520 Conversion Kit

[wooly72]

Hey everyone. In deciding which sprockets to go with (I think I decided to go -1, +2), my neighbor said maybe I should think about going from 530 to 520. After looking around on the net to find some kind of conversion for my 02, I'm starting to believe that there is now converting my bike to 520.

Is there anyone out there with an 02+ that has found a 520 system, and if so where did you find it?

[JZH]

Perhaps a better question is why?

Ciao,

[Rivcyko]

sprocket center has all you want/need. http://sprocketcenter.com/detail.aspx?ID=247

[Baileyrock]

Because of weight of the VFR and torque most people Don't recommend a 520 conversion(if you could even find one) for the VFR. The lighter chain will wear much faster then the stock 530. :thumbsup:

[enzed_viffer]

Perhaps a better question is why?

Ciao,

Indeed.

While it may give a fractional improvement in drivetrain horsepower losses, it may also result in a shorter lifespan for the chain'n'sprockets (if you can in fact find sprockets to fit).

It'd be dubious as to whether there was any actual nett gain.

I've had two bikes with 525 chain/sprockets - that was even more awkward.

[Guest]

Stick with stock... Even the alum rear sprockets don't like to hold up to daily driving,

I'm now on my 2nd in a year and I consider myself to be pretty smooth with the

throttle.

Wear alone is a good enough reason to stay with the steel stocker at best do a one

down two up if you want a change.

[chonsey]

Perhaps a better question is why?

Ciao,

+1 :lurk:

[wooly72]

Thanks for the feedback. I've heard that the aluminum sprockets wear faster for some and that they hold up just fine for others, so I guess I'll just have to see for myself. I'm not really worried about the money, it's a pretty cheap mod and I love working on my bike in my free time. I figure for next season I'll already have the bike naked anyway to take out EVAP can, take off the center stand, put on the new Devil Racers, the PCIII, o2 sensors, the speedohealer, new PP 2CT's, and a sarge seat, so what's a new chain conversion, right? I have an 02 with only 7000 miles on it, so obviously my stock chain and sprockets are just fine because I don't get to put too many miles on it each season. But when I do get to ride, I really love its performance. So I think I'll try the mod just out of curiosity. For anyone who might be interested in trying it, I've found a 520 conversion with vortex sprockets -1 front, +2 rear (in black), with a DID VM series x-ring black/gold chain for my 02 from hardracing.com for $189. If it's not much of a difference from the stock, oh well. I can't say I didn't try.

[jeremy556]

As long as you know what you are getting into, if you still want to try it, good for you.

Keep in mind with that gearing change you are not getting a fair comparison of just a 520 .vs a 530 chain and sprockets. You will also probably want a speedohealer.

[mellowyellow]

you may want to reconsider the -1+2 combo, i did this mod and was very un happy with the results I am now back to stock front sprocket and +2 rear and the bike feels just right

[SAFE-T]

I had an aluminum rear sprocket on my trip to Utah. It held up fine until the second last day just before lunch. Was sure I checked it before I left and it looked good, and by lunchtime it was toast although it didn't get much worse from there on.

Mileage was ok, although less than the life of a steel sprocket but I sure was surprised at how quickly it went when it did.

[Guest]

Heck yeah.....

I like working on my bike too, love to tinker... If I had the money to use all over again I

would get myself a good set of stands or put it towards a lift. Much more things I could

have used 200 bucks on to make working on the bike or keeping it up easier.

My last 2cents, I'm all outta change... :goofy:

[wooly72]

FLYONWALL9-I just ordered a pitbull stand since I'm removing my center stand. A buddy of mine has one and it seems so easy to lift the rear end to work on the bike, much easier than using the center stand by myself. Found one for only $125, so I hope I got a good deal on it.

mellowyellow-What were your reasons for being unhappy with the -1 +2 combo? Did it make the bike seem too touchy, the loss of top speed, mpg? That would be important to hear before I order this combo.

Again, thanks for all your feedback everyone. That's what makes this forum so addicting. I find myself browsing this forum probably way too much, but I can't help it. I'm on here so much at times that I think my wife believes I'm looking up some of those "dirty" sites. Oh well. It's nice to hear from those who have the same kind of passion for the VFR and riding.

[FotoMoto]

you may want to reconsider the -1+2 combo, i did this mod and was very un happy with the results I am now back to stock front sprocket and +2 rear and the bike feels just right

+1 I did the exact same thing. It's a pretty extreme change especially if you do any highway/interstate.

[wooly72]

FotoMoto-so it just revs too high on the highway at high speeds? I thought that would be a problem. I wonder if going -1 +1 is the better choice. I don't ride highway much, and I want the front end to be much lighter than it is right now. Tough decision here. Thanks FotoMoto, info. appreciated.

[JZH]

Another two reasons for keeping the front sprocket stock are: (1) you would otherwise lose the rubber noise dampener and (2) the tighter you make the chain turn, the shorter it will live. (Probably more of an issue with a 14, rather than a 15, though.)

It's your $200, after all. I was just curious if you (thought you) had a good reason!

Ciao,

[ggathagan]

Totally off-topic:

Bettendorf, eh?

I was born in Davenport.

It's a small world after all..., it's a small world after all...

[Guest]

If you go with a 520 kit, get one of Sprocket Specialists Titan Tough AL rear sprockets. Much less wear than normal AL, though still less durable than steel. I used these on my CR250 supermoto, which was hard on chains/sprockets anyway (2stroke, sticky GP rain tires, no cush drive), with excellent results. Granted a 250 punishes a chain less than a VFR, but it was my daily rider for a year on the street before I made it track-only, and the TT sprockets held up nicely.

[wooly72]

ggathagan-It is a small world. I have to wonder though, why would you leave a place like Iowa to live in Honolulu?-lol!! Must be a nice change from the dreary Quad Cities.

nominal squid-I'll check those out for sure. I now that hardracers.com has something like ten different combonations to choose from. I remember seeing the Sprocket Specialist/DID combo conversion kit as an option. Thanks.

[The Phantom]

FLYONWALL9-I just ordered a pitbull stand since I'm removing my center stand. A buddy of mine has one and it seems so easy to lift the rear end to work on the bike, much easier than using the center stand by myself. Found one for only $125, so I hope I got a good deal on it.

A bit O/T, but lifting the bike onto the centrestand is almost as easy as putting it on the sidestand with the right technique.

[

I'm on here so much at times that I think my wife believes I'm looking up some of those "dirty" sites.

LOL, +1 here I'm sure my better half has installed a keylogger...