Guest FROSTIE Posted September 6, 2012 Share Posted September 6, 2012 I have a 1993 VFR and I am wondering how many miles it usually is before the chain and sprockets need to be replaced? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Member Contributer Dutchy Posted September 6, 2012 Member Contributer Share Posted September 6, 2012 On my 4th gen, I changed every 22k miles but it really depends on how you take care of your chain (tension/lube) and riding (smooth or hammering it, including wheelies) if you do all the wrong things, I guess 6k miles can destroy a chain..... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Member Contributer vfr Posted September 6, 2012 Member Contributer Share Posted September 6, 2012 This seems to vary widely. I've heard of chains and sprockets lasting 50,000 miles with regular cleaning and lube but that is on the higher end of what's possible. 25,000 miles might be a reasonable average. It is my belief that highway miles are easier on the chain whereas a lot of stop and go seems to wear them faster. But regular cleaning is thesingle biggest factor affecting life. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Member Contributer Dutchy Posted September 6, 2012 Member Contributer Share Posted September 6, 2012 here is one done yesterday Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Member Contributer RollinAgain Posted September 6, 2012 Member Contributer Share Posted September 6, 2012 About 25-30k is normal for me. If you aren't planning on changing the sprockets the easiest way to put the new chain on is to grind the rivets off one of the links of the old chain somewhere near the rear sprocket and remove the pin that holds the individual links links together. Separate the chain and then use the same pin you removed to connect one end of the new chain to one end of the old chain. You can then move the wheel by hand to move the chain forward and around the front sprocket. Once you have it around the sprocket and under the swingarm you can pull the pin out and get ride of the old chain. Then just connect the two ends of the new chain with your new masterlink and pin. If you plan on changing out the sprockets too I highly recommend steel sprockets over aluminum. Rollin Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Beck Posted September 6, 2012 Share Posted September 6, 2012 here is one done yesterday Is that an aluminum rear sprocket, Dutchy?? Tell us yes and we'll give you a hard time about it! Beck 95 VFR Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Member Contributer Dutchy Posted September 8, 2012 Member Contributer Share Posted September 8, 2012 C49 high carbon steel..... Aparently. Make is JT Trust it to be good. ;-) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted September 11, 2012 Share Posted September 11, 2012 Thanks to everyone who replied to my question I have about 17,000 km (10,500 mi)on mine and it looks good that is why I asked. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Member Contributer joneill Posted September 12, 2012 Member Contributer Share Posted September 12, 2012 I've done the chain twice. Both at about 20K-25K miles and I am fairly gentle on the chain but not religious at cleaning and lubing it. Keep checking the sprocket and chain adjustments. When mine needed replacement the sprockets looked OK and the chain adjustment was well within spec but I developed a "knocking" noise at low speed that I attributed to a frozen or stiff link. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted September 27, 2012 Share Posted September 27, 2012 Keep the chain clean and reasonably well-lubed and go 25k if you can. If you want to go longer, buy a Scott Oiler and you might see 30k or 40k from what people say. http://www.scottoiler.com Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted October 27, 2012 Share Posted October 27, 2012 I have used a scottoiler on my chain drive bikes since 1990. My original chain on my 1997 VFR750 lasted 102,000 klm before I replaced it and then it had only 'stretched' about 10mm. I find that if you change the gearbox sprocket at 35,000 - 40,000 klm the transmission will always be good. I changed the rear sprocket at about 85,000 klm but I think it would probably have lasted 100,000klm. At 102,000 klm the front sprocket was due for a change again so I decided that it deserved a new chain as well. I think I also replaced the rear sprocket at the time. It has now done 160,000 klm with one change of front sprocket. Transmission is still good. Once you notice some vibration this is an indication that a new primary sprocket is needed. I only use chain lube after washing the bike. First I de-water the chain with WD40 and then add chain lube. The rest of the time the scottoiler looks after the chain. If you think those mileages are good I have a friend who has done over 190,000 klm on the his original Chain AND sprockets on his VFR800. He is a cheapskate I admit and his transmission feels a little loose but it is useable. Scottoilers WORK! I am sure I have posted this info before! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Member Contributer Bent Posted October 27, 2012 Member Contributer Share Posted October 27, 2012 I made my first chain and sprocket change at 33,000 miles. I probably kept the chain a little cleaner than most people (but not much) and used brake cleaner to clean it against everyone's advice. So, brake cleaner can't be too bad. I also used Motorex Strong chain lube. You can get it from Cycle Gear and it's the best stuff there is IMHO. It sticks to the chain like glue, doesn't attract dirt and lasts a long long time. The sprockets actually didn't visibly show any wear but they were replaced too. FWIW, the bike was run very hard all it's life and almost totally in the mountain twisties of N. AL, N. Ga., E. Tenn., and W. NC. If a VFR could be worn out, it would have shown significant wear. It didn't. Wrapping it around the tree is what proved to be a little much for it though..... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted November 14, 2012 Share Posted November 14, 2012 Thanks for your help sorry about the tree. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Archived
This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.