Now that its February and the riding season is approaching (slowly) I figured it was time to get some things done to the F2 so its ready. I picked up a manual chain tensioner off Ebay yesterday but also need to do an oil change, brake flush, coolant flush and would like to put a new chain on it too. I'm particular about new vehicles.... First of all I know that automotive motor oil is NOT acceptable to use with a bike, I've also gleaned that 10-40 is the weight to use (feel free to correct me if I'm wrong). Are there any recommended brands to use? Specific kinds of motorcycle oil? Ect? Also the filter, anything I need to specifically look for there? Basically the same question for coolant, is there a specific brand or anything for bikes or just the regular 50/50 stuff I throw in my cars?

Chains confuse me. I get the sprocket idea and how it changes acceleration. If the information I've read got interpreted correctly then with stock sized sprockets I'd need a 530 link chain? I've also seen a lot of kits with a 14 tooth front sprocket and a 520 link chain. How far off can I expect that to throw the speedo?

I know these are total newb questions but google seems to be letting me down today. Thanks for the help.

 

The search function on this website will answer all your questions.

speedo on the F2 won't EVER be thrown off by gearing changes... it is driven by the front wheel (not a pickup from the engine/tranny speed).

There are lots of brands of M/C oil... amsoil full synthetic is popular (and very good) but expensive.

Chains: 520,525,530 refer to strength not the # of links. I thought stock was 525. The size of sprocket you want doesn't necessarily mean you need to use a certain weight of chain. Don't change the sprocket size by too much unless you are trying to stunt. -1/+2 is the popular change.

Don't use the same coolant as you do in your car! you need LOW/ZERO silicates.

 

Well now I'm really glad I asked. I tried to search the site but didn't find much of anything, aparrently 'oil' is too short of a search term. I did see that amsoil had that 10-40 weight and I can get it cheaper than their site price so I'll probably go that direction, just need to find somewhere that has the filter for sale.

I had no idea those were strength's. Wow I feel kinda dumb. So a chain for a F2 would be the same no matter what the sprocket changes? I'm thinking about doing the 14/43 setup just for a little extra kick. I was wondering what the difference between the o-ring and rivet type master links are... Is one stronger than the other or something? I'll be sure to search the site again too.

 

Castrol makes a good Motorcycle oil that they usually sell in autostores and walmart too... fairly cheaper but runs well in my bike at least. and i think it cost only $19 for a gallon. As for coolant i would recommend engine ICE... what i did tho is i got my bike running good and as normal as possible and then drain that coolant and put in the engine ice. your bike would run 20-30 degrees cooler and rare boilovers. Engine ice is 20 bucks a gallon. Expensive for coolant but well worth it.

as for sprockets... i would just go up +2 rear and keep the stock front. that should give it some pep with out sacrificing too much.

as for your question for the o-ring and rivet master links. To my knowledge they both are the same. (maybe some1 can clear this up further) The O-ring goes on the inside of the link to keep in the grease and the rivet holds the chain in place. There maybe another difference but i do not know

 

Agreed: Chain should be o-ring AND rivet style

other options are X-ring and probably some others but stick with o-ring. don't use clip type master link... not as good as rivet.

you can use a different type of chain independent of sprocket size dependent on what you are after... lighter chain 520 won't last as long but is lighter (less reciprocating mass... mostly for track day guys who are hardcore about lightness) the 530 chain is stronger but heavier... used on powerfull bikes to handle the extra horses. The sprockets will have to match the type of chain but the size of sprocket doesn't matter.