Best chain and sprocket choices for 1986 VF1000R?

Hi,
I have to replace the chain and sprockets on the big VF and I was wondering if anyone has recommendations in terms of brand, tech and specs.

Should I go with O-ring/X-ring/no-ring chains? What brand is the best choice for the bike? How about sprocket combinations and brands... any good setups people have used?

I've never replaced the chains or sprockets myself before, so I'll be doing this for the first time. Is there anything I should know ahead of time, or are there any special tools I should have?

Lastly, what about a shop manual? Is the official manual pretty good? So far I've been making do with the booklet that came with the bike... it seems to be more of an owner's manual than a shop manual.


As always gentlemen (and ladies)

Thanks...

Aaron/Seattle

 

Aaron,
I am doing a very slow rebuild ( taking years) of my 1984 VF1000R. I have purchased a RK CHAIN GB530GXW for it ( Gold Links). I also picked up on eBay a brand new HONDA 44T rear sprocket. The bikes here in Australia were 43T . USA models were slightly lower geared.

I also picked up a SUNSTAR #51217 Front Sprocket . ( SUNNEX Inc 700 Watkins Glen Drive Franklin Ohio. 45005. )

SUNSTAR are a Japanese supplier to the Japanese auto industry. They were the sponsor for the Japanese Bike Grand Prix in 1990 at Suzuka. I was there at the time, so, that's how I recognized the brand.

Both sprockets were picked up off eBay.

Hope this helps.

All the best .......Peter/ Melbourne/ Australia

 

shop manual is usually what the shop uses for some reason, chain and sprokets there are so many so good nowadays hard to say who is the best the money you spend on manual have the shop put the chain on they have all the rights tools and I would guess have done it before...rk did rental tsbuaki tag vortex etc.. look them up and try to get the complete set with a steel front and what ever you think rear......

 

ccchhhchhhain

chain and sproket

 

Do you have the "Owners Maintenance Manual"? pdf here: Downloads

I have the shop manual and it's pretty light compared to newer shop manuals, the owner's maint. manual covers almost all of the same topics. If you find one inexpensive I'd say get it, otherwise skip it.

 

Gentlemen,

Thanks for your help.

GearsAU and Deepdish: Thanks to you both. I'll look into the brands and versions (chains and sprockets) that you mentioned forthwith. Heading to Ebay immediately after I hit the "submit reply" button.
Gears: don't take too long to finish the rebuild You're keeping yourself from a lot of fun!

VFRcapn: Yeah I have that in both electronic and paper formats... that's what I meant when I called it a "booklet". Interesting to note that the "shop manual" which I've seen around doesn't include that much more info. than the maintenance manual. Thanks for the info.

Aaron