the first one.. the stock one with readjusted chain sounded fine to me. That last one with the hayden tensioner had a really noisy chain.

It no longer matters. The HD motor company can not just lower prices. We now have access to Harley corporate balance sheets. This motor company in the red by almost 500 million. They are forced to sell bikes with substandard parts, just to generate the "shop-income" in some veil attempt to service some of these loans. This company in such a death spiral, is now only a matter of time before the banks start calling them in on some of these loans.........

Installed Darkhorse Man O War compensator. Money well spent. They’re proud of that Baker tensioner @ $300+. Have used Hayden with good results.

I did the baker comp sprocket and Hayden adjuster on my 09 e glide. Best mod yet to the bike. Sounds like a new ride again instead of sounding like a bag of marbles in the primary. Great video!

@thesickening0169

7 жыл бұрын

I'm in the process of replacing my primary chain tensioner with a Hayden M6, replacing the primary chain with stock, and replacing the clutch hub bearing. All went bad due to the crap Harley 'auto' chain tensioner. I'm hoping my trans shaft bearing and compensator are ok. I'll find out soon enough.

@tedshredz58

5 жыл бұрын

In the video, the Hayden adjuster was paired with a compensator eliminator. I’m assuming the Hayden adjuster has a greater travel to soak up more shock. What made you decide on pairing this adjuster with the Baker comp? Was it a mechanic recommendation, or were you looking for a bigger solution for a problem, like bearing failure, that originated from the stock MoCo design? After more than 2 years, how is the setup working for you? Cheers in advance...

Only wish it was the first video I watched. Great video and saved me a lot of trouble shooting

Everything Baker make is nicely done. Even my jaded machine builder (not just machinist) bros appreciate their quality.

My '09 sounded worse than the first startup in your video. I was thinking of going with the cheaper solution of a solid sprocket (I already put in the Hayden tensioner), but I added one more spring washer to the pack of 4 in my pre-2012 96ci compensator and so far it seems to have cured it. I'm using a Hayden tensioner too.

yep i had an 07 softail, chain tensioner over-tightened and started slapping the primary. fortunately i shut it down but had to replace the main bearing and i went with the baker attitude. now that i have a 2017 i'll be converting it to BAKER asap!

The baker adjuster sounds better..thanks for the info..

Great video, I have to figure out what has been done to my 07 Fatboy, just got it from Big Moose HD in Portland Me. They mentioned nothing about the comparator or the cam chain tensioner, or the shift linkage. They did do the 40k maintenance but gave no paper work statement. I feel duped. She runs great but this is my first HD and I am inexperienced. Thank you for your straight forward video!

What do you think of the Milwaukee 8’s? Do they have the same issue?

this is a great, clear, informative video, thank you.

Was there any damage to the clutch hub bearing and transmission shaft bearing?

Thanks fellas Helpful tips.

I have a 2006 SG. When taking off my bike will start bumping like something is slipping in the clutch or transmission. When I shift to 2nd a little bit of the bump if I am accelerating quickly and it all goes away when I get to 3rd and higher. Symptoms are worse when riding with passenger. Any idea on this?

pulled the chain drive out ; and replaced it with a 3 inch belt drive. That was over 10K miles ago, on my 99 twin cam, still works just fine and dandy. Harley will never go with a primary belt drive. They are too robust, and dealers would take a huge hit in "shop income" not fixing primary chain drive problems......

@tpitman

3 жыл бұрын

The shovelhead Sturgis model originally came with a primary belt, but it didn't hold up well inside the enclosed primary.

@garymoore3497

3 жыл бұрын

@@tpitman I had a primary belt shovel... I had not any issues.. I never pulled the cover off, to see inside..... But is one of my fixes to fix the many design flaws on the Mil-8 engine......

Harley has bin making motorcycles over 100 years and still having dum dum problems WTF!!!.

@haroldyazzie3538

9 ай бұрын

They just want our $😮

was a shim needed on the baker?

Why don't you add tensioner from the top side as well?

There are very few videos showing the use of a solid sprocket in place of a compensator. I have a '09 Road King with the stock compensator as shown in your video. It is now toast. I installed a Hayden primary chain tensioner thinking that is what the noise could be from, and to avoid an over tight chain as discussed in some videos and forums. This bike has the rubber compensator inside the rear wheel hub too, which seems to be fine. The bike has just over 60,000 miles on it. That being said, do you still have contact with the customer with the solid sprocket? Are there any known issues of damage to the motor, crank, clutch or transmission when using a solid sprocket? Also, has anyone ever tried to add one more of those Belleville ring springs in addition to the stock ones to make them thicker/stronger? Looking for advice on whether or not to go with a solid sprocket. Thanks.

@BikesBuiltBetterHorsham

6 жыл бұрын

The customer with the solid sprocket (a Twin Power Compensator Eliminator) has been very happy. We have not heard of any problems related to solid sprockets, but you might want to check around on the Harley forums to get a larger sampling of customers before you make your decision. About 90% of our customers have chosen to go with the Baker Compensator.

what is the total cost for the baker upgrade ??

Why does my 2007 softail standard make a ticking noise after i ride it for a while

why did Harley go to the auto primary adjuster? nothing wrong with the Manuel adjust method, only took 10 minutes.. harley gets out of one problem , the cam chain tensioners & moves into this problem? my old evo didn't have any of these problems.

@GearinSuper

6 жыл бұрын

Who are you kidding , EVO's did the same exact thing with the starter kick back clunk, even worse!

@chuckmccroskey4864

5 жыл бұрын

I have an EVO with 150,000 miles on it. Regular maintenance is all that is required. 1991 FLHS. Long live the EVO !

thank you

Do they make a spacer for the primary

Harley should repair these defects as a recall.

@REDMAN298

4 жыл бұрын

@Calvin Can`t blame you. I had an `09 RG and `16 SG. Got rid of them due to lack of confidence. I am now happy with my `90 Springer Softail.

Is the compensator eliminator sprocket safe to run of my crank is stock and not welded on my HD ultra 103?

@bthecarman123

4 жыл бұрын

I run one with stock crank making 120hp and I ride it hard. I have screaming eagle manual chain adjuster and no problem for 40k. If you do this set up get a new primary chain. An old one will be noisy.

Uuu that’s nice, way more quiet , less metal on metal clanking for sure which has to be good for the bike

I have a 2010 road glide stock 96 with 28k miles. I noticed what appears to me to sound like a starter grind. Pulled the starter and nothing is wrong. I guess I'm asking would the comp sprocket cause a noise like that. Any help will be greatly appreciated.

@vincentmcclain6642

6 жыл бұрын

John Lutz 2010 Roadglide 27000 mi trashed the main bearing because of the primary chain auto adjuster trans shaft main had to be replaced as well installed a Baker attitude adjuster to finish or the season did a total motor remove tear down last winter to 107 Darkhorse shortblock blueprint, balance, and welded crank. Smooth quiet 106 hp/ 117 tq. Good luck

@michaelburke2824

3 жыл бұрын

@@vincentmcclain6642 did you use the baker compensator?

@michaelburke2824

3 жыл бұрын

@@vincentmcclain6642 what 107 top end out did you use?

I get a knocking noise in primary when pulling off from a standstil im wondering if its my primary chain hitting the inside of primary cover.

@groneass2006

8 жыл бұрын

+Staff Bikes Built Better thank you, your videos are awesome. I ride a 09 Road Glide...i will crack that case this weekend.

@exracer2002

7 жыл бұрын

this is chain flap...I have same noise....if I throttle it up and pull away with force...no noise..pretty sure this is because of out of true crank...that we don't want here of .... but i have had primary apart 3 times in past 2 months and no visible problems......

Broke 2 baker chain tensioners... i was told by baker the way they mount arent built to handle big ci. Or high power applications....

La prima prova è la migliore, si vede chiaramente che il tratto superiore della catena in movimento è molto più lineare delle altre due prove.

About how many miles do you start seeing the next excessive wear showing up? Or is it more a matter of abusive/hard riding or lack of oil changes?

@BikesBuiltBetterHorsham

4 жыл бұрын

It depends on ones riding style but most that I have replaced have been in the 30,000 mile range It gets bad. Once you start getting starter grinding additional damage to other components begins.

@WalkerKlondyke

4 жыл бұрын

@@BikesBuiltBetterHorsham Thanks for the quick response! I've been debating buying an 09 Street Glide with 25K on it. Don't hear anything now, but, if replacing compensator and all that is right around the corner, might have to rethink it. Thanks again, you've helped.

@scottgorman7166

Жыл бұрын

@@WalkerKlondyke I have a 09 Glide and 50k done this repair 3 times. (Original owner) I was told this is an inherent problem from 07-09. I do ride hard and overly maintain it. If you can afford it go to a little newer model. Im torn myself if I want another repair........I do like my hog but enough is enough.......Im swaying back to BMWs which I used to ride for years. Good luck

Good solutions, but very expensive! Harley had a few poor design issues with these motors, including the infamous cam chain tensioners.

I have a 2008 Ultra Classic how much would it cost to fix the compensator with the baker system parts and labor thank you

@porkchopspapi5757

3 жыл бұрын

Oh bout $ tree fiddy

I have the Harley road king classic 2008 and I notice when I ride a couple of miles and it's warm and I turn it off. then when I start it up the starter has a hard time to crank a little it will start but like it hesitates is that part of the problem.

@user-vr2tx4tt6b

4 жыл бұрын

... that can also be trying to start a warm bike with compression that hasn't been bled from the engine as it does cool-down. Many compensators replaced unnecessarily due to this.

Don't like the design of the Hayden. You can actually watch the chain slap against the steel post that holds the tensioner in place.

What about the compensator eliminator + the baker attitude primary chain tensioner? Would that be also a good solution?

@BikesBuiltBetterHorsham

6 жыл бұрын

The V-Twin Compensator Eliminator is a less expensive option. The Baker Attitude Adjuster works great however keep in mind that the primary cover will have to be removed for periodic adjustments.

@Gentleboy80

6 жыл бұрын

Yes , but what I meant is that due to the fact that the V-Twin compensator is an eliminator for the compensator system wouldn't that be bad for the tranny ? Some people say that they noticed a little bit more vibration in the low rpms but that, to be honest, wouldn't bother me at all. I´m just afraid that this could be worse for the crank or for my clutch system.

@Gentleboy80

6 жыл бұрын

btw, my bike is a FLHTCUSE2 2007 with a 110", heads ported, 574 feuling reaper cams.

I have a dry/grinding bearing sound in the primary until the clutch is engaged and it is in gear. Anyone else fix this issue?

@warrenducote8392

5 жыл бұрын

Primary Shaft Bearing behind the clutch is going out.

@In_His_presence4ever

5 жыл бұрын

@@warrenducote8392 thanks, I ended up changing it. Perfect now 👌

glad i came across your channel. I'm looking at buying a 2009 Harley Softail Heritage with 30 k miles & nothing ever done to the bike except regular service. It makes a loud clunk & slight jerk when shifting into first gear after first start up. Is this the clunk you refer too or would this be something going on with the trans/clutch adjustment? If you swap out the HD auto chain tensioner for another do you then have to remove primary cover every so often to adjust yourself like older models? Does anyone make a cover with a built in adjuster cover or can you use an older cover from a bike without the auto CT ? What other problems can I expect with this model? I sure hope I don't get the cover off only to discover what you show in this video. Thank you in advance for answering my questions. I sub'd you as I think I'm going to need all the help I can find for future repairs

@BikesBuiltBetterHorsham

6 жыл бұрын

It sounds like the bike you're looking at IS suffering from problems caused by the auto chain tensioner. If you use a Hayden tensioner, you would want to check things maybe every 30,000 miles. The Baker manual unit should be checked and adjusted every 10,000 miles...more often if you hear the chain slapping the inside of the primary! I heard last week that somebody is now making a primary cover with an inspection cover, but I don't remember who. I'll try to find out.

@dawnrobb8809

6 жыл бұрын

THANK YOU! For replying so fast After going back this afternoon and starting the bike again it sounded worse so I've decided to keep looking as they want too much for a bike that needs this work done on it right away. I'll try to find one that the Hayden chain tensioner has already been installed in

@sallyboy5418

6 жыл бұрын

Hold on.... Before you go spending big money on something your not sure of, know this, all big twin Harleys have a annoying loud clunk into first gear, this is a characteristic of of these engine's. Not saying its normal, just a characteristic. The slight jerking could just be your clutch needs to be adjusted as its engagement is off when you pull in clutch to shift into 1st.... not sure? Have a good knowledgeable bike mechanic look at it before you go spending money on parts you dont need.

@dawnrobb8809

6 жыл бұрын

thanks that's really good advice I'l keep in mind as I go forward in my search for a larger bike this style. I backed out of the deal for now as the guys widow wants way too much for the bike and it was in her dead husbands name only so it'll be a bit to get the ownership & registered changed to new buyer at DMV I'm not sure it's all worth the hassle as there's plenty of better looking bikes with clean titles for sale out there Thanks again for the info I'll have to find a HD tech I can trust to do a pre purchase inspection

@markyoung3545

6 жыл бұрын

Also note this first gear "clunk" shift can be more prominent if the primary was filled with a thicker oil, causing the clutch plates to rotate due to the lube viscosity sticking to the faces of the clutch plates even with the clutch handle pulled in. Once it clunks into gear, that is the sound of the rotation of the clutch basket and transmission input shaft coming to a stop until you let the clutch out to drive the bike forward. Check the clutch cable to make sure it is in spec for proper free play just the same.

Curious if the Milwaukee 8 suffers from these problems... please chime in.

@davidson2004fatboy

4 жыл бұрын

Jeffrey Engle CHIME CHIME

@haroldyazzie3538

9 ай бұрын

I think m8 has it's own set of problems

Have a problem changed all seals and o rings 3 times and still have a leak between the transmission and inner primary 2007 road glide Any suggestions would be great thank you

@BikesBuiltBetterHorsham

5 жыл бұрын

Is it primary fluid, or transmission oil?

They all sound the same to me LOL

Baker products. Buy once, cry once. Always hated the price till I opened the box. Good comparison video.

My 07 Softail makes that grinding noise sometimes when i start it and it sounds like its going to explode lol

@superred13

4 жыл бұрын

Starter ring gear , mine has some teeth broken have to replace

@michaelburke2824

3 жыл бұрын

@@superred13 and thats caused by the chain tensioner being bad!! Switch to a baker !!!!! Had the same problem!!!!!

Why is Harley-Davidson still using a chain primary instead of a gear drive system?? The chain primary is an outdated system even with the new Milwaukee 8 motor Harley-Davidson still uses the chain primary which nobody else does.

@79lemans

6 жыл бұрын

new an improved YEA RIGHT the Milwaukee 8 motor but Harley doesn't install a (CAM GEAR drive setup)their still using that plastic shit .. I dout the reason is that it would cost too much.....their over priced already..

@finley614

5 жыл бұрын

dave dias the EPA complained about the cam gears being too noisy and Harley-Davidson in return went to cam chain driven cams. The EPA is the reason why HD doesn’t have gear driven cams anymore.. EPA also responsible for Twin Cams running lean and running hotter.

@MrDirtysteve75

5 жыл бұрын

@@finley614 so how did everyone else get away with using gears. Im.sure the EPA didnt single out HD.

@mrpoppagorgio5052

3 жыл бұрын

Because its simple to work on. The profile is classic awesome too. Harley believes in tradition and builds all its big vtwins off the old designs. Love em or hate em for it they got tradition in their motors. Think thats awesome myself. Why their an original. And the chain system works fine. U do the maintanance u will have no problems. 30 year old softtail. 90 thousand or so miles. Still runs good. Hope harley keeps building em their way as long as they can. Emissions one day will kill off the air cooled motor. Sad day.

@safelyanonymous5717

3 жыл бұрын

@@MrDirtysteve75 agreed...everyone is and has been using a gear drive system which is better and more reliable. Harley uses the chain to increase their service money bucket...

Harley needs to get off of it's ass and use gears like the Victory..

@bamahi7142

7 жыл бұрын

I sold my Harely's and jumped ship to Victory. I just felt that I was riding a timebomb with the HD. The cost to just ride those things adds up, while when I ride my Vic, the only thing that goes up are the miles!! Granted, ALL bikes need maintenance and none is perfect. Ride what rocks your boat and ride safe!

@exracer2002

7 жыл бұрын

We all want to be turn key riders at some point in our lives....but I haven't hit that point yet...right now..shes like a 1967 chevy...and if I want to go faster or twist the crank I HIT THE BUY IT NOW BUTTON...:-)

@TMAXXPUNISHER

6 жыл бұрын

LOL Victory is so awesome Polaris shut them down.

@dannynoel993

5 жыл бұрын

They will shut down Indian too.

@obfuscated3090

5 жыл бұрын

My turn key point was in 1988 and I still have that FXR which has been reliable as any riceburner (I own and work on those, too). Subsequent HD engines suffer from cost cutting by HD and the "Harley tax" is through the roof. Instead of a new bike I have a new S&S 124 to freshen the old beast up. The solution to modern Harley engine issues is buy an S&S and let the chumps buy new bikes for too much money.

I have to say although this video is quite old, at 1minute and 15 seconds, It seems obvious to me that the chain is worn out 😎

Ok,, maybe tomorrow

Southern Oregon hot bikes makes a better one that is hydraulic!

Transmission fluid

@BikesBuiltBetterHorsham

5 жыл бұрын

Sounds like you're not sure where it's leaking from. You might want to get one of those ultraviolet dye kits. You put the dye into the oil, run the bike for a while, and use the included light to spot where the leak is coming from. A less-sophisticated version of that is to run the bike for a while (after cleaning it thoroughly, obviously) then blow white powder like foot powder or baby powder all over the suspect area. The powder should stick to the leaking oil and help it show up better. And be sure to check the exhaust mount where it attaches to the transmission. We have seen a lot of leaks from there. Good luck.

My 2011 Street Glide had 2 compensators in 12,000 miles. Garbage design.

too bad for guys who only buy Harley. my 07 Yamaha roadliner runs and looks new, never a problem,plus it's hellaquick. better in every way.

@dalehumphrey8765

6 жыл бұрын

jojodaddyo ...you don't know shit..at least my bike has gear primary drive,much better than chain.Like I said , better in every way.Don't bother trying to start an internet argument,I won't reply .

@dalehumphrey8765

6 жыл бұрын

jojodaddyo .. don't bother with a childish reply, I'm done with your foolishness.

@dalehumphrey8765

6 жыл бұрын

jojodaddyo ...so childish ,now go play with the rest of the children,and leave the adults alone

@eddiebenzz

5 жыл бұрын

Dale , why waste your time w/ these Badge Mongers ? That’s all they care about. They can be on a tricycle purchased at a swap meet in CHINA ! As long as it has the Hd plastic emblem on it ... it makes them feel like real HE men ☝️ funny tho , there are tons of videos on You Tube with tatted grown men babies 👶 crying about all the mis haps that occur on this Down syndrome bike !

@MrDirtysteve75

5 жыл бұрын

I rode a Vstar classic for 10 years. I've been without a bike for 4yrs and getting ready to buy. I was looking at Roadstars and my wife sent me some ads for a couple Harleys. After reading about these cam chain problems, I may stick with a Roadstar.

I raid motorcycles since 1984, but for diferent reasons I bought my first harley in 2015, my honest first impression of the primary was why this crap is so fucking noisy, the primary sounds like you are tumbling rocks, Same thing with the Ducati clutch. Overrated and overpriced bikes.

Next time get a japanese motorcycle