Topic: CB550f Chain protector removed

[thep1pe]

Took the front sprocket to 18 teeth & rear down to 36 to gear up a bit.
Standard for my UK bike is 17/37. Had to take off the chain protector in
the sprocket housing as it was rubbing. Am I going to trash my casing,
or is it just there as a precaution? I always make sure the chain is
Correctly adjusted and lubed.
Thoughs anyone.

[Bodi]

The steel protector was a desperate attempt to save the cases in chain breaks, a lot of 750 chains were breaking and Honda was spending a lot of money fixing the engines under warranty. The protector didn't really work so well, the cases would usually break even with the steel thing in there.
The chain breakage problem ended up being from battery acid overflow dripping on the chain: the battery vent tube was relocated and the problem pretty much disappeared.
With a modern 530 chain, several times stronger than anything available in the 70's, chain breaks are very very rare and, as a rule, caused by poorly installed master links or truly neglectful care.
Personally, I wouldn't worry about it at all.

[bollingball]

I'm with Bodi on this plus maybe change the title.

[thep1pe]

Thanks. Just needed reassurance. If the chain were to break I think the tin
protector would just get added in with the casing shrapnel anyway.

[FunJimmy]

The steel protector was a desperate attempt to save the cases in chain breaks, a lot of 750 chains were breaking and Honda was spending a lot of money fixing the engines under warranty. The protector didn't really work so well, the cases would usually break even with the steel thing in there.
The chain breakage problem ended up being from battery acid overflow dripping on the chain: the battery vent tube was relocated and the problem pretty much disappeared.
With a modern 530 chain, several times stronger than anything available in the 70's, chain breaks are very very rare and, as a rule, caused by poorly installed master links or truly neglectful care.
Personally, I wouldn't worry about it at all.

Well put!