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.

 

New chain was installed, and bike is running great. Weather is warming as spring is finally here. I'm getting anxious for a few day trips, but I've been wanting to mount my iPhone somewhere reasonable without drilling holes or damaging my fiberglass. I've seen quite a few cell phone mounts, but I just don't know which ones are recommended. Does anyone here recommend a mount for our VFRs (mines a '87 VFR 700). I'm not really concerned about price as I'm more interested in quality (not losing my cell phone on the roads).

 

OMG, do not drill any holes. Your top triple clamp does not have a cover and the center nut (with plastic cap) is exposed with access to the tube. They make RAM mount adapters to install there. I don't have a link, but that should get you some info to start Google searching.

 

Right, no.. I would never drill or attach to any of the fiberglass or plastic. I see a lot of mention of stem mounts, and I like the idea of a centrally located mount. I just am not familiar with the brands. I was just hoping you guys and gals might have personal experience with some that you'd like to share/recommend.

 

This came on a highly modified Hawk GT I bought that I would not call "smooth" or "serene" and it holds a phone no prob.



Clamps to a ball mount.

 

Exactly what I have on my Tiger
Excellent mount


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I have a Quadlock mount on each of my bikes, and I like it for the security and ease of use.. The proviso is that you need to have a Quadlock phone case that can then latch to the mount on the bike. Easist would be to get a steering stem mount, as I have on my 6th gen below.