2014 Chain adjust without spanner ideas?

I just received my 2014 Interceptor yesterday and it is missing the OEM tool kit with the special spanner wrench. I just ordered all the OEM tools & pouch but won't see those for probably 3 to 4 weeks from Honda.

I was wondering if anyone has found a successful way adjust the chain tension when you don't have the tool (without any damage). I have a hard rubber strap wrench which came with my AR-15 master gun tool kit and just wondering if it will get enough grip to rotate the wheel hub? Any other ides out there?

 

If you back the pinch bolt off a bunch and carefully wedge the swingarm split open, you may be able to get movement with something other than a spanner. I had to open up the split gap with a nice chisel on the 1990 I'm working on to get any movement even with the correct tool. But I'm sure this 70K mile VFR is in a lot worse shape than yours.

You also might go down to your local auto parts store and see if they lend out any spanners. You might find something close enough for movement without damage.

Good luck!

 

Also.... any members live close enough?

 

Yeah, if it wants to move pretty freely, you could prob get away with no "damage". You might be able to get away with something non-metallic too. Like a nylon rod to use as a drift. Or even a small hard-wood dowel.

 

Thanks. : ) I was able to spread the separation in the rear of the swingarm with a plastic wedge, then rotate the adjustment collar with a piece of maple hardwood. The rear end and under fender area is all cleaned up like new now so on to the battery and oil change. It needs a rear tire also. Evaluating the bike with it partially disassembled now, I would say that this bike has never been maintained or even cleaned in the 8 years of it existence. Just ridden seldom and stored. It will look like new when I'm done in a couple of days.

 

Great!

 

Nice and shiny!

 

Hey SubyRS that rear end looks very nice and clean like new again, but, can you please explain something??
I'm seeing the ABS pulsar ring on the rear disc rotor as well as the ABS Sensor mounted on the caliper hanger, and abs sensor wiring on top of the chain guard next to the rear brake hydraulic line!.
I don't get it! From everything I've read......The American 2014 Standard VFR800F does Not come with ABS? Very strange!
Do you have a sensor and wiring on the front wheel RH side? Just curious.

Also chain tension, Err on the slightly loose side Never the over tight side. And to baseline its maintenance, definetly flush the brake and clutch fluids it's an easy job on the 8gen, new coolant might be worth thinking about as well. Enjoy your new ride.

Post Edit - Rear ABS sensor on a USA Standard Model is only for Speed detection.

 

Hi Grum, My VFR appears to have ABS on the rear wheel only. I thought that was odd too. Will help prevent unwanted rear wheel lock up under hard braking maybe? I'll test it out. I'm getting the bike registered today, then my first riding time will be going to a remote road to practice the braking feel on hard stops. I bought the Honda coolant and brake fluid and plan on swapping out those fluids right after that, since the bike is almost new, but 8 years old at the same time : )

 

ABS but only on the rear wheel! That's very strange! Hardly worth having an ABS option for the standard model. Not making any sense to me.

Post Edit - It's only for Speed Indication, NO abs on a USA Standard Model.

 

Something is not right.

 

The penny has just dropped!

You Don't have ABS (unless you also have a front sensor). On an 8gen the speed sensing is from the rear ABS pickup, so it's ONLY being used for speed indication on the USA Standard Model.

 

Just a thought Suby - The adjustment tool for 5th and 6th Gen models will probably work for an 8th as the single sided swing arm is much the same. Raise the rear wheel, undo the pinch bolt, insert C spanner bit and rotate hub to tighten/loosen the chain.

You may even get help locally if you send a PM to either Long(ScubaLong) who is somewhere down in Westminster and has at least one 5th Gen or Ootv or Reggie(Reg71) who are also are in SoCal.

Good luck - let us know how you get on.


SkiMad

 

If that's the speedo sensor then all models must have this regardless of region. I didn't do any research on that aspect of the bike so that's new to me since I have never owned a bike newer than a 1992 CBR600F2. I am so used to normal brakes that I'm not sure how I would like ABS. I don't like it on my cars because I stop faster on my own. I ordered the complete set of OEM tools for the bike so should have that next week. The bike is now insured and heading to AAA after work for the registration and temp license plate. Woot ! Love this VFR allot-allot just riding it around the neighborhood yesterday : )

 

The 3 Types of 2014 VFR's
AC: Conventional Brake, EVAP Canister (Standard Edition) No center stand when new
II AC: ABS, TCS, Grip Heater, Self-Cancelling turn signals, EVAP canister, center stand (Better know as the Deluxe Version) which I have.
III CM: ABS, TCS, Grip Heater, Self-Cancelling turn signals (Canadian Type III)

I have found the ABS to be a blessing, saved my ass several times when car drivers do something unpredictable.

The Deluxe has ABS, Traction Control and self cancelling turn signal that rely on speed sensors on BOTH wheels. Can’t have ABS on one wheel only.

 

You are correct Suby.
Every 8gen will have the rear wheel sensor, It's the method used for an 8gen to detect Speed (and for other functions on the Deluxe model such as TCS, ABS, and self cancelling blinkers ). I should have realised this when looking at your rear end photo, I had simply forgotten about the 8gen Speed sensing and how different it is to the 6gen.

Previous gens had a sensor attached to the drive sprocket mounting bolt head.

Enjoy your new ride, the 8gen is a great bike. Good job in getting the basic maintenance done.