Cam chain tensioner pads

[flstci1]

Had tensioner pads replaced today......(2001 Heritage, 22,050 miles).  Pads look almost like new, just the beginning of some wear, very little pitting.   It sure seems like a crap shoot when it comes to these pads.  I have seen pads with 11,000 miles that were completely gone.  Oh well, cheap insurance when it come to breaking down in the middle of nowwhere (lots of  that here in Idaho).

[Jim Bronson]

Just curious:

How often do you change your oil?
Is most of your riding city or highway?
Is your riding style aggressive or more conservative?

I've read that the above factors can contribute to premature tensioner wear.

[egstandard]

Do you want to sell the old ones?

[Scurvy]

Agressive. dyno oil, lots of 2 up riding thru the south. Replaced at 38k, 50% worn. Chains are nice n' polished now, not going to do that again until 75k.

[08blackstreetglide]

I remember replacing mine at 31,000 miles. 2000 Heritage. They were pretty well used up! Aggressive riding,oil changed every 3,000 miles.

[Draken]

FLSTS -03.
I have 55,000 miles/88.000 km on the clock and they are still fine. No more than 30% worn.  More or less touring miles.

Draken/Sweden

[Flat Dog]

All mechanical components will wear quickly if the bike is hammered all the time...not just tensioners.

[RK101]

I also changed mine at 22,500 Mikes. They were about 25% gone(outer more that inner.) I figured as long as I was in there changing them I'd do a little upgrading with cams lifters and inner bearings and Adj. Pushrods and baisly spring. It was a nice little upgrade without breaking the bank and keeping the motor reliable. I'll take a peak in there at around 60K again and see how things look.
I've always wondered about the quality control on the spring pressure that's put on the tensioners as being a major part of the problem

[ClassicRider2002]

I helped to replace the tensioners on my buddies 2001 RG this past spring bike had 22,000 miles.  The inner one, while it looked good actually broke off in my hand very easily like a pretzel if it had done that while it was in the bike....probably would have been a complete overhaul......so I guess we got that one in time. 

Here is what he did, we drove over to our local indy shop and he purchased two tensioner pads from the Owner who had several in hand for $10.00 ($5.00) each.  You have to understand my buddy he comes from a "farming" background.....do the least to get by the longest....sort of a Jiffy lube concept, So I call his home the "Jiffy Lube Garage", if he wants something done with a bit more care he calls me and you know we pull out the service manual and "methodically" begin the process.....come to think of it, that's happening less and less since he insulated his garage and put some lighting and has one of the propane burners........LOL.....We are all different.

Regards,


"Classic"

[flstci1]

First 4 yrs mostly backroads in Michigan...very little hwy. miles.  Since moving to Idaho lots of mountain roads.  Mobil 1 every 5000miles (20W50 V-twin stuff).   Moderate riding style, like to get on it once in awhile but for the most part don't beat it.  It's a big hunk of metal and even though Stage II (203 cams)....it's not a peed machine.  Beat anything and eventually you pay the price, IMO.

[PosseRider]

Mine were shot at 36,000. Non aggressive rider. touring 2 up.  syn oil.  Buddy had his motor destroyed by those little pads coming apart.