How long the tensioners last is determined by revs not miles. No two bikes will wear tensioners at the same rate based on mileage.

Say two riders ride side by side for a mile at the same speed but one bike is in 3rd gear and the other bike is in 4th. The bike in 3rd is turning many more revs for the same distance traveled.

More aggressive riders will get fewer miles out of a set of tensioners than less aggressive riders. The tensioners are a serviceable part and need to be inspected and replaced as needed just like tires, belts, chains etc...

 

But who keeps track of their annual or lifetime RPMs? The mileage is understood by probably almost everyone as a general gauge of things because who's gonna say "I rode 3,000rpm for an hour and 16 minutes today"? That's why I said that riding habits and engine mods could affect the life of them one way or another. And it's why I also stated what I have and basically how I ride. Now others have somewhat of a baseline to compare with and maybe more accurately gauge what they may expect. I doubt many riders on this forum need a lesson on the relationship between gear selection, rpm and road speed.

 

It was not my intention to offend you sir. This is a discussion forum and I added my observations. Your post is an excellent example of how long tensioners can last. I have had the opportunity to inspect dozens of tensioners in various twin cam models primarily in the course of performing upgrades. I have replaced tensioners as on bikes with 20-30k miles and have reused original tensioners on bikes with much higher mileage. My only point is that no one bike can be used as a yardstick to judge how long the tensioners will last on another bike. There are too many variables including the density and lack of consistency in the material used in the manufacturing of the tensioners themselves. You posted good info regarding your own observations. I just caution anyone to assume they will achieve similar results. That's my story and I'm sticking to it. Lol....Ride safe!

 

Ok no problem and thanks. Lol I guess I work around too many people daily where you always have to be on your guard because someone is always looking to get a leg up on you somehow. All is good.

 

Primary (outboard)

Secondary (inboard)

 

Your pics show pretty wear for the style pads with roller chains. The chain side plates groove the pads, then the roller ride over the pads and the pads pretty much stay that way for quite a while. You could probably go quiet a few more miles, but replacing them is fairly inexpensive.