55+k on my VN800

[Hartless]

Hello all

First off this forum is great! I have already learned so much just reading the posts, that I thought I should join and anoy people with questions.

I am downloading on another machine the repair manual for my 97 classic right now. I figure it must be pushing cloase to needing Sprockets & chain since I have never done this since I owned the bike from 2000.

Now I had been looking at the belt drive kit as I am sure many have that have removed the wheel and cleaned it to a fantastic shine only to ride once and mess it up again. However after reading these posts I now think I will stay with a chain.

So I will order an 18\38 sprocket set for my bike. It has been jetted and has the hypercharger on it with some aftermarket pipes of unknown make. I did the carb and breather but pipes were before me. I will also bleed my front brakes and do the pads while I have her in pieces. I guess this will be after Friday the 13th in Port Dover now.

My questions to the smart guys is:
1) Sprockets? is there a prefered brand? Or something I should stay away from?
2) I read to go with a solid chain so I will do that. Again is there a make that is better? I am on a budget though. As I do not have the tools and this seems risky to mess up I will do my own sprockets then ride her in for the chain to be done at the shop.
3) Since this bike has just ran well I have never had it in for servicing. Is there something I should be doing here that I am ignoring?

I do the PC work for my friends work (A Body Shop) I will get them to do the brakes and bleeding for me. They are going to paint the bike again for me. I am still torn on choice

Flat Black
Burnt Orange
Seven Colour Change

Anyone have a Vulcan with the Orange or a Colour Change I could see a pic of?

Sorry this is so long.

Regards

Hartless
97 VN800 Classic since 2000
(Love it to much to part with it, at least until a 1500 comes up cheep)

[Ryguy]

Here's a picture of my orange. It's not a burnt orange, but I sure like it

[Hartless]

Orange sure looks nice! Thanks.

I really like the Hard bags too. Perhaps if I ever get a 1500. I saw a cheap flood rebuild on ebay US that I thought about. However the tax man insisted on me paying him. Oh well I could always win the lotto tonight.

[desade]

you have had your bike for 8 years and 55+k miles on the same chain??? I used to change my chain about every 5k miles depending how well I kept up with adjusting and lubing it.

[Hartless]

Yes same Chain and sprockets. Now everything still seems good on it but it must be time to change it. I am a good weather driver and clean and lube the chain properly every time I washed the bike. Not sure if that adds to the life or not but thats what I have.

Lots of Cleaning and oil changes on a mostly stock bike apparently keeps her going. I am only on my second battery not counting the almost dead one I got with the bike.

Anyways I have had no services other than what I have done and she starts great and runs great.

[desade]

I used to pay about $90 for my chains but it was on a VZ800(suzuki), I had to adjust and lube it 2-3x a month but I drove it real hard, had stage 1 and 2 jetted carbs, 2 K&N air filters, and straight pipes. I never needed a new sprocket but I imagine w/55K on the same chain those teeth are pretty worn. When you get a new one you will notice the difference. I bet if you go to ebay you can find stock sprockets, I used to find tons of stock partsfor my 02 VZ800 and you have a 2000 so odds are better for you.

Good Luck!

[bobbyafs]

If have not ever done it, i would seriously look into the valve adjustment. If you do it yourself it will cost about 20-30 bux, but the dealer will charge around $200 There are a couple of 800 guys that have done the adjustment for $0. They were able to swap shims form one valve to another for the right gaps (very lucky).

Good luck on the maintenance. BTW there is someone i read somewhere that has over 100,000 miles on their 800.

[bobbyafs]

Originally Posted by desade

you have had your bike for 8 years and 55+k miles on the same chain??? I used to change my chain about every 5k miles depending how well I kept up with adjusting and lubing it.

I have got 10,236 miles on my chain right now and hav no intensions of changing it anytime soon. I also keep a good eye on it and lube it and clean it regularly.

[desade]

Originally Posted by bobbyafs

I have got 10,236 miles on my chain right now and hav no intensions of changing it anytime soon. I also keep a good eye on it and lube it and clean it regularly.

How you drive has a lot to do with it, I use mine for commuting in L.A. You drive slow long rides you can get a heck of a lot more miles on it then the stop and go, just like comparing mpg.

[Hartless]

Well I am unsure of how to do valve adjustments. And am concerned with the chain. I will do everything I can myself then drop it at the shop. this guy has fantastic prices but is always busy.