Chain stretching excessively and quickly - need help

I need some help. I have read all the blogs, posts and articles on chains for the VFR. I understand all the basics of adjusting a chain and have done it many times.

Here is my problem.....

I have a 2002 VFR800 and I am chewing through chains at an unprecedented rate. 

Last year I changed out my sprockets and chain for new ones. The rear sprocket didn't quite fit right but I thought I had it on and aligned well. Within 300 miles the chain broke (on the freeway). Cracked the case cover and damaged the chain guard. I replaced all the bad part, new chain (but made the mistake of keeping the sprockets. At the time I didn't realize it was the rear sprocket that was the problem). Broke the next chain in about 300 miles again (again, on the freeway). This time it didn't hit the side case cover so the repair was a bit cheaper. BUT I did change the sprockets and put on a new chain.

Since that time I have not been able to get a chain to go more than 200 miles without being adjusted (its dragging on the center stand already). I make the adjustment and within 200 miles its dragging again.

One my 2nd chain with this same adjustment pattern. This last chain swap included new DID X-Ring chain and JT sprockets (came as a kit from BikeBandit @ $170)

Not sure what is going on. If someone has some advanced help they can offer I sure would appreciate it. 

I am thinking it may be the drive shaft (where the front sprocket attaches to) is bent/damaged or the rear axle is somehow out of alignment or needs bearing? 

I am tired of burning through $170 every 800 miles.

I think you may be experiencing cassette creep and the chain goes slack or

tight depending on the clocking...

Ideally the cassette should be position so the axle rest nearest to the 6 "O"
clock position as possible... Axle at the 6 "O" clock position (Sweet
Spot) affords the correct ride height that was set up by factory...
this spot is dependent on the correct number of chain links... too
many and its out to 5:00 and the chain creeps tight... too few and its

forward to 7:00 and the chain creeps loose...

[image: RC45AxleFiveOclock.JPG]

If the rear sprocket "didn't quite fit right" it might be the wrong one for your bike - there's two different rear sprockets for VFR800s, one fits 5th Gen and the other fits 6th Gen.

I'm struggling to understand what the problem is, too.  Any chance you could post some pics?  What, exactly, was wrong about the sprocket?

Ciao,

Thanks for the replies guys.

The problem with the old sprocket was that it appeared to have been chrome plated poorly. This caused it to not fit over the rear hub well and I had to "force" it on with the attachment bolts (I know, bad decision). 

I thought I was able to "seat" the rear sprocket against the flange but apparently it didn't and I started loosing chains (two).

I then bought a new set of sprockets and a new chain and installed them and the chain break problem went away.

Now the problem is that I am chewing through chains every 800 miles or so.

I marked the adjustment ring in relation to the swing-arm and it is not moving so I know the pinch bolt is tight and holding the adjustment in place.

I am worried the front and rear sprockets are not "lined up with eachother" but I don't know how to check that.

Someone on this forum said you have to know what you're doing to do this check. I'm not sure I understand what that means but I am taking it to mean I need to take it to the stealership to have it checked (and I don't want to do that).

Any info on how to check front-to-rear sprocket alignment or other issues that could be causing the chains to wear unusually fast would be helpful.

Thanks for the Cassette Creep info above. Great stuff and I will check that out.

The Phantom, 9/13/2016 at 2:52 PM

If the rear sprocket "didn't quite fit right" it might be the wrong one for your bike - there's two different rear sprockets for VFR800s, one fits 5th Gen and the other fits 6th Gen.

I didn't know there was a different sprocket for the 5th vs the 6th gen bikes.

How can I tell the difference between them? Is it an obvious fit problem? Or is there some other indicator?

This would make total sense to me if the 5th gen inner diameter is slightly smaller than the 6th gen inner diameter.

Thanks!

You can try one of these Motion Pro Chain Alignment Tool

Although it doesn't appear to be the retaining bolt the torque on that is 54 ft.lbs. I believe.

14 minutes ago, Duc2V4

You can try one of these Motion Pro Chain Alignment Tool

Although it doesn't appear to be the retaining bolt the torque on that is 54 ft.lbs. I believe.

No, it is not the front sprocket. The bolt holding it on has been found tight every time I have taken it off (good suggestion though).

I will look at the alignment tool. Thanks.

Given what you said about the rear sprocket, it's probably something back there still not right.  Pics would help...  I'd like to see the sprocket on and off the sprocket carrier, and the sprocket carrier alone w/o the sprocket--especially the mounting holes.  Did you take the cush drive apart at all?

How does the rear sprocket look when you put the bike on the centre stand and rotate the wheel?

Ciao,

I have to question the quality of the sprockets you're using if you had a fit problem.  That may not be the problem but with sprockets I only use Honda OEM and good DID O ring chains.  I won't compromise on those things given what the sprockets and chains do.  That is my philosophy on that and surely someone else will disagree with that but it works for me  All those parts do is.... transmit 100 or so HP to the rear wheel......

I truly hope you find the solution very soon.  I wouldn't take that issue well either.   

chilleary, 16/9/2016 at 4:48 AM

I didn't know there was a different sprocket for the 5th vs the 6th gen bikes.

How can I tell the difference between them? Is it an obvious fit problem? Or is there some other indicator?

This would make total sense to me if the 5th gen inner diameter is slightly smaller than the 6th gen inner diameter.

Thanks!

I think the PCD is different.

Take the chain off and spin front sprocket by putting bike in gear with bike on centre stand and look to see if the sprocket wobbles or is out of round. Careful not to lose a finger.

Spin rear wheel and watch sprocket again for the same signs.

A laser spirit level or laser plumb bob... The ones carpenters and builders use should help you get an idea of alignment.