Primary Chain Tensioner

[DamnYankee]

At what point do you know it needs to be replaced? Mileage? Noise? Poor shifting? I ask because I'm at 52K miles and there seems to be a clicking noise from that area when I go backwards. Shifts a bit sluggish too.

Part II...... If it needs to be replaced, stock or after market?

Part III..... warranty covered?

Thanks in advance.

[trikermutha]

At what point do you know it needs to be replaced? Mileage? Noise? Poor shifting? I ask because I'm at 52K miles and there seems to be a clicking noise from that area when I go backwards. Shifts a bit sluggish too.

Part II...... If it needs to be replaced, stock or after market?

Part III..... warranty covered?

Thanks in advance.

Baker makes a self adjuster type of tensioner. It may not be for everyone

Shifting issues could also be related to other things like,clutch,oil etc.

[Jack Klarich]

Is this an automatic tensioner?

Some get lazy and don't ratchet up

[MDO]

Is this an automatic tensioner?

Some get lazy and don't ratchet up

There is an independent service shop online that has done the 20,000 mile service on 10 M8's & he says 8 of them he has found the stock automatic chain tensioner has not moved up at all.

He thinks it's from people not getting on the new engine enough/babying them.

Jack, Have you heard any noise from yours or checked it yet? I was going to wait until the 20,000 mile service, unless I hear noise sooner.

I will try to find the post & put up a link to it.

Here is a link:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Aw4QVmldQKI

[MDO]

Jack

[Jack Klarich]

Jack

Mine is fine so far

No noise

I have dogged mine in 4th gear almost til the engine gags, like I did my Streetbob

This is suppose to speed up the hydraulic tensioner

I do believe it works

If not I will pull my primary @ 20k and check it

I have seen the video you talked about The guy is pretty thorough in my opinion

[MDO]

Mine is fine so far

No noise

I have dogged mine in 4th gear almost til the engine gags, like I did my Streetbob

This is suppose to speed up the hydraulic tensioner

I do believe it works

If not I will pull my primary @ 20k and check it

I have seen the video you talked about The guy is pretty thorough in my opinion

I agree. His camera work stinks, but when 75% of the 2017's he see's have the same problem, it's a little concerning. He actually had 1 2017 that the screw backed out of the tensioner.

Thanks for your input Jack.

[DamnYankee]

Is this an automatic tensioner?

Some get lazy and don't ratchet up

Yes, stock 2014 103CI

[Jack Klarich]

Yes, stock 2014 103CI

If your adjuster gets too tight the chain will whine Hard on tranny bearings and seals

Too loose it can slap inside the cover, it may jerk in low gear

Shifting and finding neutral can be difficult with a chain too loose

[vito]

I agree. His camera work stinks, but when 75% of the 2017's he see's have the same problem, it's a little concerning. He actually had 1 2017 that the screw backed out of the tensioner. .

Having the screw back out may be problematic but I have to wonder if the 75% isn't just normal wear, or rather the lack of it. My 1990 FLH has some 200,000 miles on the original primary chain. So it's very likely that 75% of 2017s haven't worn enough to move the tensioner. I only have 6000 miles on mine.

[MDO]

Having the screw back out may be problematic but I have to wonder if the 75% isn't just normal wear, or rather the lack of it. My 1990 FLH has some 200,000 miles on the original primary chain. So it's very likely that 75% of 2017s haven't worn enough to move the tensioner. I only have 6000 miles on mine.

These problems were on bikes he was doing a 10 or 20,000 mile service on. The adjuster was not moving at all & the chain had enough slack to cause noise from it slapping the case.

Watch the video & you can see it in the state he found it & see it after he adjusted it to proper tension.

This is something to keep an eye on & listen for.