Chain Gaiter Gone Already?

[comanche91]

Just noticed the lower chain gaiter on my 95 Silver Star is split right along the top seam. The top gaiter appears okay. These are the larger ID gaiters for the MZ 500 models and have less than 1500 miles since I put them on new. The chain is the stock 520 o-ring chain and the angle of the rear sprocket cover is correct. What caused this failure so early? Chain too tight or loose? I followed the procedure in my manual. I'm new to enclosed chains..........

[Nozz]

Sounds kind of strange. I have always checked tension by pushing on the chain cover to be sure it it tight but has some play. I would rule out failure of "NOS" or brittle old material, because mine are all original and 15-17 years old. Can you goop it back together with some caulk or something? Make sure you have them put on correctly. I just checked mine, and the "full hinge" goes in back, and the flatter side of the partial hinge is to the outside. They appear to be interchangeable, top or bottom. My chain is not too tight... Good luck!

[Spitfiregoggles]

What did you use to lubricate the chain?
I had this problem with my ETZ, I'd replaced the old, perished gaiters that were on the bike when I bought it with new ones only to find the chain had sawn its' way through the lower gaiter
I spoke to the ever-helpful Burwins about it and was told it was due to my having used aerosol spray chain lube......I bought a new pair of gaiters, used plenty of grease to lube the chain as suggested and 18 months/5,000 miles later my gaiters are fine
Hope this helps,
Simon
PS I used a red grease sold for general motorcycle/workshop use by Silkolene, but I expect there will be something suitable available in the US.

[comanche91]

What did you use to lubricate the chain?
I had this problem with my ETZ, I'd replaced the old, perished gaiters that were on the bike when I bought it with new ones only to find the chain had sawn its' way through the lower gaiter I spoke to the ever-helpful Burwins about it and was told it was due to my having used aerosol spray chain lube......I bought a new pair of gaiters, used plenty of grease to lube the chain as suggested and 18 months/5,000 miles later my gaiters are fine
Hope this helps, Simon
PS I used a red grease sold for general motorcycle/workshop use by Silkolene, but I expect there will be something suitable available in the US.

I suspect we used the same lubricant Simon. I used a red lithium grease used by m/c shops here made by Lucas. It's good stuff and the chain was very well lubed with it. I used grease on the recommendation of Fred Rogers, who basically screamed to me on the phone to "USE NOTHING BUT GREASE!" I love that guy. I'm going to swap to a RK non-o-ring 520 chain as it's a little narrower and I think it'll slide easier through the gaiters and cause less wear. I see absolutely no reason to use an o-ring chain in an enclosed chain drive.

Sounds kind of strange. I have always checked tension by pushing on the chain cover to be sure it it tight but has some play. I would rule out failure of "NOS" or brittle old material, because mine are all original and 15-17 years old. Can you goop it back together with some caulk or something? Make sure you have them put on correctly. I just checked mine, and the "full hinge" goes in back, and the flatter side of the partial hinge is to the outside. They appear to be interchangeable, top or bottom. My chain is not too tight... Good luck!

Nozz, do not understand the "full hinge" and "partial hinge". Here's the way I installed the gaiters. I was not quite sure since the bike had no gaiters on it when I bought it. Look correct?

[Nozz]

Definitely looks correct front to back, but I think mine has out side in compared to yours. The single "accordion hinge" is flattened out on the outside of mine, and yours seems to have the flatter side in. They look fairly symmetrical, so I don't know that it could be a factor. Are your rims alloy??

[comanche91]

Hmmm. I'll have to dig my other pair out and see if I can see what you mean. No my rims are steel, painted silver. Thanks Nozz.......

[comanche91]

I'd forgotten that there's upper and lower alignment notches on the plastic front sprocket cover where the gaiters plug on, and a corresponding notch on the gaiters, so there's only one way the gaiters can go on. Nice try though Nozz. I never even noticed though that there is a flat side on the front of the gaiters.

[DAVID THOMPSON]

i looked at mine and it looks like a picture i saw earlier i cant find now

I AM THINKING LOTS OF WATER PROOF GREASE on the chain the more the better
makes the rubber so slick its ware rate is low
dave

[comanche91]

Got the new gaiters and chain on today (as well as new rear wheel bearings and brake shoes since I was in the area). The chain pulled through the 500cc gaiters so much easier than the old ones, so I suspect my Cuban friend in Miami sold me a pair of aftermarket ETZ gaiters that are narrower inside than the 500 ones. Guess I was hornswaggled. Should have known they were aftermarket since they had no part number on the outside. There was no whining at all breaking the 500 gaiters in as there was with the old ones, and there's no gap up front now either. Definitely helps when you install the correct parts for your motor........ -Don

[Guesi]

And by the way, it makes no sense to put an O-Ring chain into acloses chain system.
The O-rings prevent mud and dust to come into the chain , and also the grease cannot come in...

Guesi

[DAVID THOMPSON]

i replaced the x ring chain on my 660 traveller with a non o ring chain and keep it well oiled
am very surprised at how much smother the bike runs the x rings were making the chain stiff
dave