Squeaky chain? Front sprocket?

I just got back from a 1600 mile trip to florida and back and had a little squeak on my return trip. I could only really hear it at slow speeds (probably due to wearing a helmet) and when I put it up on the centerstand and rotated the rear wheel. It seems to be coming from the chain, front sprocket/rear sprocket area but I am not sure what it might be. I realize that's a large space to hear a noise from and not be able to pinpoint it more, but that's why I am here. My thoughts are the following:

1. Chain needs lube (but does it? I thought these things had self oiling chains? Could the oil in that be low?)
2. New chain needed (slack is within limit, but maybe it's just time for a new one anyways)
3. New sprocket needed (is this maybe a 20,000 mile thing?)
4. New rear wheel bearings

That's pretty much where my brain took me on this one. I was going to spray some teflon spray on the chain and give it a run around the neighborhood to see if the lubing of the chain was the problem. If it clears up, do I need to worry about the chain oiling system (if there actually is one...I may just be remembering wrong)?

Anyone had these symptoms before or just knows the proper course to take? Any help would be awesome. Even with the squeak, the bike was amazing yet again on a long ride through the countryside...

 

The chain usualy last around 20K miles, if you look at the chain indicator limit and found the tooth is line up with the red zone then you need new chain and sprockets (This is bases on the manual recommendation) Other peeps can push on for few more miles if the chain is uniform no binding or clinch.

 

I wish I was in front of my bike right now but the tooth of the rear sprocket? There's an indicator zone on the sprocket or the chain? I bet 5 min with the bike or manual would answer this bit both are at home and I'm eager to know...thanks for the help

 

Spray some lube on the chain and I'll bet your squeak is gone. If you don't lube it occasionally a chain with some miles on it can squeak. Which also can indicate it's at the end of its life.

 

Check for any damaged or missing O-rings. :drinker:

 

Ok, so a very small amount of research and reading yesterday popped up with the CHAIN is self lubricating. As in to say, the bike does not actually oil the chain, but the chain is impregnated with oil...right? If that's the case, I feel much more confident that the chain is the culprit and needs oiling/replacement. I hope that's all though...I love that thing...thanks for the help guys...

 

Page 112 of my Honda manual recommends you lube, and check the tension of the chain every 1000km (600 miles) to ensure optimum life from chain and sprockets! This is best done straight after you return from a run on the bike, as the chain will be hot and this will ensure optimum take-up and absorption into the chain.

Most types of motorcycle chain spray lubricant will be fine, or if you prefer, use an oil can with SAE 80/90 gear oil. I have no idea which is best. For convenience I use Ipone chain spray which produces a white spray. The colour will dissapear after the bike has done a few KMs, but allows you to easily see when you have done the whole chain - as you really don't want to over-do it. If you do, once you ride off, the excess will be slung off coating the underside of the bike with slime and is not much fun for following riders.

 

Your chain is pre lubed when it is made. The o-rings keep the lube on the chain pins and keep the dirt out. You still have to lube and clean the chain to keep the o-rings clean and to keep dirt from working its way past the o-rings and mixing with the grease on the pins. The VFR does not self oil the chain. You must do it. As it has been said earlier read the manual it will tell you all about it. If you were on a 1600 mile trip it is way overdue.

 

Lube your chain, and see what happens.