Refer to Maintenance Scheduling → Regular Service Intervals: Softail Models → Regular Service Intervals: 2006 Softail Models. Primary (front) chain adjustment should be inspected at proper intervals.

NOTE

If the chain is allowed to run loose, it will cause the motorcycle to jerk when running at low speed, and chain and sprockets will wear excessively. If this happens, see a Harley-Davidson dealer or proceed as follows.

WARNING

To prevent accidental vehicle start-up, which could cause death or serious injury, disconnect negative (-) battery cable before proceeding. (00048a)

1.	Remove seat. Unthread bolt and remove battery negative cable (black) from battery negative (-) terminal. See Maintenance and Lubrication → Battery: Softail Models.
2.	See Figure 1. On the left side of the vehicle, remove the four T27 TORX screws with flat washers to free the primary chain inspection cover from the primary chaincase cover. Discard inspection cover gasket.
3.	Check the primary chain tension. Push on the upper strand to verify that it has free up and down movement midway between the engine compensating sprocket (front) and the clutch sprocket (rear).
4.	Refer to Table 1. Measure the free play to be sure that it falls within the ranges specified for a hot or cold engine.
	NOTICE Do not adjust the primary chain tighter than specified. Running chain too tight will result in excessive wear. (00202a)
5.	If the chain is too tight or too loose, then adjustment is necessary. Proceed as follows: a. See Figure 2. Locate the chain tensioner assembly and loosen the top center nut a maximum of two turns. b. Refer to Table 1. Raise or lower the chain tensioner assembly as necessary to obtain the specified free play. c. Tighten the top center nut of the chain tensioner assembly to 28.5–39.3 N·m (21–29 ft-lbs). NOTE As chains stretch and wear, they run tighter at one spot than another. Always adjust the free play at the tightest spot in the chain. Replace the primary chain if it is worn to the point where it cannot be properly adjusted. Allowing the chain to run loose will cause the motorcycle to jerk when running at low speed resulting in excessive chain and sprocket wear.
6.	See Figure 1. Using a new gasket, position the primary chain inspection cover in the primary chaincase cover. Install four screws (with flat washers). Tighten the screws to 9.5–12.2 N·m (84–108 in-lbs).

Table 1. Primary Chain Adjustment Table: Softail Models

FREE PLAY	IN.	MM
COLD engine	5/8-7/8	15.9-22.2
HOT engine	3/8-5/8	9.5-15.9

1	Primary chain inspection cover
2	Clutch inspection cover
3	Screw tightening sequence

Figure 1. Primary Chaincase Cover

1	Center bolt nut
2	Primary chain
3	Shoe assembly

Figure 2. Chain Tensioner Assembly