Gents,
Maybe I can shed some additional light on the current cam chain tensioner system vs. the 99-06 system.
The new tensioner pad material is totally different and much stronger than the previous version. It also has a built in lubricity. And, the new pad material does not have the void (air bubble) problem during manufacturing that is found with the ‘99-’06 tensioners. The outdated adage of "plastic is plastic" does not fit with today's materials.
The new tensioner pad-to-chain tension is controlled via oil pressure at a logical pressure in which remains virtually constant. The old style tensioners apply inconsistent spring pressure that is excessive from the beginning. This uncontrolled overkill tension contributes to the premature tensioner wear commonly found on the ’99 - ’06 models.
The new high quality roller chains are made by Regina, a very prominent chain manufacturer. They're uniquely made via "roll forming" the plates from round wire instead of stamping them from flat stock like on the 99-06 Morse chains. These new chains are surface-smooth from the beginning.
As a bonus, the improved oil pump employed with the hydra-chain system not only produces more pressure, but more importantly it has an even higher increase in the scavenge capability.
Wear reports of the new tensioners are very encouraging. 50, 60, thousand miles and higher (as the 06 FXD's and all 07 and up Big Twin models become high mileage veterans) with only witness marks on the pads. No longer do we have to worry yellow chunks of debris going through and/or lodging in critical areas of our engines.
Quiet operation: The design features of the hydra-chain system have proven to be one of the quietest systems available.
Crankshaft pinion runout: Too much crankshaft pinion run-out for the gear drive cams? The trend for the new bikes is staying with the chain driven cams. THis is the case also even if runout was in tolerance for gear drives.
For the 99-06 bikes, the new hydra-chain cam conversion is a great (and many say a better) solution. Cost comparisons show that the hydra-chain conversion is very economical as well. And again, the improved oil pump is icing on the cake.
Cheers,
Herko