Running w/o a chainguard

rgrigutis · Apr 12, 2010

Sorry for my naivete but can you run w/o a chainguard? Reason I ask is that I just did the 520x ring conversion and the new d I d chain looks elegant. Hate to cover him up. On the other hand I'd hate to have it wrapped around my ankle if it ever came undone. It's the masterlink version. On the other hand if the chainguard is there more or less to keep oil off the rider I 'll deep six it as this chain runs dry. Thanks, Rick

grandpaul · Apr 12, 2010

It's there more to mininimise chain fling than a flung chain, although it''ll certainly slow it down before it can get to your calf muscle...

chris plant · Apr 12, 2010

hi rick,the chain guard is there to keep lube off the bike and rider,and maybe to pass inspection,your superduperbebopalooper chain might be happy to run dry but the sprockets wont, you still need to lube them

bchessell · Apr 12, 2010

Hi Chris:
I made a chainguard pattern from an original one leaving the last bend off.Then got it chromed.The reason was I fitted a set of alloy rz 500 wheels to my fastback project to have brakes. I have a 68 fastback also stock.I fitted an o ring chain also and it works fine. I don't know how to post pics so get me offline and I can send you some pics. bchessell@odyssey.on.ca

Cheers
Bruce

debby · Apr 12, 2010

I ran without a chainguard for a couple of years on my 750, with an o-ring chain and Maxima chain wax. No mess, no problems. I have a CNW guard on it now. Looks nice and you can still see that flashy gold DID x-ring chain too!

Debby

kraakevik · Apr 13, 2010

I have a single chrome-plated L-shaped bracket that curves over the chain and is U-bolted to the swing arm. It will not only slow but positively arrest any chain lash headed north.

Before good chain lube became available I would break chains fairly regularly on my 650SS and other British fauna in Africa. Every one unspooled in my wake without undue drama--chainguard or not--as if they'd been laid out to measure for stretch.

Tim Kraakevik
kraakevik@voyager.net
'72 Combat and two E-Bay Norton choppers

BillT · Apr 13, 2010

kraakevik said:
I have a single chrome-plated L-shaped bracket that curves over the chain and is U-bolted to the swing arm. It will not only slow but positively arrest any chain lash headed north.

Before good chain lube became available I would break chains fairly regularly on my 650SS and other British fauna in Africa. Every one unspooled in my wake without undue drama--chainguard or not--as if they'd been laid out to measure for stretch.

Tim Kraakevik
kraakevik@voyager.net
'72 Combat and two E-Bay Norton choppers

You should have been a surveyor, measuring off the Dark Continent with your miniature Gunter Chain!

Jeandr · Apr 13, 2010

I ran my Commando without a chain guard after I changed the chain and the new one was a bit wider. Aside from being dirty due to oil being flung off, nothing to report. As previously mentioned, when a chain breaks, it just drops to the ground, this happened to me on my "S" after only 15,000 miles of abuse.

Jean

BrianK · Apr 13, 2010

First thing I do with any bike (other than a shafty) is to remove the chain guard. Unnecessary unsprung weight, and makes lubing the chain more difficult. Plus I like to live dangerously! :twisted:

Fullauto · Apr 14, 2010

After buying an expensive stainless chainguard and fittings from N****l which looked good but didn't fit properly and fouled the chain, I ditched it and haven't had it on for thousands of miles with no issues. When I feel the need, I'll buy one of Matt's (CNW) chainguards, knowing that,

a. It will fit.
b. It will look good.
and
c. It will last.

roqueweiler · Apr 14, 2010

You should have been a surveyor, measuring off the Dark Continent with your miniature Gunter Chain!

Wow,

Do they still use these (Gunter Chain)? It was patented and named for my maternal Grandfather and this is the first I have seen of it in print.

BillT · Apr 14, 2010

roqueweiler said:
You should have been a surveyor, measuring off the Dark Continent with your miniature Gunter Chain!

Click to expand...

Wow,

Do they still use these (Gunter Chain)? It was patented and named for my maternal Grandfather and this is the first I have seen of it in print.

Now surveyors mostly use tape measures and GPS devices, but much of the English land measuring units were based on the chain (66'). Rod = 1/4 chain, furlong = 10 chains, mile = 80 chains or 8 furlongs, acre = 10 square chains or 1 chain x 1 furlong

When I took Surveying in college, the professor was very thorough, giving the history of surveying all the way back to Thales of Miletus

rgrigutis · Apr 14, 2010

Ok. I'm going to deep 6 the chainguard. Reckon I'll try the maxima lube. I'm only about two or three days from waking him up. Hopefully..........

Flo · Apr 14, 2010

Can anyone post a link?

bluto · Nov 9, 2010

Jeandr said:
I ran my Commando without a chain guard after I changed the chain and the new one was a bit wider. Aside from being dirty due to oil being flung off, nothing to report. As previously mentioned, when a chain breaks, it just drops to the ground, this happened to me on my "S" after only 15,000 miles of abuse.

Jean

not always, broke one on my first Commando long ago and it wrapped around the back wheel and locked it up....can't remember if it had a chain guard though. Been running w/o a chainguard on my second Commando recently as mine cracked in a few places, no problems so far but plan to make a DIY one over the winter

gory · Nov 9, 2010

what Bluto said - on a Yamaha RD250DX, snapped and hit my ankle - of course, I was only 17 then and cannot remember ever oiling that chain, and the sprockets were worn so much the teeth had started to bend over - ah, the innocents of youth

hobot · Nov 9, 2010

No one has reported being struck or tangled from chain w/o guard or coming off.
Wrapped around wheel is very unusual having so far missed out on that one after bunches of chains coming off sprocket and a few breaking free of bikes. On pavement the chain will slither past you like snake missile as bike slows faster that it. I carry links as one never knows.

On my special I'm going w/o chain guard but on my factory Combat I want one but its such an unneeded item on dry or sealed chain I can't bring self to spring for a nice new one. Silver paint just don't cut it and so dinged don't want it stand out yellow to match tank, ugly. I like the flat cover style as will stop fling but not the view of bright side plates.