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Cam tensioners... again.

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  #1  
Old 05-27-2013 | 01:20 PM
jeveretts's Avatar
jeveretts
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Joined: Dec 2012
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From: Daytona Beach
Default Cam tensioners... again.

So I bought my 2007 RK used, with about 40K on her. Best bike I have ever owned. 3rd Harley, about the 25th Motorcycle.
Never had a bad ride, I have about 44K on it now after 6 months.
I have been hearing a lot of conflicting advice on the cam tensioners. One friend had an 88" and put hydraulic tensioners in his and got 102K before a cam bearing went on him. Another friend of mine had a 2009 96" and tells me at 22K he had his inspected and one of the shoes was falling apart and on it's way to clogging his oil filter, but he caught it in time.
And another friend of mine, who works for Ducati corporate, tells me to not hesitate and buy a Andrews gear drive set up.

So I guess what I really need to know, is with an 07, and 44K, when should I be inspecting, and should I go gear drive, or stick with the stock hydro units?
 
  #2  
Old 05-27-2013 | 01:34 PM
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DTTJGlide
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Joined: Dec 2009
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From: North Cental Iowa
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I'd say that with the new hydraulic tensioners that maybe 1 in 100,000 might have problems at less than 50K. I changed cams at 48K & inner had almost no wear & outer had 10-15% wear, they're still in the bike at 72K, & I've seen them at 100K still looking good. The spring loaded ones were a problem, but not nearly as much as the forums talk about. If your bike was an early model I'd say to check them out, I "personally" wouldn't worry about them, we'll see what everybody else has to say.
 
  #3  
Old 05-27-2013 | 01:47 PM
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Fast Aire
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From: Reno, NV
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My 07 w/ 34k miles has the stock tensioners & so far no issues. If you're concerned, just pull the cover & do an inspection. I wouldnt waste time or money going to gear drives. But, if you have a stock motor, putting in a better cam will wake it up & do the tensioners at that time. The plastic shoes are not expensive.
 
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