Can someone help me with a chain & sprocket install?

[hqp921]

Okay, well, what I really mean is... can someone change the chain and sprockets on my bike while I watch? I'll buy all the parts and come to you (unless it's better for you to come to me... see below re: condition of bike); and pay you in cash or beer or whatever. LOL! I'm located in South Central MA and the bike is a 2002 Honda VFR.

I'm looking for recommendation for chains and sprockets as well. DID and EK chains seem to be popular. No idea on sprockets.

Yesterday during a ride, I noticed exactly what this post describes:

"what the hell was that?!!!" was my reaction this evening when I heard the clattering noise coming from the motor riding home. Yikes!

Here's the symptoms: Start 'er up, get 'er warm, driving along, revs up normal, no power loss, shifts fine, then when I slow down a little, and come off of the throttle, "clackety clackety clack clack!" Put the clutch in, noise goes away. WTF?!!

Seems to happen in every gear except first, anything over 3000 rps or so.

Any ideas?

I searched a bit further and found this thread as well. Both threads point to the chain as the culprit of the noise.

Well, it would seem it is indeed my chain. I just checked it and it's got significant slack. I've only had the bike 2 weeks, and hadn't noticed anything, though yesterday was the longest ride I've taken it on (200+ miles). Also yesterday, I was riding two up... so maybe the chain was barely in spec, and two up affected the suspension travel and chain?

Anyway, someone yesterday also mentioned the chain was a little rusty (just looked like surface rust to me), so in light of my internet research and that, I think I'll just change out the chain and sprocket instead of just tightening the chain. The bike has ~16,700 miles on it, and I'll assume stock chain and sprockets.

So, my fair NESR'ians:

1) I figured the problem I had was a loose chain, confirmed it just now; but anyone else have anything else to add? It's exactly as described in the post I quoted.

2) Recommendations for chain and sprockets for a 2002 Honda VFR?

3) Can someone out there help me out and put the chain and sprockets on for me? We can negotiate payment, and I'd like to get it done as soon as feasible. I figure this would be quicker and cheaper than taking it to a dealership.

I don't have a rear stand, and VFR's have single-sided swingarms. They do have a center stand though. I don't have any special tools either (thinking the master link riveter). Not sure if this thing's safe to ride somewhere though. I'd tighten the chain if I knew how... I do have a manual (including shop manual) somewhere, but I don't know what I'm doing... I'm only capable of changing oil on my bikes... and I haven't owned anything long enough to necessitate chain and sprockets.

Thanks,

HP

[Wishbone]

I would be willing to help you with this. I'm not sure about the vfr adjustment but know my hawk with the sssa has a pinch bolt and an adjuster that needs a special wrench. I have a chain tool as well as a sssa stand. Should work since my hawk has a vfr wheel

This would be a good project for my do-it-yourself seminar. I have only done one so far but this would be a nice second. I could do it any time this week and I'm in central mass also.

[hqp921]

I would be willing to help you with this. I'm not sure about the vfr adjustment but know my hawk with the sssa has a pinch bolt and an adjuster that needs a special wrench. I have a chain tool as well as a sssa stand. Should work since my hawk has a vfr wheel

This would be a good project for my do-it-yourself seminar. I have only done one so far but this would be a nice second. I could do it any time this week and I'm in central mass also.

Thanks... I pulled out the manual, and if I get the stones, I could probably adjust the chain so it's actually safe to ride (i.e. get the chain in spec)...

I still want to get a new chain and sprockets on there, due to the rust though. I'll need to do research, and time to get them delivered would be a limiting factor.

- HP

[The Snowman]

D.I.D 525ERV chain. Used them on the 900 and the 600. THe 900 has 16k on the chain & sprockets and looks and runs like new.

Sprockets are Sprocket Specialists steel, front & rear.

[hqp921]

I'll check that stuff out, thanks!

HP

[The Snowman]

I'll check that stuff out, thanks!

HP

You used to be able to get the D.I.D chain at Indysuperbike.com for under $150, which is unheard of, but I checked earlier and they only have the 520 and 530 listed.

[hqp921]

You used to be able to get the D.I.D chain at Indysuperbike.com for under $150, which is unheard of, but I checked earlier and they only have the 520 and 530 listed.

Dumb question... what's the deal with chain sizing? And will what I need change if I get different sprockets than OEM?

I guess the dumb question is the one not asked, but owning four bikes and not knowing...

HP

[ZX11D]

PM Tricky Mike . He did the chain and sprockets on my ZX 11 while I waited. He`s the man if you wanna wait and watch. Ask anyone.

[The Snowman]

Dumb question... what's the deal with chain sizing? And will what I need change if I get different sprockets than OEM?

Weight, and supposedly how much torque they can handle.

I guess the dumb question is the one not asked, but owning four bikes and not knowing...

Three now. We sold the F3 Saturday. And believe me, I don't know 1/10 as much as half the people on here do.

[hqp921]

PM Tricky Mike . He did the chain and sprockets on my ZX 11 while I waited. He`s the man if you wanna wait and watch. Ask anyone.

Thanks, maybe I'll give it a shot.

Weight, and supposedly how much torque they can handle.

Three now. We sold the F3 Saturday. And believe me, I don't know 1/10 as much as half the people on here do.

Ah.

Congrats on the sale. Feels good to not have something you don't need. Finally sold my old car the other night (for rims and $, as you can see by my teeny sig pic...).

HP

[Wishbone]

chain size has to do with strength. Most say that a 530 is a must for street litter bikes. They will last longer on a high HP bike but I think stock 600's are 520 chains. Either way I run a 520 my fz1 (about 140 to the tire) and my hawk (about 40 to the tire) just make sure you use steel sprockets unless you want to change them every 5K.

I just said this week because you said you wanted it done quick. Any week night after 5 works for me. Weekends depend.

Don't quote me but I'm pretty sure the only bad thing with a to loose a chain is that it could fall off. But I could be wrong. Either way tightening a chain is eazy peezy don't be scared. Maintenance is easy when you take your time. Ask Chuck, he used to have other people put gas in his bike

[Kawibaby7]

so you wanna watch ?!?! hahaha

[BMFR6]

a chain that is too loose is going to beat up your sprockets.
you are going to get 5000 opinions as to what size chain to get. once you work through all that, if you want a hand doing the change, just let me know. i'm just past the worcester line off rt. 9.

[The Snowman]

so you wanna watch ?!?! hahaha

Now THIS was a constructive comment.

[Wishbone]

so you wanna watch ?!?! hahaha

haha that's why I offered help. You want to check this out if he comes to my garage?

Now THIS was a constructive comment.

Running joke. Stop being old and crotchety

[hqp921]

chain size has to do with strength. Most say that a 530 is a must for street litter bikes. They will last longer on a high HP bike but I think stock 600's are 520 chains. Either way I run a 520 my fz1 (about 140 to the tire) and my hawk (about 40 to the tire) just make sure you use steel sprockets unless you want to change them every 5K.

I just said this week because you said you wanted it done quick. Any week night after 5 works for me. Weekends depend.

Don't quote me but I'm pretty sure the only bad thing with a to loose a chain is that it could fall off. But I could be wrong. Either way tightening a chain is eazy peezy don't be scared. Maintenance is easy when you take your time. Ask Chuck, he used to have other people put gas in his bike

My weeks, in general, stink. I work FT, then Monday & Tuesdays, I teach until 8pm or so; Wednesday & Thursdays, I have classes until late (9pm) - Ironically, those classes are in Worcester.

If I can manage to tighten up the chain into spec, I'd feel a lot better, and can delay the change of chain and sprockets, since at that point, I'd be more concerned about the rusting on the chain.

I am worried at how the problem seemed to just come about during one ride... but it's not like I go through the pre-ride inspection every single time. But, maybe the chain was out-of-spec and I didn't notice, because I hadn't done much riding other than commuting and short jaunts?

so you wanna watch ?!?! hahaha

Yes. Standard procedure to learning new things.

TELL me how to do it.
SHOW me how to do it.
Then I will DO it.

Tell, Show, Do. It's how my organization teaches new skills to employees.

a chain that is too loose is going to beat up your sprockets.
you are going to get 5000 opinions as to what size chain to get. once you work through all that, if you want a hand doing the change, just let me know. i'm just past the worcester line off rt. 9.

Thanks. I feel good knowing there's a couple people willing to help out a "newbie" (so to speak).

HP

[hqp921]

haha that's why I offered help.

Yep, I saw your other thread about maintenance stuff. I think it's a great idea, especially for someone who learns better when you show them how it's done.

I can read the manual and instructions all I want... but there comes a point where you just muster up the courage to start taking the tools to your vehicles... and about 1/3 of the way in you realize, "What happens if I can't make it through all the way?" or "What if I end up with extra parts after assembly?"

Go figure, sometimes I get quesy about something like chain maintenance... but just a couple weeks ago I had the dash to my car taken apart, wire cutters, soldering iron, and heat shrink in hand... Nothing like totally messing up your car's wiring! (I managed just fine, btw).

HP

[hondarider102]

just did mine, got Renthal Sprockets, DID chain, huge improvement. Tricky mike is the guy to see for install!

[hqp921]

I'm going to try and adjust the chain this weekend.

I have class Wednesday and Thursday, and I'm busy Friday.

I figure the chain adjustment will at least buy me some time while I research and purchase a new chain and sprocket set. I'll snap a photo of the current chain's condition to get the NESR opinion on how soon I should change the thing...

HP

[wiggeywackyo]

I just went through this and I don't want to alarm you but I would check the top of your swing arm. The clackety sound on mine turned out to be the chain actually sawing away at the swing arm.

I would say that you should be fine with a 525 with steel sprockets. Basically anything with over 8000lbs of tensile strength should be good enough.

[Mondo]

good luck with whatever you doing

trust me, coming from a guy who didn't use to do anything on his bike, once you start doing it yourself you'll be like wow wtf that was easy why have i been paying do this

btw chain and sprockets are on my list of things to do as well...just have to decide what gearing to do then all the BS of what brand

[hqp921]

I just went through this and I don't want to alarm you but I would check the top of your swing arm. The clackety sound on mine turned out to be the chain actually sawing away at the swing arm.

I would say that you should be fine with a 525 with steel sprockets. Basically anything with over 8000lbs of tensile strength should be good enough.

I'll take a look. Like I said, I didn't notice the noise until the ride over the weekend, and am a bit ashamed I didn't check the chain prior to said ride... But, even though we learned about it, I doubt everyone on here goes through TCLOCS every single time. You kind of take things for granted.

good luck with whatever you doing

trust me, coming from a guy who didn't use to do anything on his bike, once you start doing it yourself you'll be like wow wtf that was easy why have i been paying do this

btw chain and sprockets are on my list of things to do as well...just have to decide what gearing to do then all the BS of what brand

I did the oil changes on my SV; and now that I got my 92x (car), I started doing more of the simple work on that as well. It does feel nice to be able to do it on your own, and there's a certain sense of accomplishment.

I'll definitely need help with the chain and sprockets, because I've never done it before, nor do I have the tools... wondering if I would be able to do it in the future, not having a stands (it has a centerstand)....

HP

[CEO]

Whatever you get, I'm in Wayland and can show you how to do it all. I have a chain tool.

For street riding I would recommend staying with stock gearing and chain size (probably a 525 or 530 on that bike). Good chain brands are DID or RK. For sprockets go with Renthal, AFAM, or Driven...

Gearing for acceleration is a waste on the street and will only serve to have you run higher rpms on the highway.

so you wanna watch ?!?! hahaha

Go on...

[brendanp]

PM Tricky Mike . He did the chain and sprockets on my ZX 11 while I waited. He`s the man if you wanna wait and watch. Ask anyone.

+1 of what I know about Mike, he got everything in the house to do any job!

I would help you, but i dont have a chain tool

[Wishbone]

Gearing for acceleration is a waste on the street and will only serve to have you run higher rpms on the highway.

Why do you think it's a waste? I personally appreciate the acceleration increase. Plus I have no need to do the 175 the stock gearing allows. I went -1 and +4 dropping me to 150 and only turns about an extra 1000 rpm at 80 Not a big deal unless you do a ton of highway miles.


Plus now I can do sweet 3" power wheelies