Topic: primary chain adjuster (Read 12001 times)

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?

Twolanerider · « **Reply #1 on:** February 16, 2006, 04:16:12 PM »

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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?

Fired00d · « **Reply #2 on:** February 16, 2006, 04:22:28 PM »

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.....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?

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Fired00d
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Dave · « **Reply #3 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

fatboyse2 · « **Reply #4 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.

SPIDERMAN · « **Reply #5 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.

Boatman · « **Reply #6 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.

kng103 · « **Reply #7 on:** February 16, 2006, 07:40:47 PM »

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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.

kng103 · « **Reply #8 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]

Twolanerider · « **Reply #9 on:** February 16, 2006, 07:47:32 PM »

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he did it for free, but thanks for your usefull reply.

No, it was a pretty useless reply.

kng103 · « **Reply #10 on:** February 16, 2006, 07:51:20 PM »

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No, it was a pretty useless reply.

kng103 · « **Reply #11 on:** February 16, 2006, 07:51:57 PM »

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

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Fired00d
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it is.

Fired00d · « **Reply #12 on:** February 16, 2006, 08:03:23 PM »

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......That's why I never bought one of these.

UK Dave · « **Reply #13 on:** February 16, 2006, 08:04:54 PM »

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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

kng103 · « **Reply #14 on:** February 16, 2006, 08:10:10 PM »

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

GC_Super · « **Reply #15 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.

grc · « **Reply #16 on:** February 16, 2006, 10:26:04 PM »

IMHO, the automatic primary tensioner is something H-D should have had 20 years ago.

spydglide · « **Reply #17 on:** February 16, 2006, 11:49:28 PM »

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As far as I'm concerned, a tensioner (be it Harley, Hayden, etc.) is well worth the $100 just for the improved shifting alone.

kng103 · « **Reply #18 on:** February 17, 2006, 09:19:05 AM »

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IMHO, the automatic primary tensioner is something H-D should have had 20 years ago.

FR8TRN · « **Reply #19 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.

Fired00d · « **Reply #20 on:** February 17, 2006, 05:20:03 PM »

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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??

FR8TRN · « **Reply #21 on:** February 18, 2006, 08:58:52 AM »

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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.

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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).

Fired00d · « **Reply #22 on:** February 18, 2006, 10:21:05 AM »

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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.

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no-rain · « **Reply #23 on:** February 18, 2006, 10:33:04 AM »

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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.

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Fired00d
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Fired00d,

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

No-Rain

Fired00d · « **Reply #24 on:** February 18, 2006, 10:39:38 AM »

Thanks, that is it, checking it out now. [smiley=xyxthumbs.gif]

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Fired00d
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FR8TRN · « **Reply #25 on:** February 18, 2006, 11:39:28 AM »

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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
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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........

spydglide · « **Reply #26 on:** February 18, 2006, 12:06:42 PM »

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Yeah what no-rain said, thats it, had one on my '04 Ultra.

FR8TRN · « **Reply #27 on:** February 18, 2006, 03:23:00 PM »

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Hey FR8TRN, does that mean you're not sure if you think it's worth it or not?

spydglide · « **Reply #28 on:** February 18, 2006, 03:56:32 PM »

I appreciate the conflict........another love/hate relationship :-/ har [smiley=nervous.gif] spyder

grc · « **Reply #29 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

BLM777 · « **Reply #30 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....

hd-dude · « **Reply #31 on:** February 22, 2006, 05:05:47 PM »

Very Cool! I just ordered mine [smiley=xyxthumbs.gif]

BLM777 · « **Reply #32 on:** February 22, 2006, 05:11:16 PM »

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Very Cool! I just ordered mine [smiley=xyxthumbs.gif]

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

firegabe · « **Reply #33 on:** February 23, 2006, 01:37:40 AM »

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For those who wish to continue adjusting their primary chain manually, this little tool looks like a winner:

firegabe · « **Reply #34 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.

grc · « **Reply #35 on:** February 23, 2006, 07:36:47 AM »

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OOPS!!!

firegabe · « **Reply #36 on:** February 23, 2006, 12:16:44 PM »

Thanks!!!! this site rocks!!

hd-dude · « **Reply #37 on:** February 26, 2006, 12:12:05 AM »

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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.

grc · « **Reply #38 on:** February 27, 2006, 03:16:07 PM »

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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??

Author Topic: primary chain adjuster (Read 12001 times)

SPIDERMAN