What's the BEST Primary Setup for YOUR Harley? - Baxter's Garage - Kevin Baxter

[@chopperjohn1046]

On my 2019 Limited 131 Stage 4 Engine I've been using Manowar Motor sprocket, with a Trask Clutch Basket with Rekluse Clutch. Also S & S Cam Plate & OIl pump, Welded Crank pin and removed Crank Balancer, D&D Cat Billet Exhaust, Amsoil Lubricants. I have over 40k miles with no problems. I'm going on 78 years old and I do all my own wrenching.

[@gvaldezcurrie]

You are the rare person that makes me want to be the best that I can be and know that I am. The technical information you share is the absolute most sound I’ve come acrost NOW lately I’ve been able to catch your recent personal presentations and thank You for your humanity and your ability to share so beautifully. Your family and God gifted you with as a true giver of Good. Build a log cabin on your property. I’ll get back to Tennessee having spent a year there in the service back in the late 70’s. Beautiful county and more Beautiful Southern belles truly.

[@jonkarg2528]

I had neutral rattle with my 16 Slim. I immediately thought that the tensioner was broken. Went in the primary only to discover that the tensioner was just fine. I have the Man O War comp innit as well.😎

[@BerryKreul]

I have a 2011 and my primary has always been noisy. I’ve changed the compensator to a baker and baker tensioner and it still makes the same sound. It’s been inspected by myself and a trusted shop. I have resorted to just screwing my earplugs in tighter and not worry about it.

[@royalblue2043]

I own a 1995 Heritage soft tail. Had a squeaking noise coming from what I thought was the compensatory area of the primary. Only on acceleration. Turned out to be the rear drive belt rubbing on the sheave on the edges.. A little bit of automotive belt treatment on the sides of the belt stopped the noise ( For now). Keeping a close eye on the belt for any fatigue. I just putt around town with the occasional roll on to clean out the carbon once in awhile . Previous owner did not supply service records.

[@michaelcartwright306]

2007 TC Heritage. Darkhorse sprocket, Hayden tensioner, Barnett HvyDuty fiber 10 plate kit. Works awesome, always hooks up, no more issues. yay!

[@victoriabrockman5473]

Harley service bulletin, "Neutral rattle is not a mechanical issue... It's a feature!" lol. Great video as always!

[@magic4221]

Have to highly recommend the Recluse torque drive clutch pack and their billet basket.

[@thebasswicker6294]

I just had my cover off and didn’t check the tension, wished I had seen your video prior. Thanks really great video Sir.

[@NativeSD53]

That is exactly the contents of my primary on my 2010 (96 inch) Softail Heritage... other that I have a Hayden tensioner. Thanks for your video on American Prime Clutches. Drove up to Ben's and he assembled mine while I went for lunch. Now All My Power is Making it to the ground!!! That Silver Diaphragm Spring is a dream!!

[@dynasore2993]

I have a 09 Fat Bob, 96 motor. I have tried to stay ahead of documented trouble spots,( fix it before it breaks). In the primary, I trashed the comp, tensioner, fluid issues, and clutch. I installed 2" BDL semi closed belt drive with the Barnett roller lockup clutch. 5 yrs later, zero issues, life changing stuff. The 1st gear "clunk" gone. I highly recomend based on my exp.

[@KevinT-w2e]

2012 flhtc 104hp 117tq Vulcan engine sprocket m6 Hayden adjuster variable pressure clutch diaphragm stock clutch plates,formula oil, shifts super smooth, 78,000 miles. Love it!

[@artesper7898]

I ran a Hayden primary chain adjuster on my 1989 FLH for 30 years worked great When I bought my 2020 Road Glide Limited new I put a Hayden in it the first week After watching your KZbin on the Manowar I put one on my Road Glide 15000 miles all working perfectly Thank You

[@jbt68]

Thanks for doing what you do for all of us, Kevin!

[@scottbradshaw5249]

Darkhorse Manowar sprocket with Hayden chain adjuster and screaming eagle heavy duty clutch,no issues.

[@zonktified1247]

The info and guidance you provide us Kevin is a beautiful thing. Thanks for taking the time out of your life to do so!

[@rsundstrom7]

Great Video, Thanks Kevin....This is the Exact setup that i'm running.

[@gvaldezcurrie]

you are just a good dude, i see that every time I tune in. keep up the good you put out there.

[@kennethperian4370]

Great job showing and telling, now I know more than I did. Keep up the great work you’re doing, have a great one see ya next time see ya bye.

[@uncletoddsgarage]

Kevin, thank you for the super technical videos for us gearheads! I learn so much from every one.

[@o0Hotiron0o]

Kevin, thank you for all your time and info... just to think back in time, if you were lucky going to your local speed shop to get answers was one of only a few ways to gain this type of Information. Keep em coming and thanks again.

[@alvintarrer6914]

Nothing like an honest mechanic, thank you brother 👍🇺🇸✌️

[@PincheBuzo]

My 98 FLHP engine wise is bone stock and staying that way. I won't get there first, but I will get there. If it ain't broke...

[@doylehenderson319]

Thanks so much for your years of guidance and advice.... I took it to heart when the 3rd SE compensator died and replaced with a Dark Horse and I couldn't find a Haden so I went with a PSR and it seems to be a quality unit, having said that it started out noisy but with a couple of hundred miles on it it has gotten more quite. Thanks once again Kevin!!!!

[@williamanthony5021]

IMO. IN KEVIN I TRUST. GREAT WORK KEV. AND THANSK. BOSTON BILL

[@charlesd6459]

What a mechanic! Thanks for another awesome video I might add that most chain/sprocket combos will have a sort of a tight spot. So I usually find the tight spot and adjust chain tension there

[@454dw]

My Hayden adjuster had a coil spring and it snapped I put stock back in and I think it is tightened up too much. Guess I am buying a Baker

[@tonydanzl]

20k+ on a "Southern Oregon Hot Bikes" auto tensioner.! No issues, minimal wear on shoe.🤠✌️

[@brianbayowski9265]

THIS! 👆

[@freebird3190]

I set up my 07 Ultra Classic close to the way you have here by watching previous videos of yours going back some time. I use it only for touring and ride around 3000 rpm. I love the Man O War It made a Huge difference .. Thank you for your Expertise ...

[@haroldblanton1555]

Thx for the content as always! Very informative for future builds. Thank you for taking the time to inform us.

[@Sam590ss]

Thanks for taking a few minutes out of your day for us, Kevin. There's always something great coming when you post a new video. Maybe another story time coming soon?

[@kerrylewis2581]

Great and important information. I'll be opening up my modified primary very soon for an inspection. Thanks again for another tech tip, Mr. Baxter

[@austinlecuyer9038]

Thank you for the info! It really shows that each component in each system is interconnected!

[@Tomcat8911]

Thank you for your explanation of parts choices.The bikes that I wrench on are mine.With that I don't see +s & -s of parts.Prices make me wonder is it worth $$.So like your channel I soak up all knowledge I can.I wanted darkhorse compensator but don't make for my '02 twin cam.Dam I forget I'm old as dirt!Never grow up!😂😂

[@jonkarg2528]

I had a Hayden break on me. I know where it broke but not why. I did go back to it though.

[@thomaskirkpatrick4031]

Kevin, a while back a guy road in in a Shovelhead. You were talking about a complete restoration. Is that still going to happen?

[@jimharrison4526]

Thank you once again for all the information.

[@greenmarine5]

I'm new to Harley's but not new to riding, I work on my own bikes, this info will definitely help me. Thank you

[@jeancharleslariviere5598]

Another incredible/informative masterclass. Thank you Mr. Baxter.

[@lpd1snipe]

Learned a few things today. Thanks for sharing.

[@ironpug42]

WOW really I have seen two videos on the Hayden plastic broke and on the other one the chain ate up the metal on the side.

[@elviejogo2008]

Big thanks for this one. It just seems my needs for a 12 year old Electra Glide and your experience and recommendations on the five basic riding styles in line with what I'm hearing in the primary just make absolute sense. The 103 has a recent rebuild with upgrades to cams, tensioner, upgraded oil pump, stator and clutch bearing during the last quarter of 2023. But it's making an awful noise. I appreciate your experience and confidence with the brand recommendations on the clutch, tensioner and motor sprocket. I'm inspired to obtain the parts and give it a go, at 160k I'm sure it can't hurt. Awesome drop just like always. Thanks for sharing.

[@danbarrette9888]

Thanks Kevin.

[@cavscout62]

Great information as usual Kevin, thanks.

[@russcook2355]

Thanks Kevin on another great video and informative video 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@mitchelldarnell5334]

Mitch from Oklahoma watching👍🤠 I enjoyed your explanation of these parts. Now get to work😁😛😳👍🤠

[@mailhog2642]

I was told that I could not to use the Manowar with an Ezstart cam from them. I have a Chris Revas 584 Ezsstart cam in my 08 106 build. It has Screaming Eagle heads

[@paulroads3193]

Hello Kevin thank you for the videos on 6 speed transmission rebuild when i lost third gear due to fork and dog wair i thought HO shit i had never looked in side a transmission befor , so with your help i starter to ré build my transmission, in your vidéos you referance Jims tools à lot, Im on a budget so i made Paul s tools from bits of scrap metal your vidios help meney peaple, you gave me the knowldge to fix my knigh train so i take the time to thank you Paul.

[@darladuchesscontadour5380]

Paul's tools. 😁👍🏻

[@angelsierra1988]

I have a 2010 Heritage Softail that is making a clunking noise when you start it most of the time. I had a 2009 road King that also had a 96" motor and made the same noise until it has a compensator failure. The Heritage has 9600 miles and I bought it from the original owner a little over a month ago. I'm thinking of replacing the compensator and the tensioner. Any advice ? Of course if I do I will be ordering the parts from you..

[@Motorcycle.guy1985]

I think the auto tensioner is responsible for the crank bearing failure that everyone blames on the ‘02+ lefty bearing. I replaced that POS immediately on my ‘17 FLHTP with a Baker manual tensioner and Baker compensator. I pull the primary cover once a year to inspect tension and haven’t had to adjust it once since initially setting it at 5/8”. I just put the 30 tooth Baker in and love the new 3.25:1 6th gear. I don’t like cruise control and now the bike is easier to keep at 2 lane speed limits instead of the bike wanting to do 80 all the time.

[@Duey_diditGarage]

Great video

[@markjackson8302]

Do you work on Indian motorcycles? I'm looking at getting rid of my Harley and respect your work.

[@JCunningham21]

I have a Man-O War, Hayden, Trask basket, and 1275N clutch springs in my cammed 131 Low Rider S

[@o0Hotiron0o]

All that for free99 can't beat it...... Thanks Kevin.

[@curtcoulson1010]

Well my H-D original took a shit!! Messed me up but caught it in time. Put on the Hayden 3 years ago. No issues.

[@mitchelldarnell5334]

Mitch from Oklahoma watching👍🤠

[@steventwiddy3402]

What justifies the baker tensioner being twice the cost of the other brand you mentioned ?

[@oliveris]

Hi Kevin, great information as always. Thinking of upgrading my M8 Fat Bob with an Evolution Black Ops Grabber Compensator Ramp & Diaphragm Spring combo. Replacing the OEM primary chain tensioner with an Hydraulic Automatic Primary Chain Tensioner from Southern Oregon Hot Bikes. Eventually followed by an Evolution complete clutch assembly. This is my 'Forever' bike and I'm mainly looking for longevity. It will stay a 114 but at some point get a bolt in cam. My riding style varies. like to give it a bit on my own from time to time but nothing to crazy and also have the missus on the back most weekends. Would much appreciate your thoughts or any feedback.

[@davehardan8323]

Kevin would you please tell why HD clutch plates are tiny strips now when they used to be full size.

[@jeffreybaumgras7686]

great vid Kevin as usual. Which primary tensioner is quieter?

[@craigkemmerzell5741]

Good show 👏

[@synergy503]

Request a video on bolt on chopper kits, that keep the stock rake and trail.

[@johnnielsen5076]

Business opportunity...Dark Horse doesn't make this sprocket for Evo's and early twin cams. If they did I would buy it and ditch the ramps and spring washer setup.

[@ironpug42]

Is the darkhorse teeth the same number as stock

[@TheBBGlobalNetwork]

Another awesome video. Thanks Kevin! What's your thoughts on the Baker 30 tooth comp? The 13% gearing advantage is interesting. Have a 2016 Street Glide, we ride two up, long distance touring only. Thinking the 13% would help get the two of us and loaded bags/tour pack moving off the line quicker. Better throttle response too. Woods TW-222 cam, pipes, air cleaner, FP3 tuner. Recommend the 30 tooth comp?

[@Motorcycle.guy1985]

I put the 30 tooth in a month ago and I love it! Performance wise it’s awesome but also calms the bike down on 2 lane roads to where the bike is easier to keep at 65-70 instead of “drifting” to 80 all the time. I have a 2017 with a 107 M8.

[@tacticalofficer6103]

Thank you Kevin !!!!!!!

[@frankfurther3828]

I'm just wondering on this bike if the original parts have failed and at what mileage?

[@janyoung1633]

Kevin, Love your content. Do you think a baker is a better fit with the Man 'o' war compensator? I have a 2017 Road glide 107 using the stock shoe setup currently. Dark horse has been in there for 20K with no issues..

[@JeffHawkins-x1w]

Are you saying that Trask doesn't makea basket for 02 twincam?

[@LonerBoi88883]

i have an extra quart of mobil1 10w-40. I just changed the oil in the primary with mobil1 20w-50. I only had a quart of 20w-50, is it fine to top it off with 10w-40?

[@dazzrad]

Hi Kevin thanks for the detailed information what's your opinion on a full primary set up on a 2005 FXDL engine is dyno at 100hp and 124fp has 96 S&S kit gear drive S&S cam and oli pump im about to do the crank bearing conversion and have the crank worked done sorry I couldn't tell you what cam it is running engine work was done by previous owner bike is at 68000ks from northern new south wales australia summer temperatures get as high is 47 degrees celsius type of rides are long 100k round trip just to go to shops 300 ks to Brisbane wishing you had a shop here in Australia 😉 if you know a builder here you can recommend I'd appreciate it Thanks Dazz

[@Old-n-slo-locked-n-leaned]

Hey Kevin. If I want to check/readjust adjustable pushrods in a 2018 M8 107, is there anything I need to do to make sure the lifter is primed properly so I get the accurate “zero lash” position and the accurate pre load position. I assume I can just remove all 4 of the pushrods and set the zero lash and preload on each pushrod without having to do anything else, but I need an expert’s confirmation. TIA

[@freedom6919741]

So American Prime doesn’t make an M8!clutch. I had the Man O War after you did my build and it made so much noise I took it out. Crazy loud!

[@bigjoe6814]

Same here…quite on start up when cold..very noisy after a long haul

[@michaelstenson4228]

Same here. I had a rattle from 2700 RPMs and up. I live 14 miles from Darkhorse. They had my bike for more than a week. They changed the chain, the tensioner and the clutch and basket. They insisted it wasn’t their motor sprocket. After I got it back I swapped it out for the SE comp. No noise. It wasn’t neutral rattle. It was a constant rattle from 2700 Rs & up. Now the DH sprocket definitely felt better and way more responsive. My OCD drove me nuts with the noise. I’m not saying the DH sprocket is bad, at all. Just as an FYI, my motor bottom end was built by DH. Balanced, trued and welded with MoW rods.

[@Jacksteelmachines]

would you say 100.000km's is to much to get a second hand street glide from 2009 ? :) cool vids btw!!

[@redwine1671]

Thank you!

[@CraigAquilina-fw3nn]

Sounds like good buisness to me

[@msblack2424]

Hi , my baker primary adjuster let me down ,the adjust arm bent and had the chain nylon shoe running out of alinement with the chain , i pulled it out and bent it back into shape ,i have always checked adjustment every time i changed the primary oil 5000 km and 3/8 to 5/8 at the tight spot all was good for 100,000km until ,it has slowly been bending until the shoe wore a grove in it from the arm being to piss week to hold it .I rang baker and they tried to sell me the upgrade { a bolt on plate like you have in this video for $100+ } WHATS THE NEXT UPGRADE AND HOW MUCH WILL THAT COST I've got over 160,ooo on this FXDF 2009 ,still running stock compensator no problems, clutch basket inner hub replaced spline s on way out, inner primary bearing perfect ,I always put just a little bit more oil in there for the comp and inner bearing and its payed off ,when first got the bike the comp was dry inside she had 50,000 km ,GOOD TO LET PEOPLE KNOW SHIT BRAKES IF YOU HAVE ONE OF THESE BAKER ADJUSTERS keep your eye on it. YES I LIKE YOUR VIDEOS.

[@ThomasELeClair]

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,the baker stuff,,,all his stuff,,,,,,,has been way over priced since he started selling parts.........................................................

[@elmaestro6106]

Mr. Baxter on a complete Stage 2 Screaming Eagle kit with the 585cams on a 103 twin cam, would you recommend upgrading the primary?

[@Ky-Alf]

Question does it take a special primary chain?

[@TheBBGlobalNetwork]

The Man O War comp? No, uses standard primary chain.

[@gardnerwebb3749]

What do you think of open drive primary for any bike?

[@tennesseebound6597]

Can you please explain in certain aspects why you don’t use OEM? Example, clutch or tensioner, I understand the man o war, but still an upgraded comp ramp will still get several thousands of miles without having to replace the comp springs and so forth. Im curious what cam shaft have you recommended for this gentleman that will be touring mostly. Thank you, absolutely love your channel, thank you for all the time you share has to be tiresome to keep the business going as well as making all these videos.

[@munciebill8674]

Curious why the stock auto adjusting chain tensioner is not a choice.

[@christopherj9494]

Is Hayden in business still? I need a spring set up. They don't return calls or emails

[@Will8022000]

that was my problem,spring FAILURE,i went to my local hdwe. and got the next size up [ thickness ]

[@ironpug42]

or could be the clutch plates rattling back and fourth making the noise.

[@PincheBuzo]

Side note. If you can hear a rattle anywhere on your bike, you got the wrong pipes on it, son! 🤪

[@greenmarine5]

Amen 100%

[@susandavis5833]

😂

[@jamesmaloney9228]

What motor sprocket are using on your procharged bike?

[@Charger1908]

I’ve been watching you for years and I put the man o war compensator on my bike when I did the 131 build. It has been extremely quiet but say I’m on Facebook on one of the Harley sites and all I hear is man their noisy, while I haven’t heard shit. Do you know what’s up with that? Or is it just people bitching just to bitch? Thanks Kevin, love your vids.

[@0toeknee0]

i have a man o war compensator and an evolution clutch basket. I had a fair amount of noise when I was running the billet inner clutch basket from evolution. I later went with the steel inner basket and there is little to no noise. the ONLY issue i've had with the man o war is that i get a pulsating feel in power delivery around 2800-3000 rpm if the throttle is held steady in that range. completely normal.

[@jadefreier8084]

Anybody know how Kevin faired thru the Hurricane?

[@Manonymous108]

I'd be interested in knowing just how many have the word reliability in their vocabulary when tasking you with a build. I know I did because I read too many horror stories regarding weak components and predictable production results due to materials and components that are designed to save the manufacturer money to build and the possibility of planned obsolescence. I know Kevin doesn't trash talk HD or anyone generally (nice guy) but I know I had concerns about my stock Bike and wonder if I'm just paranoid...

[@renegadegreg6428]

What is the cost for something like this? Ballpark?

[@CMFS101]

Well the Baker DD7 is $4000 dollars, the Man O War is $600, Attitude Manual Tensioner is $300, and that clutch has parts from OEM and Trask. A new complete clutch is about $1000 dollars. So $6000 give or take for a bullet proof primary with transmission

[@markbass5628]

I have a man of war in my 124 with a trask basket and a Ruklese clutch , from day one when I installed the man of war it has been loud sounding, are the man of war supposed to make noise ?

[@markbass5628]

FYI I have a Baker grudge box transmission.

[@pyromania9016]

Hello Kevin I got a Harley softtail classical heritage was wondering if I am able to put a Milwaukee 8 engine in it?

[@subsonicwarthog]

Nope

[@subsonicwarthog]

Nope

[@MB-wn9cv]

Belt drive, only way to go

[@goodboyringo9716]

Man of War sprocket for 2007-2016, 2018 2022 and M8 ONLY

[@theodavies8754]

Thanks for sharing. I'm in the UK with a '99 FXDL which has minimal support at best.

[@lawrencebrandt8448]

its my belief that all that needs to be done is , when new it be taken apart to polish the ramps in the compensator .

[@Ron-d2g]

If only you could purchase a bike and just ride it without having to replace this replace that over and over again wouldn’t that be great

[@SWATT101]

Wasn't a big fan of the Hayden...it was clunky on and off throttle, for me, anyways...on new SE comp.

[@williamanthony5021]

I LIKE THOSE SENSIBLE THOUGHTS I AM A SENIOR PERSON AMERICAN PRIME FOR ME PLEASE AND DIAPHRAGM TOO THANSK🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉

[@geraldbrakefield3874]

are the clutches in the primary or the engine oil?

[@allred53]

Primary

[@erwinroman4217]

Primary, which is separate but uses engine oil.

[@BagpipekilR]

The clutch is in a seperate compartment from the engine, its inside the primary chain case. But not every oil can be used in the primary. Being factory bikes use a wet clutch, you need wet clutch specific oil, as in it cannot have friction modifiers or the clutch will slip. So you can run engine oil in the primary, only as long as the engine oil is wet clutch rated. Do not use regular motor oil in your primary. Harleys have 3 compartments for oil. Engine, Primary and Trans. Look into Schaefer oil, great stuff, seperate blends for all 3 holes.

[@jimmyjohnson1452]

Why not stay with oem tensioner?They are bullet proof

[@cj8172]

i thought they were good too if your engine is stock, but aparently they over-tighten if you add a lot of HP to your engine. I'm not sure if this is true or not.

[@danr919]

100% I’ve pushed 140 plus Hp with OEM no dramas

[@tonydanzl]

Known to overtighten, ratchet up too far on hard engine pulses. 🤠✌️