J&P Cycles Motorcycle Community

 I have a 1979 FXS Lowrider and I'm considering an M6 automatic primary chain tensioner.  If you're running an M6 on your shovelhead I'd be interested in hearing about your experience with the product and it's installation.  Thanks !

Cobra,

 I ran the M6 on my '82 shovel for 4 years. They install very easy, and perform as advertised.......However, when a local Indi showed me a half dozen that the shoe broke, from push starting, and hard down-shifts (the shoe gets a violent slap downward), I took mine off. ..............................Maybe Hayden was aware of that, and they are 'new and improoved' now................

 CobraJet,

       The M6 is still a great product. It works just fine if you keep up on the adjustment. The broken shoe could be from improper installation also. They now have a hydraulic primary chain tensioner P# 601-028. It works off the same principle as a lifter. The unit has it's own hydralic pump in it and removes the chain slap and lessens vibrations.   

 just to clarify, the hydraulic tensioner 601-028 is not a hayden product. i personally run an m-6, have had it in for many years, still running the same shoe, has given me excellent service, and many many miles

I have one on my 1980 Shovel FLT and have no problems, but I could not feel much of any difference as I had expected, but then there wasn't a problem before I installed it either.

 I have one on my 73 FXE and it really works well. Less noise and smoother shifting.

 FX ...Thanks for the input, that's the kind of info I was looking for.

Thank you one and all for your responses ...

I actually purchased the M6 and received it yesterday, but I can assure you that there's nothing new and improved about it.  It's a simple design, but it strikes me as being too generic.  What I mean is that it seems to cover too many applications and I'm not sure I want too risk it on my 96" stroker motor.

Based on my observations of the parts in the kit I must say that I'm not crazy about the bottom shims being supported by the bottom of the primary case and the fact that one bolt holds it all together and in place.  I was at least hoping that the back side of the "L" bracket was notched so it would nest into the stock adjuster plate or at least have a pin on it like a stock adjuster to eliminate the possibility of any movement.  I guess I was hoping for something a bit more sophisticated and tailored in its design.

 wkerner ... Thank you for responding.  Is your FXE stock?

 Phyxsius,

Thank you for the input and for the alternative Hydraulic adjuster, but how does the hydraulic unit work in a primary designed to have little to no oil in it?  Are you currently running either an M6 or Hydraulic chain adjuster in a shovelhead?

 sfranta,

Thanks for the input and pointing out that hydraulic unit is not made by Hayden.  I looked at the hydraulic unit as well but I have to pose the same question I did to Phyxsius, which is how does a hydraulic unit work in a primary that's not designed to hold oil?

 superxdave,

Thanks for sharing your experience.  How long has it been installed and is your bike stock?

Cobra,

 Just my opinion here. After seeing them break with stock engines, I would not use the M6 on your stroker. it could even break on start-up with a big engine, as the chain pulls from the bottom, and will 'slap' the shoe violently downward. They break in half at the spring hole where the meat is thin on top. Hope the rest of you guys never have to push start your bikes. But maybe like I said before......They're 'new, and improoved'................If there's a one in several thousand chance it will break, I would'n risk it on my bike.........Harley's have been fine without it for several decades now..................

 FX,

I appreciate and welcome your opinion.  Since I'm not impressed with the design to begin with and my stock adjuster has served me well for 30 years now, I'm leaning heavily toward returning the M6 for a refund.  Considering that I'm the original owner of the bike and getting a bit too old to turn wrenches all the time, I was looking for anything that could reduce the maintenance and increase my ride time.  Thanks again for responding !

 I have had mine installed about 8 months, the engine has slight mods. 9.5:1 Wiesco pistons, Andrews AB cam, S&S Heads, Super E carb, and the Crane H4 ingnition. I don't ride it really hard, but do like to twist the throttle open pretty often. I checked the M6 about a month ago and it looked just like it did when I installed it.