I last owner of my recently purchased 2000 vfr 800 seemed to have lost everything that came seperate with the motorcycle including the manual and I am new to motorcycles as far as maintanence. I took care of all the fluids on the bike because the last owner had not ridden it in about 3 straight years. But I do not know how to properly adjust the chain on the bike. It is very loose as of right now, making contact with the top of the swingarm and drooping low with probably around 2 inches or possibly more of play. Could anyone explain or reference me to a website or video that could explain exactly how to properly adjust the chain on this bike?
You loosen the 17mm pinch bolt and there is a spanner tool with the tool kit you turn the adjustment gear thing counter-clockwise to tighten.
CJ - Welcome aboard. You need to get yourself a manual. If the not full blown repair manual, then at least the owners manual. Try searching on this forum using the search function in the top right. I know it exists - then download it. This should give you all the basics, including how to adjust your chain.. If you changed the fluids, you should be able to tighten the chain. How many miles are on the bike? Any idea if the chain and sprockets were ever replaced? 2 inches is a helluva lot of sag. Might be time for replacement. EDIT: Here, try this. http://www.hondampe.com.au/repository/owning_a_honda/owners-manuals/road.aspx
The manual tells you to adjust the chain to get about 1"of slack between the lower side of swingarm and the chain, midway between the c/s sprocket and rear axle. With all chain drive bikes, it is a good idea to check for high spots on either sprocket by rotating the rear tire, seeing if there are any tight spots in the slack. If there is a tight spot, that is where the slack should be measured.
On my '04 the manual(found online, missing when I got the bike) says between 1 and 1 3/8" of slack. Clean it well, lube it, then check. As Durk noted, there's a pinch bolt on the inside- toward the tire- of the axle assembly; you loosen it, then use the spanner from the tool kit(if it's there) to hook to the assembly on the inside side of the sprocket; turn it clockwise(if you're on the left facing it) to loosen, counter-clockwise to tighten the chain. When done, tighten the bolt to (according to my book) 55 foot-pounds. Yeah, for some things getting a good torque wrench will be worth it. I'll throw in, there's all kinds of stuff you can get for cleaning, but kerosene works quite well. I use a oil drain pan under the chain and a cup of kerosene, dip a soft brush in and use it to clean the chain, then wipe off and let dry. Ride it for a couple of miles to completely dry and warm the chain, then lube.
