Hayden M6 BT07 primary chain tensioner (part 1)

My initial impression of the Hayden M6 BT07 upon install.

[@tpitman]

I put the tensioner on my '09 Low Rider with 5000 miles on it about a month ago. I was surprised that the stock tensioner was not overly tight - the problem many seem to have with the stock one, but since I spent the money, I went ahead and installed the Hayden. I marked 3/8" on the edge of the Hayden bracket so when it was assembled it would be easy to see if the space was close. I also used a woodworker's clamp to compress the shoe and springs which made installation a lot easier than some seem to have, avoiding skinned knuckles and more swearing than absolutely necessary. After installation, the space between the bottom of the shoe and the top of the bracket was just a little less than the 3/8", but there seemed to be enough up and down movement in the chain - pretty much what there was with the stock tensioner, so I buttoned it up. Starting up, I didn't notice any unusual noise like some have - sounded just like it always did. Shifts very nicely and neutral is easy to find. I have a Hayden tensioner on my old '86 Sportster and like it a lot. I've never seen any deterioration of the shoe on that bike like some have -- just the grooves worn into it from the side plates of the chain. All in all, these are probably the best solution to the stock tension issues in terms of price, ease of installation, and lack of maintenance. I'll open it back up after another few thousand miles to check on it but if it holds up like the one on my Sportster, I'm happy.

[@timbarnett3898]

Instruction don't tell you if shoe should move while making upper measurements? That's something we should know! An you answered one of my questions, what if chain too tight with no shims added? What to do then?

[@skydude426]

Tim Barnett when I installed mine and checked the measurements, the shoe moved up and down a little bit but I didn’t apply much force moving the chain to avoid compressing the spring more than just slightly. I would think if your measurement is only a little short, like not much more than 1/8” it will be fine. As the chain wears into the shoe, you’ll gain a little more slack.

[@robertluebke1632]

Have u ridden with the new tensioner? any feedback or recommendations? Looking at this for my '13 FLHX

[@darrinskyberg5401]

I posted a video today after riding 500 miles. It's been hard to find time to ride this spring but I finally got in a couple good rides.

[@aboutmyfathersbusiness8324]

Hayden giving me and others chain slap. I have a twin cam 96cu

[@skydude426]

AboutMy FathersBusiness I have read of some people experiencing that on a couple forums. So far I haven’t had a problem. I’ll see this year as I did a 107 big bore.

[@aboutmyfathersbusiness8324]

Ya, looks like its a problem. Some even say they try shimming it tighter with the same effect. It did eliminate the whine of the tight chain and there is considerably smoother shifting. Just hope it don't damage the inner case with the slap now and then. May look for a proven aftermarket fixed tensioner next oil change. The old saying may be true " if it aint broke don't fix it" pertaining to fixed tensioners...

[@elopez412]

What are your impressions after doing some ridding?

[@darrinskyberg5401]

I posted another video today after riding 500 miles. So far it seams to work fine. It's a little easier to find neutral.

[@brianstokes7687]

How many miles now? issues?

[@skydude426]

I had the Hayden tensioner in for one season before building the engine up to a 107” from the stock 103”. It worked great with the stock motor. Once I gained more power with the new build, I started getting some chain slap at different times. After trying a couple options, I ended up dumping the Harley compensator and going with a Dark Horse Man-O-War compensator and a Baker chain adjuster. This set up works very well in my bike. My wife has a 2006 that I built up to a 98” from the stock 88” engine. She has the old stock compensator and a Hayden tensioner that work awesome in that bike.

[@darrinskyberg5401]

I posted a new video today of my 500 mile inspection of the Hayden primary tensioner.

[@wooddawg4868]

Can someone tell me why in the hell is Harley Davidson still using a chain primary drive? In 2017 they came out with the Milwaukee 8 motor new top to bottom and then slap the old chain primary back on a new updated motor. A gear drive primary would solve a problem maintenance issue and then HD could simply use the same primary cover for traditional appearance.

[@whatyoumakeofit6635]

If they hade gone gear drive I wouldn't have any interest in buying a new harely. I'd guess that's probably what the moco is thinking also.

[@Jimmy_Jim_Jim_1234]

Buy a Triumph and save yourself the trouble. I wish i did.

[@skydude426]

Jimmy_Jim_ Jim_1234 I’m still not wishing that. Harleys aren’t perfect but other brands have their issues as well. They are all mechanical objects that are going to have problems.