6th gen chain questions

Hey guys, my '02 is in need of a chain and sprocket(s).
1) what type/brand of chain would you recomend?
2) should I replace both front and rear sprockets?
3) what is the best masterlink type?
4) what websites would you recomend?
INFO: 02 vfr has 8050 miles with original chain & sprockets.

 

1. Personal preference is O ring type.
2. Yes. You can buy "packages" that fit your bike.
3. Go with the one the chain manufacturer recommends.
4. Shop around for your best deal. Some sellers are offering free shipping. Some will beat prices of others.

Some online store have toll free lines. The benefit there is that you can call and find out if what you want is in stock, finding out if there are any current deals, calculating shipping costs if any, sometimes even tracking numbers, tax rates if any ect.

Use the website to do the homework. The phone guys are jammin so try to be brief. These guys are usually not on any sort of commission structure so manners and brevity count.

Lots of good tips on chains and sprockets as well as other goodies that make for good riding. Figure out what you need then go to the manufacturers website cut through the sales stuff and go to the tech data. For chains and sprockets the major manufacturers usually have more info than we really want to know but will cover wear and why it's best to do a complete changeover.

 

Evfr,
8500 miles is not very much for a stock chain. What indications do you have? How do your sprockets look? I replaced mine @ 19.5K miles with with a DID gold chain and new sprockets.

Action

 

I agree with Action, my stock chain and sprockets have 8500 and still look like new.

 

lube

Last three bikes I sold had stock chain and sprocket and they were like new . Youngest had nine thousand miles. I lube like a two dollar hooker (but I am worth three) and clean like Alice. Chain and sprocket will last for quite a while but it only takes one time of neglect to do the damage that can't be undone.I am the nagging bitch in our group about chains......

 

Toe, I think that may be the issue the front most tooth of the rear sprocket is behind the indicator line and, according to the manuel I have the maximum slack in the chain. It probably needs to be tightened. Anybody have any experience with a 520 conversion on a 6th gen. ?

 

So far I was thinking about going with a Vortex hardcoat rear (+2), a vortex front (stock17) and an EK x-ring in red. ???

 

sounds like you need to look for a service manual :thumbsup: (and the search button)

 

I have a service manuel

 

gumby

Chain wear with match set that has been well cared for will make noise that all can hear that is caused from tooth wear and chain wear .The noise of a worn chain can not be confused with another.

 

Are you familiar with the indicator line Im talking about? That is what Im basing my claim on. There is no gross chain noise or any terrible looking teeth on the sprocket. But like I said the chain needs to be tightened and, that will just put the front most tooth further behind the line. At this point its about a 1/16" behind the indicator. What are the risks of running behind that line?

 

Evfr,
I find that indicator "more of a guide"...... IMO, as long as there are no signs of damage or impending failure, keep adjusting the slack out. Follow the manual for adjustment and remember a little more slack is better than too tight.

Couple of things come to mind. Assuming (I know) that it is the original chain and sprockets, the O rings may be shot from lack of use/cleaning/lubing. If thats the case then you'll need a new chain. If its not the OEM length chain and same size sprockets then the guide is worthless. I used Sprocket Center when I replaced mine.

Action

 

indicator

Ads to confusion.Helen Keller guide. If you care for a chain as you should, you will notice wear to teeth and that is all of the indication you need. If the teeth are growing in length the chain has as well (teeth will loose dog ear on one side ). For the horrid life a chain lives it is a drop in the hat to replace.
.

 

in following a 6th gen chain question, Do you folks tap up or down on the nifty Honda adjustment tool to make your chain adjustment? Reason I ask I friend here that just bought a new RWB came by to have the chain looked at and adjusted LOL interesting.. I needed to tap up on this one vs. on mine I tap down so which is it? Maybe I should just rotate the whole eccentric hub around?

 

Thanks guys, that helps put my mind at ease. I bought this bike about 6 weeks ago. I have really been looking it over and performing all the maintenance that the manual recomends at the mileage intervals. It does appear that the chain has not been properly kept up. I think I will clean it, lube it, and tighten it. Then Ill go from there. those vortex sprockets with a red chain look so fin cool though. Im trying to get everything on my maintenance schedule, Im pretty excentric about that stuff.
THANKS

 

Just a quick thought, check out Krause racing's lifetime guaranteed titanium chain and sprocket sets. They look like a good set, heard some good feedback.