Although 2007+ models that use the “new” hydraulic tensioners are better, they are far from fool proof and can still fail (read engine re-build). Take a look around the net and you’ll read several stories with everyday people who don’t ride their bikes hard, and now need new engines. I looked at upgrading my bike to gear driven cams, however had too much runout on my crank. Most manufacturers, including S&S which is what I used, don’t allow more than 0.003” runout on the crank. Mine was at 0.005”. Big disappointment, but fixing it was cost prohibitive. I ended up going with the S&S Cam Chest Kit which includes an upgraded cam plate, oil pump, cams, all the bearings, gaskets, locktite, pushrods, lifters, and new tensioners made of a more durable material and allow them to be lubricated better, and everything else that you need. I highly recommend it. Check out the S&S YouTube page and you’ll see why their upgraded parts are vastly superior to the H-D ones. If I remember right, the H-D cranks can come from the factory with up to either 0.008 or 0.012” crank runout. This means even a brand new bike may not be able to switch to gear driven cams. Pretty crappy design by H-D. Press fit cranks are crap and welded ones aren’t any better. S&S also has a series of YouTube videos to prove it. If someone tells you that you don’t need to worry about it or says I’m blowing smoke, feel free to research it yourself. I did a ton last summer and fall before I did my upgrade last winter. The new M8 models still use press fit cranks with tensioners so nothing has changed. Good luck!
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