Advice On Chain/sprocket Replacement

As I can hear the chain become stiffer towards the end of every 100 mile ride, I think time to replace the chain/sprockets.  This would be for my '97 which is just about stock with exception of DMR suspension and Delvek can.  Previous owner did replace the chain, with what I have no idea other than a clip master link was used....UGH!..

I have been wondering what if any advantage is to go down to a 520 chain and lite sprockets or stay with the stock 530 chain and sprockets.

I only do one up riding, usually day trips, have soft side bags and a tank bag and my weight is about 180 lbs.

Asking for good and bad about the 520 conversion, lite vrs stock sprockets...any and all experiences.

Thanks guys.

You are not riding a race bike. The minimal unsprung weight on a VFR is not going to matter.

Stick with the 530 and get the 1400cc tensile strength.

Next leave the stock front sprocket stock size and go up two teeth on the rear.

Now you will notice a difference and you will save a few dollars because your chain will last longer.

Of course the 300 higher RPM will eat up more fuel but when you twist the throttle the smile will more than accommodate.

Never thought much about changing sprockets size....pretty content with the performance....but adding two teeth to the rear...hmmmmm.

This is for sure a keeper.  Where is this rubber cushion at?....only had the cover off once and did not take a good look at the sprocket.

I had planned on going with a D.I.D. 530 chain and the Sunstar rear, but was going to use a Sunstar front as well.

Thanks for the reply.

King is right: the rubber-damped OEM front sprocket runs alot quieter and a bit smoother than a replacement all-steel one.  Sorry i didn't know that first time i needed to replace things.

Okay Honda front sprocket it will be along with a Sunstar rear sprocket and a D.I.D chain (1400cc).

Since it is expected to be a wet winter this year, looks like I will have ample time to do this task and more.

Thanks for the recommendations.

Where can I get an OEM front sprocket?

Where can I get an OEM front sprocket?

I just picked one up from partzilla.com for my 4th gen '97.

23801-MCJ-000 SPROCKET (16T) (American Honda) $38.04

Where can I get an OEM front sprocket?

For a '97 . . .

Procaliber - $34      http://www.procaliber.com/oemparts/a/hon/506ca83bf870023420a3fe50/transmission

Partzilla  - $38         http://www.partzilla.com/parts/search/Honda/Motorcycle/1997/VFR750F+AC/TRANSMISSION/parts.html

I went with Sunstars both front and rear and the DID ZVM-X, because that gold chain just looks so dang good on that red bike. 

I saw/read your "Greetings" post....must be something about 50 yrs old and the 4th Generation....

Anyways can see why the gold chain looks really good on your bike with that wheel color...and you're correct....looks so darn good!

I still have not ordered anything yet...lots of time before riding weather is here again.

I agree with sprocketcenter.com for the Sunstar rear and chain, and either one of the above for the front.

And ChiefGodzilla I think your '95 and my '97 use the same drive components.

I really like sprocketcenter.com. great service, lots of options, good prices and super fast shipping

+1 ..

Where can I get an OEM front sprocket?

For a '97 . . .

Procaliber - $34      http://www.procaliber.com/oemparts/a/hon/506ca83bf870023420a3fe50/transmission

Partzilla  - $38         http://www.partzilla.com/parts/search/Honda/Motorcycle/1997/VFR750F+AC/TRANSMISSION/parts.html

$9.00  Shipping  with Partszilla

$20.00 Shipping  with  Procaliber .

Okay, went to order the Sunstar rear sprocket and DID chain from sprocketcenter.com and the price for these two items is $10 less than the price of their "kit" which includes JT front and rear sprockets!

So I could spend the additional $10 and have a spare JT front sprocket and use the JT rear instead of the Sunstar rear....I already purchased an OEM front sprocket.

Is the JT rear sprocket okay to use...or is the Sunstar sprocket "better"???

Or is anyone in need of a JT front sprocket?

Okay, went to order the Sunstar rear sprocket and DID chain from sprocketcenter.com and the price for these two items is $10 less than the price of their "kit" which includes JT front and rear sprockets!

So I could spend the additional $10 and have a spare JT front sprocket and use the JT rear instead of the Sunstar rear....I already purchased an OEM front sprocket.

Is the JT rear sprocket okay to use...or is the Sunstar sprocket "better"???

Or is anyone in need of a JT front sprocket?

JT is high quality. I used them on my Trophy.

Cheers,

Glenn

Well, so is Sunstar.  Sunstar is Japanese, and allegedly supplies many of the rubber-damped sprockets to the Japanese manufacturers; JT is focused on the aftermarket and is based in Thailand.  I'd probably choose Sunstar over JT for front sprockets (if not Honda OEM), but for rears it's a toss-up.

Ciao,

Well, so is Sunstar.  Sunstar is Japanese, and allegedly supplies many of the rubber-damped sprockets to the Japanese manufacturers; JT is focused on the aftermarket and is based in Thailand.  I'd probably choose Sunstar over JT for front sprockets (if not Honda OEM), but for rears it's a toss-up.

Ciao,

True. The JT front is not rubber damped.

Neither are the Sunstar aftermarket sprockets.  If you want the rubber damping, Honda is your only option, AFAIK.

Ciao,

There is a company called Ognibene that makes rubber damped sprockets,they have one that will fit the 750

I went with OEM on the front and Sunstar on the rear.

What I nice difference a new chain makes.

Got the new valve stems on the wheels so all I need to do now is change the oil/filter in about 200 miles and I will be all set for 2016 riding.

Weather here has been unseasonably warm....80s and even hit 90 yesterday!...but was not able to ride.

Later,