'99 Chain and Sprokets

So I'm up for a chain replacement and was looking for any suggested brands of chains for the viffer. Also, has anyone replaced the stock OE sprockets with these Vortex ones I'm finding online? Worth it? Better brand? My ridding is mostly commuting and longer weekend rides. Just wondering if the reduced weight it worth the $$$ from an aftermarket sprocket is better. Current OE are fine as far as wear.

Thanks for the anticipated replies.

 

OEM sprockets are incredibly expensive.

JT sprockets are silver, like OEM. Years ago, I’d seen some questionable quality. However, I haven’t seen the same, in recent years. Both on my SVS and the countershaft on my VFR are JT.

Sunstar make the sprockets for many OEMs, including Honda. Their steel offerings are black. My VFR chainring is Sunstar.

I always use RK GB GXW chains. These are their higher-end chains with every link being gold. They’re a really nice piece that looks good and is less susceptible to rusting than other finishes. They definitely are not inexpensive.

Pickup an RK chain tool, as well. It’ll make chain replacement so much easier.

 

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000GUX18M/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Price: $167.99

RK Racing Chain 1086-980W Steel Rear Sprocket and 530XSOZ1 Chain 20,000 Mile Warranty Kit



Fits: Honda VFR800FI 98-01. 20,000 mile warranty kit contains: 17 tooth chromoly front sprocket; 43 tooth steel rear sprocket; and RK 530XSOZ1-108 link chain. RK's new XSO chains offer quality, performance and unbeatable value, for all but the most demanding high performance application. Viewed in cross-section, the RK 'RX-ring' has two lubrication pools and seal points versus the single seal point/pool design of a regular O-ring chain. This high mileage performance kit features precision cut case hardened steel sprockets with matched OE gearing and RK's XSO or XW sealed ring chain; warranted to provide 20,000 miles of street use (racing and chain neglect will void warranty).

It's stood up to everything I have thrown at it, including a trackday and lots of canyon abuse. I even put on the master link wrong and called RK to buy another one, my fault, and they just mailed one to me for free. I put it on right this time and all is well. I actually installed it a year ago.

From the RK website:
530XSOZ1 RX-RING CHAIN

• 
  
  
  • Tensile Strength: 9,000 lbs
  • Max CC Rating: 1,000cc Street, 750cc Off-road

If it can hold up to the power of a liter bike, it will do whatever the VFR asks it to.

 

The rear sprocket will look like this though:

 

I used the 530 black/silver RK kit. It has worked awesome.

Jose

 

Or go a Superlite 520 kit from Sprocket Center.
Rated to 1200cc.

 

A 520 kit will be my next chain/sprocket purchase.

 

What's the difference between a 520 and 530? I believe the stock number is 530.

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A 520 is narrower chain, requiring new sprockets. However, it has been proven to increase the power at the rear wheel, as it is a more efficient chain. There has been many arguements over whether it would last, all of which have been proven wrong by actual use. The modern 520 chain metallurgy is very strong. It's lighter and more efficient and with correct maintenance, will last just as long, just not absorb as much HP and torque to use.

 

Also, have you noticed that the OEM Honda front sprocket has rubber dampers built into it?

In Honda's opinion the VFR is/was a sport-touring bike, not a super-sport. So they made an effort to reduce Noise/Vibration/Harshness (NVH), which makes the VFR more comfortable on long rides. The rubber dampers on the front sprocket are part of this effort.

There's nothing wrong with going to an aftermarket front sprocket, go ahead and do it. But you will get an increase in NVH that will resonate throughout the bike. It will be a noticeably different experience from the OEM set up.

 

That may or may not happen. I noticed no difference of any kind when I replaced the OEM rubber sprocket with a AFAM jobby, and went to a 2 tooth larger sprocket at the rear. It could happen, but it didn't to me.

 

Yeah, those Honda engineers are a bunch of dumbasses aren't they?

 

What, you can't stand for someone to only semi agree with you? Unwad your panties and grow up.

 

Tee hee ...

FWIW, I've been running a 520 conversion (sans rubber up front) on my '07 since 2013, no issues. And I run a 520 setup on my RSV1000, including track use. Again, no issues. Come to think of it, I have 520s on my R6 and XR as well. Makes things simple ...

ACE

 

I will go with a 520 DID EVR chain and AFAM sprockets when I change out the 530 on the VFR. THe bit of power gain is nice, but less rotational mass is a big gain for those that like to sport tour. I have run 520 set ups on 1000cc in line 4 track bikes for a long time, they are wonderful. Keep them clean and adjusted and they will last for a very long time.

 

I'll probably be going with new chain and sprockets this year, and I may give the 520 kit a shot.
As long as I can get my 45 tooth chain in 520.

 

subscribed, this seems like a very interesting thread

 

Has anyone tried a 41 rear or less in an effort for better mileage for commuting/road trips?

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You have to change sprockets too, can't mix 520 and 530. I'm sure you can get various tooth counts. Someone on here who has done it will probably chime in.

 

I did try an 18 tooth countershaft sprocket for a short time. Noticed no change in mileage. And the slowness of acceleration was enough to make
me change it back to stock. Now I run the 17/45 and still get 40+ mpg running a steady 70-75 mph on the interstate. I use a bicycle computer for
an odometer and the mileage is spot on according to my GPS. Works a treat.