JunkyardDog

If the wheels could be swapped, that would solve the whole problem right there, if you could find a decent set of Vulcan 500 cast wheels, and if either the chain drive could be converted to belt, or the pulley on the rear wheel could be replaced with a sprocket. The main issue is the tube type tires on the Vulcan 500. Otherwise it is a nice bike. But they don't make it anymore. Jerry.

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fastpakr

Here's a write-up on the wheel swap:
http://vulcan500.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=23&t=38

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LA_Geezer

While I'm not nearly as experienced as you are, I think I understand that chain maintenance on my Rebel is a bit more complicated than spraying _some lube onto a chain_. Indeed, two techs have advised me that I need a new chain, yet my chain and sprockets look fine to me. I'm not inclined to question their experience so I'll have that taken care of next.

I change the oil every 2000 miles.

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fastpakr

There isn't much more to it than that with sealed o-ring chains. The lube is inside of the rings, so you're not actually trying to spray it in there. What you're doing is wiping the grit off from around them so it doesn't tear up the rings, then spraying on a bit of lubricant just to help keep them sealed. With a spray like Dupont's Multi-Use Teflon Dry Lubricant (available from most hardware stores for about $5), there is no moist grease around the chain to attract dirt. When I said earlier that I spend no more than 5 minutes every week or two maintaining my chain, I really wasn't kidding.

Why did the tech's advise you that you needed a new chain? Assuming it's within wear limits (marked on the swingarm) and you're not having to adjust it frequently (rapid stretching is a huge indicator of excessive chain wear), you're unlikely to need to swap it out.

Here's an article about the spray lubricant I referred to:
http://www.webbikeworld.com/t2/motor...chain-lube.htm

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Shadow Shack

I don't get a lot of "cake" on my chains, but then again I live in a dry area. I still clean it on occasion though, usually when I clean the bike itself. I also have the benefit of a rear end lift, but even without it the lube process does not take long (again, no more time that gearing up along with the pre-ride inspection). Simply put, I'll shoot the lube after a ride while the chain is still warm and then leave it parked for at least 12 hours as the lube "cures"...this minimalizes "lube sling".

I also used sealed chains (EK and RK brand O or X ring) rather than standard chains, my experience with the former is you put it on, take a test spin, and adjust...it pretty much doesn't need adjustment for some time after that (I've gone as far as 10-15K without adjusting).

A standard chain (Regina with no seals) on the other hand will last about as long as your crankcase oil.

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"Ride Safe, Chop Safer"
Support your FLIBS (Friendly Local Independent Bike Shop)
3500cc worth of Honda: http://shadow-shack.20m.com

SKEWTS

My .02 cents...Since I know NOTHING about the whole mechanical end of the bike (I just pay someone to do the maintanence on mine), I would say go with what you're comfortable with. As for cc's and hp and all those other initials...if you're riding safely, you're are more than likely doing the speed limit. That said, unless you live out of the U.S., you can only go so fast (I think 70mph is max) so it really doesn't matter if it's 1800cc or 250cc. You should still only be doing a max speed limit. It just takes the 250cc a bit longer to reach the max.
Good luck on whatever you decide and ride safe.
Judy

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@~ Judy ~@ 2009 Ultra Blue Metallic Honda Rebel CMX250C
"No matter how much louder you make the Rebel exhaust, the sound still comes from a Rebel engine. Peewee Herman at max volume is never going to sound like Barry White." By Fridgitator

LA_Geezer

Nice to see you over here SKEWTS. A little more displacement makes sense some times, though.

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blurebel

My second bike is a Suzuki S40. It has a similar look of a Rebel but a bit bigger all round - 650cc engine and a bit more stable on the freeway, gets good mileage and doesn't have a chain. Still like my Rebel though and will be keeping "her"

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Maryjo
2009 Rebel
2009 Suzuzi Savage
2003 Suzuki Intruder
Life is a journey, enjoy!

SKEWTS

Thanks...Nice to be here

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@~ Judy ~@ 2009 Ultra Blue Metallic Honda Rebel CMX250C
"No matter how much louder you make the Rebel exhaust, the sound still comes from a Rebel engine. Peewee Herman at max volume is never going to sound like Barry White." By Fridgitator

JunkyardDog

As for paying someone to do the maintenance on your bike, I hope it is not a dealer. I would do the labor part for free, just to keep you from having to go to a rip off dealer and get robbed. The local Honda stealer charges $50 to do an oil change on a METROPOLITAN, which is a 50cc scooter that holds 1.5 qts. and has no oil filter. Taking your good easy time, it's a 10 minute job. Fortunately due to the bad economy, you can buy a new Metropolitan for well under MSRP. Just learn to maintain it yourself, and it will provide you with basically free (and fun) transportation around town)


Dupont as a company sucks the big one, just like Dow, (my boss used to work for Dupont, and in 10+ years has never run out of horror stories) but some of their products are good, including that chain lube. You can get it at Lowe's. I just recently switched over to it. Jerry.

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