Chain question

It's chain time and thanks to this forum, I've been able to get everything together for this job but I have to make a final decision on the chain.

I am going with a DID x-ring chain in gold. However, I haven't decided between the ZVM2 or just the VM.

Both seem like great chains. The VM is the standard replacement whereas the ZVM2 seems to be a higher performance chain in terms of tensile strength. As a result, it weighs slightly more and the width of the plates and roller diameters is slightly different. It would appear as though the ZVM2 is for high horsepower bikes or drag bikes.

So, are there any advantages for our type of bikes with the ZVM2 that I am missing? Or is it one of these deals that if you are going to do something, go all in? I would prefer to save the cash if there is no distinct advantage.

Thanks in advance!

 

Save your money. There is no advantage of having the high tensile chain on the VFR.

 

VFR is not a high horse power bike, it is kinda heavy but std chain will be fine no need to upgrade.

 

I agree the VM is fine.
ZVM2 if you had a Hayabussa or ZX14.

 

dont forget ur expensive chain tool

i have an rk chain breaker and rivet head squezer. good ones are expensive so beware but if u charge people to do it for them or rent the tool it pays for itself.

 

I am getting ready to order my new sprocket and chain set-up as well. Lots of research. Like everyone else is saying the VM is just fine...if you're going to stick with a 530 set-up. However if you want to goto a 520 set-up, (which I am seriuosly considering ) than you'll want ZVM2. The 520 coversion with steel sprockets should save 2lbs off of your drive system,and with the heavier duty 520ZV, longevity should remain about the same. Not so much the weight savings that matter here as much as the lower amount of stress on your drive system and freeing up some HP.

 

Mr. Havcar, if you are going to go with the 520 conversion (which I think is a great idea) you need to search out the did erv3, this is the best 520 chain available on the market today.

You can purchase it here:

DID ERV3 520 chain only - Welcome To Kyle Racing's Online Store

If you really want the maximum weight savings,and hence, the best performance increase, i also suggest the vortex f5 rear sprocket. I have put 1200 miles on my f5 aluminum sprocket and it doesn't even have the slightest hint of wear yet. you can also purchase jt 520 lightened steel front sprockets from motostrano in a variety of sizes.

 

On the DID spec sheet it lists the wear resistance of the ZVM chain as almost 50% higher than the VM. That seems to be a reason to upgrade if the price is right.

Specs

 

Thanks for the chain info. After looking at D.I.D. specs I am convinced that a 520 conversion is the way to go. I had my guy here telling me to go with the ZVM2. After researching your recommendation of the ERV3 the benefits became obvious (more strength, less weight, etc.). With a VFRs' HP not being a major concern, 8700lbs. of tensile strength should be perfect. I will now be ordering the ERV3 instead. Especially when Kyle Racing will sell it to me for $50 less than what I've seen elsewhere.

I had been considering the F5 for some time but was told by my tuner that he could not find one specific to the VFR. Unfortunately there are not many VFR's in CO. so most parts shops are less than sure what will fit and what won't. Makeing it worse is that hardly any of the online places will mention VFR's either. My thinking is that I would like to go ahead and try the Vortex, so I was wondering if you know of anything that I need to be aware of in terms of a specific F5 that will fit a VFR. I can't find anything that will clear this up. Just order the standard? It LOOKS to have the same bolt pattern as OEM.

Thanks again, looks like a great recommendation

 

Good call on that Vortex F5 Black PTFE Hardcoated Aluminum sprocket NorcalBoy. I use that same rear sprocket on my RC51. I've got almost 8000 miles on it now. Back in August I removed the wheels to install ceramic wheel bearings and took the oppurtunity to inspect the wear and tear on the sprocket. As you would expect the hardcoating is wearing off the edges of the gear teeth and in the valleys between the gear teeth,but in comparison to a spare sprocket that I have that wear is minimal so far. Now that the hardcoating is worn off between the gear teeth it'll be interesting to see how much longer the sprocket will last. It'll never outlast a steel sprocket,but with proper chain maintenance and adjustment you should expect to see a reasonably respectable service life for that F5 on your VFR NorcalBoy. I'll be converting my VFR to an F5 and 520 pitch chain later this winter.

Havcar is right though,finding that F5 in 520 pitch for the VFR800 is a bit of a pain. The only place that I was ever able to find it was at vortexracing.com.

My sincere apologies for jacking your thread KingTito. :sorry:

 

Vortex Racing Components - Sprockets, Handlebars, Rear Sets...

ERV3 - Kyle Racing
Vortex F5 520 Rear Sprocket - see above link
JT 520 front sprocket - http://www.motostrano.com/jtfrsp.html just click on the application drop down menu and you'll see vfr800, pick the year, pick how many teefus, and order

I believe my work here is done.....good luck you guys! you two seem to think a lot like I do....hmmmm

 

One thought to consider: I've noticed the aluminum rear sprockets seem sensitive to dirt and other contamination -- here in NJ the crap they put on the roads in winter really eats chains and sprockets. A steel one might hold up longer in extreme conditions.

 

Hey I need a new chain and sprocket. Im clueless about sprockets. My VFR is stock I'd like to give it a little more acceleration. Is there any way I can drop my RPM at 75MPH it sits at 5000. Or is that normal. Bare with me guys I know car mechanics over motorcycles.

 

5000rpm at 75mph is completely normal and doesn't hurt the bike in the least. In fact, your battery won't even receive a full charge unless your over something like 4800rpm. I try to cruise at 5500rpm and during more spirited riding will hold the tach no lower than 6500rpm. The bike is built to do just that, and aside from lower miles per gallon, you're not hurting it. That doesn't mean hold at redline all the time, just keep in mind that 6000rpm is only 50% of the bikes range. That number probably wouldn't bother you at all if you applied it to a car. Try one of the chain and sprocket packages mentioned in this thread, they're all good. With the DID ERV3, the Vortex hardcoated F5, and the JT front sprocket, all in a 520 width, being the best, IMO. Get a 45 tooth (+2 over OEM) rear sprocket for more acceleration and you're all set.

 

Here's a dissenting opinion, which i got from a very qualified & experienced motorcycle mech who now works for Kawasaki... i asked him the very same question, he suggested going for the heavier chain 530 vs 520. I went with stock OEM Honda sprockets, and a DID 530 ZVM-X chain for $152.24 at the Motorcycle online store. My 2 cents. Best wishes. peace.

 

link please!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

DID Motorcycle Chain | 530 Chain | 525 Chain | 520 Chain

 

If the VFR had the type of HP that say a ZX-10 or a Fireblade has then I would agree with your tuner; if only for a longer usable lifespan. A VFR, however, doesn't have that type of HP, making a 530 useless. Especially when you consider how strong the 520 DID EVR3 is. You do loose some tensile stength compared to the 530 ZVM, but a VFR simply doesn't need 10,600 lbs, again that is more for machines that are topping 150HP. Why not save the weight and the wear and tear on your drive system by converting to a 520. Not to mention freed up HP as well as much smoother power delivery and shifting.

 

I got 20k + miles on an RK X-ring chain. Bought another RK chain/sprocket combo off of ebay for $170ish. Hoping to get as much or more this time.

 

...I should add that I wouldn't use just any 520 conversion kit as longevity may become an issue. If a person is going to make the change they should stick to the DID ERV3 and a hardcoated/anodized rear sprocket.