F2 Rear Wheel Conversion-Do I Need to Machine the Carrier, Or Not?

Hello, I've been slowly working my way through a series of modifications on my '87 and I'm at the point now where I will try and mount the F2 rear wheel. In the sticky on this subject there seems to be some disagreement about whether or not you need to machine the sprocket carrier to get proper chain-line spacing or not. I have a set of spacers from Jamie Daugherty. If I do need to machine the carrier, in what way, and how much? I wish I'd seen the part about using an early 1st generation CBR600 caliper bracket. It looks like a cleaner arrangement than cutting and welding a VFR bracket, certainly better than rigging an F2 bracket, and cheaper too (cost me $350.00). Generally, concerning the conversions people are doing both front and rear, why is the choice of parts so all over the map? I don't know enough to crunch numbers and make substantive assertions about how the bike will perform, but surely some us have the experience and knowledge to say conclusively what works best and what to stay away from. I'm already suspicious about my choice of F2/F3 forks relative to using a longer set. I'll lose some height on the front, which will quicken the steering, but will it be twitchy to the point of causing it to be unstable in certain situations? Will it ride 'weird'? When I'm done I'll have to take measurements and see how it compares with other types of production bikes... Thank you all for your comments, Rick

 

I used a Vf500F sprocket carrier(cush drive) on my R's F2 conversion, fit right in and no machining needed cause it's smaller than the CBR's. The R sprocket I had happened to have an alternative sprocket mounting pattern that matched the 500 perfectly. Many hard miles on the big bike with no problems. Don't know if that applies to your VFR or not.

 

No machining on mine. The chain is in line. It's an 86 750