Topic: How Important Is the Case Protector?

[Dr. Frankenstein]

I was putting together my 550/4 engine yesterday and noticed the left cover had the remains of the 'Protector, Case' missing(part number 11353363000)...there was a little bolt on the top, and the broken remains of the rest of it next to it (see the yellow oval)...not to mention all the crud that was in there too, but that has been cleaned out. I have a bit of a work-stoppage right now while I'm waiting on another part before I put it all back together again, but how important is this part? And does anybody have one they might part with...?
 

[jonda500]

I think it's definitely more important in 500 engines where it also protects the clutch push rod. I have seen numerous damaged/broken clutch rods but I have only once seen case damage and it was only the sprocket cover piece that got damaged?
John

[HondaMan]

Without it, the Neutral Light will quit working quickly because the chain lube will build up on the contacts of the Neutral Switch cam above the sprocket.
The alternator wires will also be highly vulnerable to the goo and grit that will sling off the chain.
When the chain becomes slack and the bike decelerates sharply (like downshifting) a slack loop will run over the top of the countersprocket as the engine pulls the rear wheel down, and if this lift is enough, the chain can hit the alternator wiring if it is not fully tucked forward. That's why the guard is there.

You can use one from either the 500 or the 550: both are the same parts, despite the missing clutch lifter rod in the 550 engines.

[dave500]

Ive run without them for years,keep your chain adjusted maybe.

[Dr. Frankenstein]

HM - that makes sense - when I was cleaning the engine up, that area around the neutral switch was just Filthy...like, 'caked' in dirt and oil. The alternator wires were caked too, but I got everything nice and clean now. The PO or PO's must have been running it without one for some time. I'll just have to keep an eye out for one, I guess.

[dave500]

I wouldnt worry too much about the neutral switch,it gets caked in crud anyway,that case guard isnt exactly a seal,#$%* flys everywhere around in there.

[CycleRanger]

Something like this might be an option.
Just buy the whole cover.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/405855587493

[Mikey G.]

That's a good thing to remember.  If you can't find a certain part, see if you can find a part it's still attached to!

(I got a couple REALLY hard to find KZ1300 parts like that.)

[HondaMan]

That's a great price, too!

Something like this might be an option.
Just buy the whole cover.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/405855587493

[grcamna2]

Something like this might be an option.
Just buy the whole cover.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/405855587493

Difficult to buy parts on Ebay with all these 'shadow-image takers';looks like it could be a good one.

[Dr. Frankenstein]

Yes, I know. I'm currently talking to a guy near where I live who I know runs an 'old bike' shop; he says he may have a wheel and the protector, but We Will See.

[Stev-o]

That's a great price, too!

Something like this might be an option.
Just buy the whole cover.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/405855587493

That seller is local to me but I dont know him.  Seems he's parting out a 550....

[CycleRanger]

That's a great price, too!

Something like this might be an option.
Just buy the whole cover.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/405855587493

That seller is local to me but I don't know him.  Seems he's parting out a 550....

Oh yeah, I didn't even notice that.