A newbie in Nevada with a chain question

Just a quick shout out to the group and a quick introduction.

I just started riding street about two years ago now, as a result of a terrible dirt bike accident. I didnt know if I would like the asphalt as much as I have like riding on dirt, but now I find I am hooked. I got a 1998 VFR as my first bike, and was only using it to make sure this is something I would like and as a stepping stone into another platform. Now after about two years, I don't think there is anything else I would want to be on.

I have kept up with minor maintenance, but now want to change out the drive chain--including the sprockets. I am looking for any suggestions, spring is around the corner, and dont want any down time. Thanks in advance for any help....

 

Sure thing, and welcome to the forum.

First of all, don't skimp on the chain; I'd highly recommend the D.I.D. X-Ring. ...avoid RK chains like the plague!!! For the front sprocket, unless you plan to change the gearing, I'd stick with the OEM Honda part or an equivalent steel replacement, it's made of good steel and will outlast a few chains; the OEM will probably have the rubber drive bushing on it which makes for a little less noise, but running a replacement that doesn't have it won't hurt anything either.

The Stock gearing for the 5th generation VFR is 17/43

For the rear I'd stick with a steel sprocket as well. Some racer-wannabes put aluminum sprockets on because their a little lighter, but they wear out really fast, and ...let's face it, the VFR isn't a racebike. ...you'll never feel that difference anywhere but the track (if even then), and you'll change them more frequently.

Since the VFR's rear sprocket is basically just a ring anyway, and it uses the hub as a carrier, you're really looking at very little weight savings anyway.

...here you go, I knew I had this book marked somewhere, here's a kit with chain and steel sprockets:

D.I.D. 530VM Gold X'ring Chain & Steel Sprocket Kit - HONDA VFR 800F1 98-01 - Sprocket Center

You *might* be able to find this all cheaper somewhere, but I haven't had to buy new ones for a while so I haven't looked.

If you haven't changed a motorcycle chain before, you'll also need a chain staking tool unless you elect to use a clip-type chain, which I'm not a fan of. If you do use a clipped master link, make sure you run the clip with the jaws facing opposite the direction of travel; basically so nothing wants to get jammed in the open end and knock the clip off.

Motion Pro makes a decent staking tool, make sure you get one that will work with a 530 chain. This is the one I use, and it has served me well over the years:

Motion Pro - Chain Breaker & Riveting Tool

The last thing you'll need is a die-grinder to remove the old chain. All you need to do is put the bike on the center stand with it in gear, pick a link on the chain where you won't slip off and hit anything with the grinder, and grind the heads of the two rivets until they are ground to one surface with the plate. Then you can use the chain tool to knock those rivets out and remove the chain.

Easy tip for when you aren't changing sprockets: re-use that broken link to temporarily connect your new chain to the old one, take the bike out of gear, and use the old chain to feed the new one through the front sprocket.

For staking the chain, I like to line up the ends on the top of the rear sprocket wit the bike in gear, this way the sprocket is holding everything in place so you have hands free to work.

Near the bottom of this page I walk through the chain staking procedure:

http://vfrworld.com/forums/mechanics-garage/23608-cleaning-up-new-me-old-beast.html#post184648:

A D.I.D. chain and steel sprockets should get you a good 30k miles, and the sprockets should last twice that! :thumb:

 

Where in Nevada are you? I'm in Vegas...

 

Welcome aboard

 

Yeah, where are you? I'm up north in Gardnerville always looking for someone to ride with ad welcome aboard.

 

The work involved will be in your service manual. All this BS about one major type or brand being crap or made by God is just BS and you will find it unsupported and highly subjective with or without anecdotes about what kind of Jo-jo's are best.

Do all three drive components and cut the worry factor to a minimum.

 

check out Gearing Commander: Motorcycle Speed, RPM, Chain & Sprockets Calculator for ratios etc... I found that a -1 / +2 is a little agressive and a +0/+2 is near perfect
Changing a chain on a VFR with sprockets takes about 45 mins if you have a breaker/rivet tool

 

Yeah, where are you? I'm up north in Gardnerville always looking for someone to ride with ad welcome aboard.

I am in the Reno area, and always looking to find someone to ride with.....If serious, I can give you my cell number, but dont know how to send it as a secure line...