Hey guys- Went to clean/adjust the chain on the '85 VF500 last night, and I think it's done. Was hoping to get some thoughts on replacing it. With such few miles, I'm assuming it's the OEM size, which I *think* is a 520. Can anyone confirm that? If so, how many links on it, if you happen to know offhand? With my other bikes, once the OEM 520 chain went bad I remember changing the chain over to the easier to find and cheaper 530 version. Thing is, I *think* I remember having to swap out the 2 sprockets as well, since I think the old sprokets are no longer compatible with a 530 chain. That sound correct to you guys? Been a while since I had to swap out an original OEM chain, so I can't remember for sure. I looked at the teeth on the rear sprocket, and they look fine. Not pointed or hooked in any way that I could see. I know you're supposed to swap out all sprockets when you swap a chain, right? I'm kinda on the fence about it b/c in reality these things only have as much hp as a chain saw practically, so I'm not sure if the benefits (if there even are any since the sprocket looks OK) outweigh the cost/hassle of swapping sprockets as well. Those of you with a VF500 still on the road, fill me in, yeah?
Stock is 530. Typically the front sprocket will show wear sooner (or worse) than the rear. Maybe yours had a conversion done on it. If it were me, and I was putting on a brand new $130-$150 chain and front sprocket, I would buy a rear. Also, my typical quick test on chain/sprocket condition is if you can pull the chain off of the back of the rear sprocket and expose more than half of the tooth... toast.
