87 VFR 700F2AC – My 50th Birthday Present to Myself

Good job. I like it. The Kerkers sound great on that engine and the stock headers.

 

I'm hoping one of you guys/gals can help me understand the chains on these VFRs. Mine (assuming all were like this) my chain does not have a master link to easily remove it. Were these chains designed to not be easily removed? I'm assuming the easy removal is to cut it off. Anyhow, can someone recommend a quality replacement chain for me ('87 VFR 700 F2)?

IMG_7529 by mcpmartin posted Nov 14, 2025 at 5:44 PM

 

Most OEM chains are all rivet, no master. It is advisable to use rivet type when they are replaced also. You can push a rivet through for chain removal, if desired and install a new master link. If it was riveted together, you should be able to easily identify the rivet link from one side or the other.

 

or just grind off the heads and force off the side plate.

 

Chains installed at the factory were endless as they could be installed right before the swingarm was installed. We had a couple customers that insisted that a new endless chain be re-installed when doing chain and sprockets. Oooooohhhhh-K. Your money.

You should be able to remove one link and install a master link style of your choice. Just remember, even with a "chain breaker" tool, you still need to grind the heads down to the plate.

RK, DID, Regina, AFAM. There's other quality options too. JT is making decent chains too these days, and their sprockets have always been good. A good chain should be about $100 and above. Price doesn't always equal quality, but with chains cheap usually always means junk.

 

Imma DID guy. I used to only press my link, but now I use the removable link.

 

May have been overlooked or I missed it, but you could go with sprockets and chain at a lighter weight 520. I am sure there are part numbers floating around this site somewhere. Just lightens the rotating mass to my understanding.

 

On my 79 CBX I went from a 630 to a 520 kit… huge weight savings!


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What size chain do these VFRs come from the factory with? Guessing mine is original since there is no master link. I'll probably order a new master link, and cut off my chain to replace it.

 

530

 

I like the DID as mentioned before and they come with a master from what I remember.

https://www.didchain.com/products/5...CH0TdGAcI1TH9Y3ethATHcfhrJZTn3bayeHVOYCAMWeuB

 

Be sure to try and verify the chain mfr and get a matching link if not replacing the chain.

 

Just ordered a replacement chain and serviceable master link both D.I.D. size 530. Thanks everyone for the assistance. I do appreciate it.