Removing Chain Guard/Hugger

tnr4 · November 19th, 2012, 07:26 AM

Hi folks,

So I was dropping my suspension back down a notch (5 was a bit much for commuting!), which most of you know requires taking off the chain guard and tire hugger piece. After doing this, I realize that I like the way it looks without this piece so much better (cheap looking plastic). So my question: is there a good reason that I'm not thinking of to leave it on?

My guess is that they both protect the underbody from spray when riding in wet conditions and such, and that the chain guard keeps lube/wax fling off the body as well. But I never ride with wet wax, so fling isn't an issue, and I always wash the bike after riding in the rain because the hugger doesn't do much anyway. Am I missing anything? I'm pretty sure I gained like 5HP with the chain guard delete mod.

Motofool · November 19th, 2012, 07:42 AM

Chain guard protects the chain from mud and debris thrown down by the rear wheel.
The lubricant is leaving the chain only where the chain goes around the sprockets (due to centrifugal force).

The huger also protects the rod (stem) and seals of the shock absorber form being damaged by mud and debris.

csmith12 · November 19th, 2012, 08:36 AM

It's a trade off. Clean vs. looks.

I personally like the chain guard on with a black chain. But if you have a custom colored chain and sprocks it looks great without it imho.

alex.s · November 19th, 2012, 09:11 AM

some people pay extra to have a chain gaurd and rear tire hugger

tnr4 · November 19th, 2012, 12:44 PM

Interesting. Well, my dumb *ss made a temporary choice for me as I lost one of the bolts holding the chain guard on, lol. So I guess I'll be without it until I can get to the hardware store anyway. But I do think she looks nice and clean without!

geeker · November 19th, 2012, 02:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tnr4

Interesting. Well, my dumb *ss made a temporary choice for me as I lost one of the bolts holding the chain guard on, lol.

And the truth shall set you free!

Bolts are cheap. I'd put it back on.

November 19th, 2012, 07:26 AM	#1
tnr4 ninjette.org sage Name: Travis Location: Washington, DC Join Date: Sep 2012 Motorcycle(s): Suzuki GSX650F! Past: Kawasaki Ninja 300 (Sold); Triumph Street Triple (Sold); Kawasaki Ninja 250 (Sold) Posts: 664	Removing Chain Guard/Hugger Hi folks, So I was dropping my suspension back down a notch (5 was a bit much for commuting!), which most of you know requires taking off the chain guard and tire hugger piece. After doing this, I realize that I like the way it looks without this piece so much better (cheap looking plastic). So my question: is there a good reason that I'm not thinking of to leave it on? My guess is that they both protect the underbody from spray when riding in wet conditions and such, and that the chain guard keeps lube/wax fling off the body as well. But I never ride with wet wax, so fling isn't an issue, and I always wash the bike after riding in the rain because the hugger doesn't do much anyway. Am I missing anything? I'm pretty sure I gained like 5HP with the chain guard delete mod.

November 19th, 2012, 07:42 AM	#2
Motofool Daily Ninjette rider Name: Hernan Location: Florida Join Date: Mar 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2007 Ninja 250 Posts: A lot. MOTY - 2016, MOTM - Dec '12, Jan '14, Jan '15, May '16	Chain guard protects the chain from mud and debris thrown down by the rear wheel. The lubricant is leaving the chain only where the chain goes around the sprockets (due to centrifugal force). The huger also protects the rod (stem) and seals of the shock absorber form being damaged by mud and debris. __________________________________________________ *Motofool* *.................................Never ride faster than your guardian angel can fly* "Mankind is composed of two sorts of men — those who love and create, and those who hate and destroy. Love is the bond between men, the way to teach and the center of the world." - José Martí Last futzed with by Motofool; November 19th, 2012 at 11:33 AM.

November 19th, 2012, 08:36 AM	#3
csmith12 The Corner Whisperer Name: Chris (aka Reactor) Location: Northern KY Join Date: May 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2010 250 (track), 1992 250, 2006 R6 (street/track), 2008 R6 (track) Posts: Too much. MOTY 2015, MOTM - Nov '12, Nov '13	It's a trade off. Clean vs. looks. I personally like the chain guard on with a black chain. But if you have a custom colored chain and sprocks it looks great without it imho. __________________________________________________ Goal: Shake A Million Hands \| Look through the corners \| Track Day Prep \| Closest track? \| The Mid-Ohio School

November 19th, 2012, 09:11 AM	#4
alex.s wat Name: wat Location: tustin/long beach Join Date: Sep 2009 Motorcycle(s): wat Posts: Too much. Blog Entries: 5 MOTM - Oct '12, Feb '14	some people pay extra to have a chain gaurd and rear tire hugger __________________________________________________

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November 19th, 2012, 12:44 PM	#5
tnr4 ninjette.org sage Name: Travis Location: Washington, DC Join Date: Sep 2012 Motorcycle(s): Suzuki GSX650F! Past: Kawasaki Ninja 300 (Sold); Triumph Street Triple (Sold); Kawasaki Ninja 250 (Sold) Posts: 664	Interesting. Well, my dumb *ss made a temporary choice for me as I lost one of the bolts holding the chain guard on, lol. So I guess I'll be without it until I can get to the hardware store anyway. But I do think she looks nice and clean without!