It's an O3 Fatboy with 79985 miles on it. Have the annual trip with friends planned and original cam tensioners. They had been inspected by local HD dealership at 60000 +/- and found to be fine. I have been reading alot lately about sudden failures, so it is time to panic. Stopped by local HD dealer who usually does the difficult stuff I won't attempt and his schedule is full, strongly advises that inspection/replacement be done, but will do the work when I get back, if I get back. Called friends for recommendations on shops other than dealer. Went to CPM Motorcyles in Coram NY. Pulled cover, tensioners are OK. I had them replaced anyway. I guess I was lucky. This topic has had so much bad press, I wanted to post my positive tale. Chris

 

Whatever, it's still a crap shoot.

Those things failing a lot earlier are not old wives tales that's for sure.

 

mine were toast at 21,000

 

On the 04 that i had i tore it down at 32k and they looked new. I went gear drive at that time.

 

mine lasted 71,000... upgraded to hyd. no more worries

 

And mine still looked good at 70,000, yet the inner tensioner broke in two at 81,000. And lets not forget all the fun I had checking them every
12,000 miles. A definite crap shoot.

Running gear drive now.

 

Too bad a guy couldnt have a half gear half chain set up. Gears for cam to cam and a chain on the outside for engines with exsesive runout. Wouldnt be too bad to pull the cover and replace outside tensioner.

 

I would bet the wear of a chain tentioner would have a lot to do with riding habits. If you're one of those riders that do a lot of faster take offs and down shifting I would imagine it will wear on the tentioner more.

 

From what I have read, it just depends on how the chains were stamped. Some have sharp edges that cut the tensioner shoes pretty fast, while others were stamped with a smooth edge, and don't give much trouble. I have an EVO, so I only had to change my inner cam brg. Couple $100.00 for adjustable push rods and tools, and a days work.

 

Thanks for an upbeat post. I hope I am as lucky until my upgrade.