Plastic Chain Guard Necessary?

[comanche91]

Hi,
As the rubber tubes normally accumulate a lot of grease/oil I can't imagine it will wear out any sooner than the wider type. These gaitors normally crack at the corrugated ends after a while anyway. They will afford some protection to the chain and the swinging arm. I'm assuming it was Martin at Burwins who suggested the ETZ ones as being suitable? Why not buy both types to make sure.David.

David, I've ordered the correct gaitors for the 500cc SilverStar from Fred Rogers, as well as some other parts (mainly manuals) I can not find locally. He was the only source that had what I needed. Thanks for the advice and the link to him - I'll repost back when I receive the shipment.

[Eric Frith]

The other reason to keep the tunnels is for the alignment of the chain, as the tunnels have a raised section inside that keeps the chain on track even if the sprockets are slightly out

Eric

[comanche91]

Got the new tires on today - what a difference, it sure needed them. The missing chain rubber chain gaitors are in the mail, and figured I'd change out the chain while I'm at it. I know exactly what chain I'd use if I didn't have the SilverStar w. the enclosed chain (it would be an o-ring chain, probably Regina), but since it will be soon enclosed and I'm an MZ newbie, I'm looking for suggestions. I know I need a 520 chain w. 102 links. What chain is best for these bikes w. the gaitors? I've read that some of the o-ring and reinforced chains have a slightly larger OD and could generate excess heat within the gaitors, but there seems to be many opinions on this. Recommendations as to manufacturers and the best types of chain for my MZ? Thanks all.

[nikitino]

I'm getting ready to change out my chain also but i may be using a used o-ring chain that was already on my wrecked Country 500. The thing i'm wondering about is what kind of chain lube to use.....this chain i'm talking about was lubed with some heavy sticky type black grease which wouldn't be good on an exposed chain because stuff tends to stick to it but since chain will be enclosed, i wonder if this kind of grease would be best?

[manumensa]

Hello Don!

I don´t known the o-ring chain outer diameter can be different than a standart or reinforced chain .
I suposse SilverStar rubber chain guard have enought room to : +1 or +2 milimeters width more if it is
necessary, we don´t talk about woman stockings .

I remember now the MZ ETZ models chain size is 428.

A manufacturer with good reputation in my zone: http://www.iris-chains.com/Ing/Sport.htm

The Truth with a capital T : http://www.quality-cycle.com/truth_abou ... chains.htm

Saludos/Regards
Manuel

[comanche91]

Hi Manny;

I've been researching a bit too. The Regina chain site here: http://www.reginachain.it/eng/products/index.shtml gives the best chain dimensions of any I've seen. The reinforced and o-ring chains are both wider than the standard chain due to the thickness of the link side plates. I imagine it's the same with all brands of chains. So I've decided to wait until I receive the chain rubbers to see exactly what width chain I can fit inside it. My SilverStar uses the 520 chain, and if I can fit the slightly wider (and stronger) reinforced chain inside the rubbers w/o friction I'll probably go with it and load it up with a quality chain grease like the manual recommends. This plan sort of goes along with the TRUTH article you posted. Interesting reading.

[comanche91]

Took a peek at my chain today; been busy w. other stuff. It's a Renold chain, and is a wide industrial o-ring chain. I suspect that's why the previous owner removed the chain gaitors.

[comanche91]

Well, it looks like the source in the UK for the MZ SilverStar/Saxon, etc. 500 motorcycle chain gaitors will not work. Does Anyone know of a source for these? Even a good used set would be great at this point. The MZ part number for these is 30-25.755.

Thanks; Don

[djsbriscoe]

Hi,
Why don't you just get a pair made for the ETZ251/301 from Burwins in the UK. Didn't they say that they would fit. Assuming that they are the right length they would work OK. In my experience of owning several ETZ motorcycles in the past and coating the chain with lithium grease most of the grease ends up withing the chain gaitor. I don't understand why there is a worry about friction. If any friction does occur it will wear away the rubber and then friction will no longer be a problem as the excess rubber will be worn away.. Has someone experienced the rubber catching fire and burning/melting. The chain won't wear out if it is running in a slightly smaller diameter channel of rubber. The main thing is that the chain is protected from road grit,salt and corrosion, something that the chain gaitor will do.

David.

[comanche91]

You're probably 100% right David. I hear from the German MZ forum that the new aftermarket ETZ gaitors are the same width and length as the OEM ones for the MZ 500's, but they don't last as long. Looks like that's my only option though............

[manumensa]

or you search in ebay.de .

http://www.brockolow.de/index.php/deu/2 ... o=cat_show

Don, I am repair a ETZ engine, probably in one month - don´t have much time to work in it- I will buy some parts in
a MZ German shop. If you want I can buy your gaitor and after send to you from Madrid. Post price economic international
parcel 600grs.¿? -I don´t known the exact gaitors weight- aprox. 18,60€. Is only another opcion if you need.

Saludos/Regards

[comanche91]

Don, I am repair a ETZ engine, probably in one month - don´t have much time to work in it- I will buy some parts in
a MZ German shop. If you want I can buy your gaitor and after send to you from Madrid. Post price economic international parcel 600grs.¿? -I don´t known the exact gaitors weight- aprox. 18,60€. Is only another opcion if you need. Saludos/Regards

Gracias Manny. I did find those gaiters on Ebay Germany and have contacted the seller and made him an offer just today. I should hear from him tomorrow. I thank you very much for assistance amigo, and I just may take you up on it if this doesn't work.

[95SaxonTour]

yes, these are necessary. They help keep crud off the chain better
than any other chain driven bike ive ridden. The trick is to adjust
them properly when you get the chain on. I've used a piece of coat
hanger wire to lace the chain through the gaiters. A little grease on
the ends of the gaiter will help em slide right on the rear chain
guard and the front sprocket cover.

Also, make sure that when you tighten the rear axel bolts that you
make sure the rear chain guard doesnt shift down. This will make
the top of the chain look droopy in the gaiter. This will wear out
the top gaiter in short order. This happened to me on a trip last
summer. No smoke, no flames, no fireworks just an extremely
shredded chain gaiter was the result.

as far as availibility of the gaiters, I just scored a fresh back up
set right here in the states for 40 bucks a pair shipped, ebay.

Ryan

[comanche91]

Also, make sure that when you tighten the rear axel bolts that you
make sure the rear chain guard doesnt shift down. This will make the top of the chain look droopy in the gaiter. This will wear out the top gaiter in short order. This happened to me on a trip last summer. No smoke, no flames, no fireworks just an extremely shredded chain gaiter was the result.

as far as availibility of the gaiters, I just scored a fresh back up
set right here in the states for 40 bucks a pair shipped, ebay. Ryan

Thanks Ryan, I just put on new gaiters and a new original O-ring chain identical to the original chain today. I also used the the coat hanger trick wire to pull the chain through - thanks. Sure seems tight in there though, but it's all OEM parts. I haven't adjusted the chain tension or greased the chain yet (tomorrow), and yes, I did notice the rear chain guard up-down movement when the axle bolts are loose. So what am I looking for as far as "pointing" the rear chain guard? A straight line gaiter pointing to the engine sproket? And what's the best way to adjust for correct chain tension now that it's enclosed in the gaiter? All new stuff for me.................

[comanche91]

I finished up installing the new chain gaiters today and a new MZ original o-ring chain. There's plenty of Lucas hi-temp lithium grease on the chain. Both the chain and gaiters are correct for the 500 and this is the first time since I have had the SilverStar that the chain rubbers have been on it. It rides so much smoother now without the chain slap I had before.

I want to ask the MZ experts if everything looks okay, especially the angle of the rear chain cover? There is a gap where the gaiters attach to the front cover as the red lines show, is this normal? I rode about 10 kilos today (very cold) and there was no heat generated on the rubber chain tubes. Also you can hear the chain whine as it travels through the tube, but I assume this is natural. All look okay? Thanks guys.