Topic: F2 engine K4 frame sprocket offset question

[BobR]

 Well I found out yesterday my engine is an F2 (serial# E2608***).  Ive had the bike since 1998, have rode it on and off since then but only logged about 4000 miles over the years. Another member asked what had been done to correct the sprocket alignment. Of course I didnt know so I decided to check the sprocket alignment. Seemed OK to me. Below is a pic from behind and one of the front sprocket. Thoughts? TIA Bob

[HondaMan]

If you were running an O-ring chain there would have been troubles with hitting things. But using the normal chain in this situation usually works out OK.

[BobR]

If you were running an O-ring chain there would have been troubles with hitting things. But using the normal chain in this situation usually works out OK.

 Its hard to tell from the pics but it is an o-ring chain. Just checked and it has rubbed a bit against the chain cover. Didnt notice yesterday when I first took it off. Does the F2 have a different cover? Thanks, Bob

[seanbarney41]

Check this out all the way down at the bottom of the page...
www.cyclexchange.net/Chain%20Sprocket%20Page.htm
best pictures I have for you and a partial explanation of the problem, although this explanation is from a wide tire clearance perspective more than a parts mis-match issue.

Whether you have o-ring chain or not makes absolutely no difference.

[BobR]

Check this out all the way down at the bottom of the page...
www.cyclexchange.net/Chain%20Sprocket%20Page.htm
best pictures I have for you and a partial explanation of the problem, although this explanation is from a wide tire clearance perspective more than a parts mis-match issue.

Whether you have o-ring chain or not makes absolutely no difference.

 Thanks- I think Im going to have to take a GOOD look at my set up. From what Ive gathered my front sprocket may be 10mm farther out than my rear? If thats the case the cyclex 10mm offset rear sprocket would do the trick (but possibly bring my chain close to other stuff). Now it doesnt look like it is from the back but perhaps its not that easy to see like that?

[seanbarney41]

Check this out all the way down at the bottom of the page...
www.cyclexchange.net/Chain%20Sprocket%20Page.htm
best pictures I have for you and a partial explanation of the problem, although this explanation is from a wide tire clearance perspective more than a parts mis-match issue.

Whether you have o-ring chain or not makes absolutely no difference.

 Thanks- I think Im going to have to take a GOOD look at my set up. From what Ive gathered my front sprocket may be 10mm farther out than my rear? If thats the case the cyclex 10mm offset rear sprocket would do the trick (but possibly bring my chain close to other stuff). Now it doesnt look like it is from the back but perhaps its not that easy to see like that?

yep, that is exactly what we are dealing with.  I like to check with a long straight-edge laid across both the front and back sprockets, but you will have to pull some parts off to get at stuff.

JMO, but what I "think" is going on with your set up based on your pics is that the PO lined up your combination by changing rear wheel spacers...so now your front and rear wheels are not lined up correctly.

[754]

Your first pic, its hard to tell, cuz can't see the front,
Way back in the eighties, I ran your same combo and it was not common  knowledge that sprocket offsets had changed,
 I will say this , if you have run it a while, and it's out by 10mmm you will see it on the sprockets. They will wear on one side...ie..front is shiny on outside, rear on the inside.. dead giveaway.

[BobR]

Your first pic, its hard to tell, cuz can't see the front,
Way back in the eighties, I ran your same combo and it was not common  knowledge that sprocket offsets had changed,
 I will say this , if you have run it a while, and it's out by 10mmm you will see it on the sprockets. They will wear on one side...ie..front is shiny on outside, rear on the inside.. dead giveaway.

 Thanks, I'll look for that as well. Bob

[BobR]

Ok definately a 10 mm offset . Checked it with a straight edge. The sprockets are worn exactly as 754 mentioned too. Is the cycle x 10mm offset rear sprocket a good choice or should I find a 77-78 hub? Bob

[754]

You only need the sprocket carrier, inner spacer and trim some spacers.
Or shim it out if your bolts or studs are long enough.

[BobR]

You only need the sprocket carrier, inner spacer and trim some spacers.
Or shim it out if your bolts or studs are long enough.

 Have a sprocket carrier coming I found on ebay for $24. Wasn't aware of inner spacer/spacers issue. Cross that bridge when I get to it I guess... Just took a look at it again. Shimming seems more appealing/easier way. I doubt I could go 10mm without coming off the sprocket centering area. Could probably go 6-7 mm though and call it good enough maybe. Bob

[BobR]

 OK got the F2 carrier. If I got the F2 inner spacer (which I need to make up the difference of the bearing being mounted farther out) I'd have to trim the outer one I think. Problem is there's not much to cut before the assembly hits the swing arm...that's if I'm looking at it correctly.... The sprocket doesn't fit snugly on the hub so maybe shimming is my best option. Bob

[madmtnmotors]

Does the F2 have a different cover? Thanks, Bob

Yes. I have attached some picts of both an early sprocket cover and a late sprocket cover. The most notable differences are at the top rear at both the opening for the chain itself as well as the depth of the upper mounting screw boss. You will also notice the early cover has what appears to be an extra "guide" post cast on the inside of the cover. I have never seen this extra "guide post" on a later model, but there may be early models that might not have it, so don't use that as the only identifier... be sure to measure too!

Early cover dimensions:







And the later cover:






You will also notice the lower mounting screw location on the newer cover is recessed further below the outer surface and is cut away at the outer edge when compared to the early cover. This is one of the most positive ways to identify the late model sprocket cover. I have an early sprocket cover that was used on a later model and the chain did a good job of "self clearancing" the early cover. 


Hope that helps!
[/quote]

[BobR]

Does the F2 have a different cover? Thanks, Bob

Yes. I have attached some picts of both an early sprocket cover and a late sprocket cover. The most notable differences are at the top rear at both the opening for the chain itself as well as the depth of the upper mounting screw boss. You will also notice the early cover has what appears to be an extra "guide" post cast on the inside of the cover. I have never seen this extra "guide post" on a later model, but there may be early models that might not have it, so don't use that as the only identifier... be sure to measure too!

Early cover dimensions:







And the later cover:






You will also notice the lower mounting screw location on the newer cover is recessed further below the outer surface and is cut away at the outer edge when compared to the early cover. This is one of the most positive ways to identify the late model sprocket cover. I have an early sprocket cover that was used on a later model and the chain did a good job of "self clearancing" the early cover. 


Hope that helps!

[/quote]

Thanks, yes it does! Its on my list of things I need. At least it will bolt right up. Wish the same could be said of the F2 carrier I just got... Well Ive got all winter to decide what to do about the off set issue.    Bob