chain

i just bought a 98 vfr800, how hard is to adjust the chain? and is it worth the time "if any at all"?

 

Adjusting the chain is very easy. Loosen the large bolt head on the top rear of the swing arm, then use the large curved hook looking tool in your toolkit to rotate the eccentric adjuster behind the rear sprocket. Don't make it real tight or it will wear faster and cause vibration. The chain should move up and down about 1/2" or so on the bottom about midway between the front and rear sprocket. To see if the chain is worn badly, grab a link hinge of the chain somewhere on the middle of the back sprocket and see if it will pull away from the sprocket. It should be snug and not pull away. If it can pull out more than a 1/16" or so, then you might consider replacing the chain.
If you decide to replace the chain, I'd go with a DID 530 ZVM 108 Rivet Link X-Ring chain. They last forever even if you totally neglect them. They are around $100. You chould also replace the front and rear sprockets when you replace a chain. You can get both of the OEM sprockets for about $75 at www.servicehonda.com. Just call their 800 number.
Changing the chain is easy. Simply get a dremel and cut the old chain off by cutting the end of one of the link pins and pushing it through. You might want a Motion Pro chain breaking and rivet kit. When you order a chain, be sure to order TWO master links. You will want one to practice on just in case. It is pretty easy though. Replacing the sprockets takes all of 10 minutes.
Got any questions, feel free to drop me a note.

Adios,

 

our VFR's have the EASIEST chain adjustment I've EVER done in all my 30 plus years of bike riding. It takes longer to get the seat off and tool kit out than it takes to do the whole job.

 

Hi

Install an automatic chainoiler,I use a scottoiler and I hardly ever adjust the chain.

 

???Just bought a new 2003. Have only put 300 miles on it so far. Rain in Oregon ya know > My question is about chain repalcement. According to the sticker on the swingarm just in front of the rear sprocket the chain is in need of repalcement now. I know that is not correct, so how do I know when it is ready. Iv'e been riding shaft drive bikes for the last 20 years (CB 900 and ST 1100) so this chain stuff is still foreign to me.

 

Hi, All, this question has probably been beat to death by now, but I'd just like to know how many of the fellow VFR owners use WD-40 to clean the chain? Is WD-40 safe for O-rings? Thanks. Also, do you use a brush of some kind or just a rag?

 

Hmm, the little sticker was right on my '98. Any chance you misread it? In any case, a chain is usually worn out when you can pull it away from the rear sprocket enough to be able to see all the way through between the chain and the sprocket.

As to WD-40, some people will argue violently that it shouldn't be used. Check your chain manufacturer's site. Some chainmakers specify WD-40 as the cleaning agent of choice. The magazines usually say to use kerosene, which works pretty good. Don't use any sort of brush that is going to damage the o-rings.

 

I wil be one of those people who strongly urge you not to use WD-40 to clean your chain with. First of all, WD-40 is NOT a cleaner, it is a lubricant. The guy who does all my work on my bike and as well as tons of other riders in the city tells us that if we use WD-40 that he will ban us from the store! ;D

I highly recommend Simple Green. It can be purchased from any store such as Wal-Mart or even a parts store like Auto Zone for about $3.00 to $4.00 depending where you go. All you do is spray it on, let it stand for about 5 minutes, and spray it off. You will be able to see the grease dripping off within seconds. The best thing about it is it's safe for all materials, even plastic. It's not harsh or corrosive. It's just good. If you have a really nasty chain, you may need to take a damp cloth and run over the chain but most people just need to rinse off and repeat a few times.

Hope that helps!

 

Let the flames begin:

from http://www.ftmbiz.com/rk/maint.htm

CLEANING AND LUBRICATING - Cleaning your chain is a crucial step in maintaining your chain. You should clean your chain and check its adjustment every 400 miles (sooner if the chain gets excessively dirty). Use kerosene or other similar product to keep dirt from building up around link plates and rollers. Do not use contact cleaner, high-pressure hose, steam cleaner or a coarse brush on an O-ring chain. All these can damage the O-rings and/or wash away the internal lubricant. It's OK to hose off a non O-ring chain, but be sure to use a moisture dispersant (like WD40) after any chain comes in contact with water.


from http://pantablo500.tripod.com/pablosgs500page/id9.html
Your chain doesn't need much cleaning if you just ride on normal streets. WD-40 and a rag is about all you need and even then not very often.


At least WD-40 is a petroleum product, and will not cause corrosion. OTOH, simple green and any other water based cleaner will. Use simple green if you must (I wouldn't), but at least follow it up with WD-40 or kerosene to get rid of the water.

 

I just know that there will be conflicting opinions on this Thank you all for the advice. I'll be at a local dealer for a check up soon, I'll ask the shop mechanic about it then. But till now, I have heard more good words about WD-40 than bad.

 

Well, I think WD40 is more of a solvent than a lubricant, but I wouldn't use it either. Too much risk of displacing all of your lubricant. It's not recommended for bicycles either. I've had good success with commercial spray chain cleaners and lubricants, like Motorex 611 and 622...just don't buy the cheapest stuff you can find. I think what's most important is being diligent about doing it frequently, not so much what you use to do it.
Ride safe! 8) Rick

 

So, if the manufacturer specifies kerosene as the cleaning agent of choice (as RK does), you'd second guess them and use Motorex?

 

No, I'm just not careful enough or maybe patient enough to use kerosene without making a huge mess--no doubt it works great, but I'm inclined to go for more user friendly stuff. Call me lazy (but my chain looks good and is holding up well!).

 

Hi, All, a different question for the 2000 model owners out there. I just bought a y2k model, when I cleaned the chain it says DID on the chain links. So is DID the OEM chain for Y2K model? I just want to know if the former owner had changed the chain or not. Thanks.

 

WD-40 stands for water displacement 40th attempt....IMO WD-40 is a cleaner first and foremost, and could also act as a lubricant for certain things...(like a old hinged door in your shed or something) as I don't know a sole on the planet who would lub a pedal bike or a motorcycle with the stuff..

as far as cleaning chains...i hear the same conflicted story...the bottom line...wd-40 or kerosene are the 2 top choices...either will be fine...kereosene probably being the best, but it can be messy. wd-40 is fine...but some people will get nervous about it for some reason...put it this way, enough people use it on their chains and I haven't heard anybody say it ruined the chain...the chains are tougher then people think, I know someone who uses brake cleaner for years, never had an issue....and brake cleaner is harse compared to wd-40....

just don't jam it into the o rings with stiff bristle brush...use a soft toothbrush or a rag...

 

Howdy,

I ignore my chains mercilessly. I might occasionally give them a shot of the WD after a wash if I remember. I use the DID X-Ring and get about 17-20K miles out of them. I am just too lazy to even think about cleaning and lubbing the chain every 300 miles!! Crap, I'll ride more than that in a day easy. I might do it more like every 1500 miles or so : Maybe I need to invest in a Scott Oiler system.

Adios,

 

WD-40 is NOT a lubricant. It is a penetrant. It frees those rusty hinges, not lubes them. Follow the manufacturers instructions for cleaning.

 

Show of hands here:

How many of you use the 80 weight gear oil recommended by most chainmakers to lube their chains?

How many use engine oil?

How many use WD-40?

How many scrape chain wax off their bikes once a year? :

 

I found chain saw oil pretty inexpensive, supposely protect the bar and chain. Anyone tried this?

 

WD40 is first and foremost penetrant and water displacer. It can be used to CLEAN the chain, but do not depend on it to LUBE the chain. Since it is a petroleum based product, it will provide some lubrication, just not much. I use the PRO Honda spray lube ($5) in the black can that usually sits right next to the oil at most Honda dealers. I took the advice of my father (had the same bike since 1974 and only on his second chain) and clean the chain with kerosene after a wash. I use a very soft bristle brush, the kind use to clean gun parts. I dry it with about 10 psi compressed air and lube it with the Honda spray. I never have build up or flying oil like I did when I used the 90wt the owners manual states. I find it funny that the owners manual says use 90wt gear oil, but DID (OEM on 90% of all Honda bikes) recommends a spray lube.

8) RIDE WELL 8)
HWORTH