Good points, nicely done! I did a similar video on a '95 Vulcan VN800, and I spent some time going over the drum inspection and disassembly. A few people stopped by through the years and remarked that their speedo was dead, and I wondered if something happened internally. As you say, it is easy to mess up. I'm curious as to what happens inside the speedo connection, presumably the internal gear strips out and then one has to replace internal parts. I guess by that point most people are too frustrated to turn on the camera and record what's inside.
Thank you for posting this informative video. I used it as a supplement in doing my sprockets and chain on mhy 03 VN800 Drifter. I am surprised that one would need to use lock-tite on that front sprocket, as bending the backing washer prevents the nut from backing off. The rubber coating on the original front sprocket is factory and is apparently there to help with noise. I've not seen aftermarket sprockets retaining such a coating. There is a specification on chain slack. I'm curious how your chain/sprockets had held up over these past 2-years.
Hi! Thanks for the info about the front sprocket rubber. Now I know! :-) I only used Loctite because the axel that comes out from the engine is damaged and I was afraid the sprocket would start to wiggle around. Chain and sprockets are still in great condition. But I haven´t had time to ride that bike much, so I can´t really say. ;-)
Hello! Found your channel today, as I was looking for information about the 800cc Vulcan. My daughter just bought a 2001 bike. I am trying to see if I can help her. It's in great shape, ridden on longer trips by an older couple. She picks it up this week. I enjoyed your video. Thanks!
I looked at it hoping to find out what the chain clearance should be with the wheel raised, I understand that the clearance of 25mm-35mm applies to the lowered wheel
The belt conversion was made by a company called Scootworks. They had production and quality control issues, like the lady said the front belt pulley had a tendency to strip its splines or break, sometimes even ruined the bearing on the output shaft. Same thing happened when they started making belt pulleys for VN900s, quite a few broke. They are not in business anymore.
Nice video! I drive a 1997 VN800 and would like lower rpms at higher speeds. What would be the easiest way to only change the front sprocket to one with 18 or 19 teeth? Loosen the rear axle and remove the front sprocket with the chain still on and install the new sprocket? Or could it be done with the bike on the ground? :)
You can do that with the bike on the ground no problem. Loosen rear axle nut and adjusters, kick the rear tire forwards to give yourself chain slack. Remove front sprocket and slap new one on, adjust rear wheel for chain tension and button it up.
18T front is the biggest you can fit without any risk. 19T would rub against a rubber plug situated above the sprocket. The general consensus is that 18T front and 40T rear is the ideal combination. That gives you 600 RPM reduction at 100kph (62mph) without too much loss of power low down.
I have just installed an 18T front sprocket. A 40T rear sprocket was already installed to my surprise. I havent driven it yet though because of a snowy Sweden.@@davidbalogh3845
There is just one bolt at the rear of the cover, near the middle. You take that bolt out (5mm allen key) then you can move the cover towards the wheel and pull it out.
