Hi all, New to Yamaha Forever, always nice to see I'm not the only FZR out there. <!-- s --><img src="{SMILIES_PATH}/icon_smile.gif" alt="" title="Smile" /><!-- s --> I have an '89 FZR250 that I've been riding for about a year now. It's held up pretty well, but I think it's time for a new chain. I've heard it's generally a good idea to put on a new sprocket when you put on a new chain, but is there some way to see if this is neccasary? Also, is this something I could handle myself, or am I better off taking it into a shop to get this done? Thanks Dan
welcome to the site! With your chain you don't always need to replace it. I had a high quality one put on my bike when I first got it and 20 000 km's later I am just needing to replace it. There are two indicators that a new chain is needed: a) after degreasing/regreasing some links still stick. b) there are tight spots in the chain (check how loose it is at one point, roll forward about 1/8th of a wheel turn, check again - keep repeating to go through the entire chain - if there are some that are looser than others then there are tight spots. To check sprockets- essentially if the tips of the sprockets look warn/rounded then it is time for some new ones. Compare to ones in the shop if you are not sure what new sprockets should look like. General rule of thumb is to replace chain and sprockets at the same time. The analogy - there is no reason to put a clean sock inside a dirty shoe, all that will do is make the sock dirty. (see http://www.survivalskills.clara.net/chain_preservation.htm - this whole article is a good one on chain and sprocket care - right at the end it has 'checking the chain' in the last paragraph). You can replace chain and sprockets yourself. Probably the hardest thing to do would actually be to get the rear wheel off the ground. Without a centrestand it can be difficult. If you can manage that (and the bike is stable) then you should have no troubles with the rest. You may want to have a search around on google for chain and sprocket replacements - it may give you an idea of what you may be in for. Personally it is something I would give a try as I like learning about the bike and hate paying mechanics. A new chain can be a bit expensive (get a good quality one - the fzr uses a narrow chain, and for the size of chain a fair amount of power goes through it). I have been quoted anywhere between $90-$130 (it is also a strange length - 130 links. Apparently most bikes are between 110-120 links).
Something stolen from http://tuxserver.dyndns.org/~martin/gs500e/maintenance.html About chain & sprocket wear It's very important for your own safety that your chain and sprockets are not worn out. If a chain breaks while you're accelerating, a crash is likely to happen and the broken chain could hurt your leg badly. Always replace your sprockets and chain at the same time. If you think only your chain needs to be replaced, because your sprockets are not worn out so badly, your new chain will wear out much faster using the old sprockets than using new sprockets.
some good info there Boz, welcoem to the site rage 250, may your stay be an enjoyable one <!-- s --><img src="{SMILIES_PATH}/icon_biggrin.gif" alt="" title="Very Happy" /><!-- s -->
Thanks for the info guys, seems like a great forum. I was quoted $90 CAD for a chain, so I'll pick that up. I checked out my sprockets today, and I think they could use replacing... Now, I actually only checked my rear sprocket, I take it I should replace both front and rear sprockets? I don't have a center stand, but I might see if I can't borrow one from one of my buddies.
A fellow Canadian!!! <!-- s:o --><img src="{SMILIES_PATH}/icon_surprised.gif" alt=":o" title="Surprised" /><!-- s:o --> I am assuming so because you are pricing in canadian dollars... Definitely welcome to the site! Replacing both sprockets is wise. No reason on having one of them old to wear out the chain. I believe sprockets are fairly cheap anyways. I have also used 2 car jacks - one below each swingarm - instead of a centrestand. Not the ideal solution, but was good enough to let me get my rear tire off. I found it stable enough, provided there were no earthquakes... (Also used this setup to prop up my frame enough to get the front forks off).
Yes sir, Canadian to the core, out in BC <!-- s --><img src="{SMILIES_PATH}/icon_biggrin.gif" alt="" title="Very Happy" /><!-- s --> Whereabouts you from?
I am from a town called Belleville - 1.5 hours east of Toronto. But now I live in Melbourne Australia, and rarely hear from other Canadians. That is why I was excited. As great as Australia is, it won't replace Canada by any means. Why are you fixing your bike now? Isn't it a bit cold? Or is this in preparation for the spring thaw?
Chain Im a great belever in changing your chain at the same time as your sproket BECAUSE you know that they are both mint and when you order the chain and sproket kit, you are getting the right chain to go with the right sproket. Remember if the chain snaps it will smash all the engine casings and ya leg. Better save than sorry eh?? I would have thought 20,000kms was a bit much even for a top of the range chain but I just like to have my bike runing all top good new stuff. I hate the thought of it getting smashed. <!-- s:shock: --><img src="{SMILIES_PATH}/icon_eek.gif" alt=":shock:" title="Shocked" /><!-- s:shock: --> Any ways go to ya local bike shop and ask them and see what they say. I say change chain with sproket about every 7months of normal riding or every 10,000kms. Thats my input <!-- s --><img src="{SMILIES_PATH}/icon_smile.gif" alt="" title="Smile" /><!-- s -->
Good call, definitly wouldn't be fun to have that thing let go at high speeds... The weathers actually not too bad, I live on the Southern tip of Vancouver Island, so the worst we've gotten so far is like 6" of snow, and that's all long since disapeared. I've actually been out for a few rides this month. I'll be picking up the parts tomorrow, so I'll let you all know how I make out. Also, another unrelated question, but you guys seem to know your stuff... Is it possible to get a fender eliminator for the FZR250? or are there generic ones that'll fit? One of the previous owners shortened the fender with a hack-saw or something, and it looks kind of cheesy. Rather than replacing it with another fender I'd rather just take it right off. Thanks for all the info!
Fender Fender???? I have never heard of anything on a bike called that.. ?? Do you mean visor/blade??
It is pushing the life of a chain I must admit, but until about 3000 km's ago there weren't any noticable tight spots in the chain etc. It has just been recently that it has developed. So since it was still in good nick, I never considered replacing it. The sprockets are still good (at least the rear ones are, haven't looked at the front) so that was a non-issue as well. I fix things as problems start to become apparent - I should be more pro-active with regards to these things (I am only proactive with regards to oil and filters). Fender = I beleive this is meaning the 'fairing' section that is right over top of the front wheel. Not sure what else to call it (I would use the term fender for that too)
I just thought of something.... Most of you guys are down in Australia right? I think fenders might only be mandatory in N. America. I know this is the case with blinkers, in Canada, every new bike sold must have blinkers that stand off from the fairing, so no flush mounts. Also fenders are mandatory. Here's a link to what a typical fender eliminator looks like: <!-- m --><a class="postlink" href="http://www.biketweakers.com/r6_fender.html">http://www.biketweakers.com/r6_fender.html</a><!-- m --> If you go to the American Yamaha site: <!-- m --><a class="postlink" href="http://www.yamaha-motor.com/products/UnitImage.asp?lid=2&lc=mcy&cid=5&mid=8&iid=4997">http://www.yamaha-motor.com/products/Un ... 8&iid=4997</a><!-- m --> You can see that mud-guard thing coming down from the tail to sort of cover the rear wheel? That's the fender, and the eliminator basically lets you unbolt that so you just have the license plate and blinkers showing, without the ugly peace of plastic. I've actually stumbled across some directions on the internet for making your own out of sheet metal, so I'll see if I can't fabricate my own.
ahhh.... those fenders! I was thinking you meant the mud guard (thanks for reminding me about those words) on the front. In australia there is no design spec indicating that fenders are required. What is required - there must a a tail light, a number plate, and a reflector on the rear of a bike. This reflector can not be part of the tail light (or if it is it must be 'subdivided' and not relate to the actual tail light). Flush indicators are allowed over here on the front, not the rear.
lol In NZ we have to have blinkers or the bike is forbiden to be on the road. I think is just safe to have them..
I forgot about those - needed here as well... <!-- s --><img src="{SMILIES_PATH}/icon_cool.gif" alt="" title="Cool" /><!-- s -->
lol hahahahaha sweet ****. <!-- s --><img src="{SMILIES_PATH}/icon_cool.gif" alt="" title="Cool" /><!-- s --> <!-- s --><img src="{SMILIES_PATH}/icon_cool.gif" alt="" title="Cool" /><!-- s -->
