As the VFR has a single swing arm, is wheel misalignment a problem? I recently changed the rear brake pad and have noticed my chain having irregular tension when the wheel is turned. Could this be due to the way I have fitted the back wheel again or do I just need to replace the drive chain (it has been 36,000 miles)?
rjgti is right on this one, Ottocle. Motorcycle chains develop tight spots (or loose spots, if you are more of a glass is half empty sort) and this means the tension changes as you rotate the wheel. In my experience assuming lubrication is adequate, the tight spots develop due to over-tensioning the chain; slacker is better than too tight, because the tension will naturally increase when the swingarm/axle/countershaft align when the suspension compresses. The VFR wheel mounting is quite separate to the chain tensioning system, and alignment is totally fixed by the swingarm pivot and rear bearing.
An OEM chain is due for replacement at about 20-25,000 miles, and yours needs replacement immediately !!
Wow 36K on a chain. As nice as this is, I'd be considering a new one with sprockets. Last thing you want is a mess . Yes the chain does wear unevenly, just due to how the chain was treated, pot holes, wheelies, under lubed, how it was adjusted, all play apart. But I'd say you've done good here getting that kinda millage out of this one. most I've been able to get is 22k, 18k being the norm. and I take care of them making sure. We need pics of this one
I'll say time for a new chain AND sprockets. 36000 miles on a set is miraculous. I had one chain (sprockets too I suppose) that wore so bad, I reached the end of the adjustment. Don't know how many miles but I am lucky, I think, that something really bad did not happen to me.
Have 30500 miles on the original chain and sprockets, chain rarely needs adjusting and oil every week.
