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[xsdbs]

Here's my compare/contrast of the two.

A tensioner is needed to keep the chain tight (but not guitar string tight), and needs to be adjusted as the chain wears and stretches.
But, a chain stretches unevenly which causes the chain to run loose,tight,loose,tight,etc as it spins around the gears.

A manual tensioner has to be adjusted periodically (and correctly) because of this.
Is the chain cold/hot, new/old, loose/tight, etc are all variables that make this tough to get "just right".

A "auto/spring" tensioner should be able keep the chain tight without manual adjustment, and allow for uneven stretching/wear, and temp variations.

Harley's auto tensioner has a spring behind the ramp, that tightens the chain to the "correct" tension.
The ramp's ratchet prevent the ramp from moving backwards, thus maintaining the "correct" tension.
Another set of springs are between the shoe and the ramp, which is supposed to allow for uneven chain stretch.
As the chain spins around the gears the shoe can "untension" slightly when the chain runs tight(er).
I believe this "untension" is also to allow for expansion when the primary heats up to operating temp.

The "Wedge" has a single spring behind the ramp, which does NOT ratchet.
As the chain spins around the gears the ramp can move back and forth to allow the shoe to "tension/untension".
There is a hydraulic valve within the wedge that is supposed to maintain the "correct" tension,
but allow slight movement to allow for uneven chain stretch and temperature variation.

[mjb765]

Not necessarily Mike.  The SOHB hydraulic version doesn't have a ratchet like the Harley part, so it can't overtighten and then not back off like the stock piece.  The problem with the Harley part, IMHO, is strictly due to the ratchet.  If it was just spring loaded, and they used the proper strength spring of course, it wouldn't be a problem.  I'm not sure why they thought they needed the ratchet, a simple spring is what is used in the old Hayden M6 tensioner for the 06 and earlier models, and they have been around and performing satifactorily for decades.


Jerry

Is it worth changing to the SOHB version? I have to change the primary fluid anyway in the month or so.....it's just one more gasket....

[sadunbar]

Perhaps I've just been lucky.  But I've not had an issue with the ratcheting style tensioner.  Though I do think it's amusing that Baker goes to the trouble of offering an old non-automatic tensioner as an upgrade rather than doing something like the Hayden or HB125 hydrualic units to offer to the market for the newer bikes.

ditto...

[hdbrad03]

Would be nice if Jim HD-Dude would voice his opinion on this subject. Is the auto-tensioner causing issues with the Primary Inner Bearing? Do we really need to revert back to the manual tensioner. This would require removing the Primary cover since Harley removed the inspection cover.


 



    Brad

[mjb765]

Would be nice if Jim HD-Dude would voice his opinion on this subject. Is the auto-tensioner causing issues with the Primary Inner Bearing? Do we really need to revert back to the manual tensioner. This would require removing the Primary cover since Harley removed the inspection cover.


 



    Brad

Or at least changing to an after-market auto tensioner that works better that HD's....

[hd-dude]

The early versions of the HD tensioner did have a few issues with ratcheting up and being too tight on the chain. Even had one with a broken chain   ..... I have not seen issues with the HD unit in quite some time now. As far as the aftermarket goes the Hot Bike unit is good and have installed them in many early style (pre-07) bikes and a few in the 07+ bikes as well.

Typically if we have a primary noise issue it has been comp related or inner primary bearing issues.

[TexasBowhunter]

While were on the topic of bakers Chain Tensioner being a step backwards here's a new take on a familier name
hayden is offering a system like the H6
http://www.haydensm6.com/m6_bt07.htm
Read a bit about it here
Might have to give this some serious look thought...
paul

[TexasBowhunter]

Decided to take the plunge and get one
Order 3 seems like a resolution to a possible concern
Since I'm up grading my motor I needed to up grade the clutch
I went with the Primo Rivera Clutch
Its recommended to run a lesser amount of fluid then most stock systems and since the reduced amount of fluid could possibly affect the SOHO chain tennsioner (even if it was acting up in the earlier released versions)
I'll keep you guys abreast on how it performs
FWIW
Hayden will not send the units till the instructions arrive to there location to be included in the packaging
Even if we are aware of how the installation is supposed to be they still wont release them so I won't be getting mine till the end of the month...
paul

[mjb765]

Decided to take the plunge and get one
Order 3 seems like a resolution to a possible concern
Since I'm up grading my motor I needed to up grade the clutch
I went with the Primo Rivera Clutch
Its recommended to run a lesser amount of fluid then most stock systems and since the reduced amount of fluid could possibly affect the SOHO chain tennsioner (even if it was acting up in the earlier released versions)
I'll keep you guys abreast on how it performs
FWIW
Hayden will not send the units till the instructions arrive to there location to be included in the packaging
Even if we are aware of how the installation is supposed to be they still wont release them so I won't be getting mine till the end of the month...
paul

Looking forward to the update

[Kathy]

Not necessarily Mike.  The SOHB hydraulic version doesn't have a ratchet like the Harley part, so it can't overtighten and then not back off like the stock piece.  The problem with the Harley part, IMHO, is strictly due to the ratchet.  If it was just spring loaded, and they used the proper strength spring of course, it wouldn't be a problem.  I'm not sure why they thought they needed the ratchet, a simple spring is what is used in the old Hayden M6 tensioner for the 06 and earlier models, and they have been around and performing satifactorily for decades.


Jerry

Thanks Jerry, actually our BT07 is done with research and development and is now produced and on the market.

http://www.haydensm6.com/m6_bt07.htm

[Kathy]

Looking forward to the update

These are in stock and shipping daily.

Let us know if you have any questions, we're here to help all you guys.