Question for all you people out there...

Thanks for bearin' with me everyone else! Anyone can chime in, but given the nature of the VFR's Signature Rear-end, Swing arm bit, I figured VFR owners may have some first hand experience with the following.

I believe it's time to replace the chain and both sprockets. My question(s) are as follows: VFR 1990

1. I don't have alot of $ so I was thinking of doing this myself. Has anyone ever done it and how tough was it? Do you recommend doing it yourself?

2. How much should I expect to spend? I don't need the super-duty, top of the line, best sprocket and chain out there. I don't do a ton of riding.

3. If i end up going to a shop, How much should I expect to spend at the shop..or how long should it take?

4. Where should I buy these items from. Is there a solid place on the web? Should I presumably bend over and see the dealer or is there a dicent catalog I can use?

Please, by all means read and respond...your opinions, knowledge and experience are weighted heavily as I like to research all options and make the best possible decision I can.

Thanks in advance for your time with this.

 

Hello,

1. Best thing to do if you have any confusion is to get hold of an owners manual. Either buy one or perhaps blag one from a database.

2. Cheap chains = false economy. Sounds like i am stating the obvious but its cheaper than replacing a casing. The VFR murders chains.

3. I woud think about 2hrs max

4. Dealers sell them, try searching on aftermarket parts?

Hope that helps, rule #1 its not difficult its just you havent done it before

 

It isn't difficult at all - I have Pro Arms on my Hawks . The only thing thats even *somewhat* tricky is making sure that the bolts holding the rear sprocket are done carefully as to not cause problematic runout - similar to torquing lug nuts on a car . Its always best to replace chain a sprockets together - I buy lots of stuff from http://www.azmotorsports.com - I'm pretty sure they have a special VFR section ( look under parts , then look at the menu down at the bottom in smaller text ) If you don't have a service manual - there is prolly one online at some VFR site - then you can look @ the parts diagrams @ http://www.bikebandit.com .

 

Got a VFR, changed chains...it's easy. To answer your questions:

1. Do it yourself. It is not difficult, and should take an hour if you go slow or keep getting interrupted. You will want to find something to cut the old chain off...a die grinder w/ cutoff wheel works very nicely. If your new chain has a rivet master link (as opposed to a clip master link) you will want a chain tool (avail. from AZ motorsports, or borrow one from someone).

2. For an idea of price, you're talking about $90 for a chain (DID 530V O-ring, 112 links), $32 for the OEM Honda front sprocket, and $70 for the OEM Honda rear sprocket. This is based on looking around online... partsfish.com for the sprockets, and motorcycle-superstore.com for the chain.

3. They'll charge you for at least an hour's labor, plus the parts.

4. Search the internet... I have personally had good results from Motorcycle Superstore, Kneedraggers, EMA USA, AZ Motorsports, and Sprocket Specialists (links below).


Links:
Motorcycle Superstore - http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com/
Kneedraggers - http://www.kneedraggers.com/
EMA USA - http://www.ema-usa.com/
AZ Motorsports - http://shop.store.yahoo.com/azmotorsports/index.html
Sprocket Specialists - http://www.sprocketspecialists.com/

 

Thanks much guys, I appreciate your time and response!