my '04 Ultra.  Just haven't decided if I want one on the '06 or not yet........
Title: Re: primary chain adjuster
Post by: spydglide on February 18, 2006, 12:06:42 PM
Quote

Yeah what no-rain said, thats it, had one on my '04 Ultra.
Title: Re: primary chain adjuster
Post by: FR8TRN on February 18, 2006, 03:23:00 PM
Quote
Hey FR8TRN, does that mean you're not sure if you think it's worth it or not?
Title: Re: primary chain adjuster
Post by: spydglide on February 18, 2006, 03:56:32 PM
I appreciate the conflict........another love/hate relationship  :-/ har  [smiley=nervous.gif] spyder
Title: Re: primary chain adjuster
Post by: grc on February 22, 2006, 01:04:07 PM
For those who wish to continue adjusting their primary chain manually, this little tool looks like a winner:  http://www.liot.ca/Primary_Gauge.htm

Jerry
Title: Re: primary chain adjuster
Post by: BLM777 on February 22, 2006, 01:30:35 PM
Great tool Jerry...beats the heck out of fishing around with a machinist rule.  Got one on the way....thanks....
Title: Re: primary chain adjuster
Post by: hd-dude on February 22, 2006, 05:05:47 PM
Very Cool! I just ordered mine [smiley=xyxthumbs.gif]
Title: Re: primary chain adjuster
Post by: BLM777 on February 22, 2006, 05:11:16 PM
Quote
Very Cool! I just ordered mine [smiley=xyxthumbs.gif]

Makes you kind of wonder...why didn't I think of that, huh, Jim.....
Title: Re: primary chain adjuster
Post by: firegabe on February 23, 2006, 01:37:40 AM
Quote
For those who wish to continue adjusting their primary chain manually, this little tool looks like a winner:
Title: Re: primary chain adjuster
Post by: firegabe on February 23, 2006, 01:39:59 AM
OOPS!!!    I should have asked this first,   once I get it and start wrenching on my bike,  What to I ADJUST IT TO?
Thanks!!   I have a '01 FLSTF  carb.
Title: Re: primary chain adjuster
Post by: grc on February 23, 2006, 07:36:47 AM
Quote
OOPS!!!
Title: Re: primary chain adjuster
Post by: firegabe on February 23, 2006, 12:16:44 PM
Thanks!!!!   this site  rocks!!
Title: Re: primary chain adjuster
Post by: hd-dude on February 26, 2006, 12:12:05 AM
Quote

Makes you kind of wonder...why didn't I think of that, huh, Jim.....

Yep; sure does. Mine came in the mail today, looks like a cool tool.  [smiley=xyxthumbs.gif]I'll be using it soon. I'm doing a chrome inner for a customer tomorrow.
Title: Re: primary chain adjuster
Post by: grc on February 27, 2006, 03:16:07 PM
Quote
Well for those of you with the HD adjuster, is it true that it acts with a ratchet type action, once reaching a certain point never being allowed to go back (or release a little) automatically??