Thoughts on no chain guide...

[IncrediblySlow]

I've already installed the Yamaha chain guide on my new to me 2020 T7 so I've made my decision.

 

But I don't understand why Yamaha left them off from new?  It helps protect from chain derailments smashing the case (broken case is definitely bad) but more importantly it helps prevent a body part getting into the chain/rear sprocket when you come off (amputated fingers/part of a hand even more bad).

 

How is this not a compulsory safety feature?  There is no way I'd get away with (or would want to) have machinery at my workplace with an unguarded high speed chain like that.  Or any speed chain.  And that's in a controlled environment, as opposed to a bouncing down a dirt track under the bike environment.

 

The stock chain guard (top of swingarm) - all it does is prevent chain lube flicking onto the wheel as the chain is spinning away from the danger pinch point.  They fit this but not the chain guide?  I don't understand.

Edited August 6 by IncrediblySlow

[Samm]

The real life instances of people getting body parts stuck in chains is most likely very rare otherwise you’re right, manufacturers would probably be forced to follow your standard. Very rare to see them on road bikes. 
 

I’ve got an acerbis chain guide on the way. Fell wayyyyy behind on my chain maintenance and had a severely stretched chain pop off and bind up at the counter shaft sprocket, knocking off one of the front chain guard mounting studs (as some folks here have already experienced).

Edited August 6 by Samm

[Hibobb]

Street bikes can get away without them.

Dirt bikes it is a must have item (Sticks and rocks find their way into the sprocket/chain).

ADV bikes.... only you can make that call.

A chain guide/guard was my first accessory added.

 

As a side note: I know two people with stubby fingers from chain/sprocket accidents.

Edited August 6 by Hibobb

[Samm]

Let’s hear the full stories. Were they victims of unsafe motorcycle design or were they being silly and sticking their fingers where they shouldn’t have? 

[SXXP]

Do you have to remove the guide every time you need to adjust  the chain?  I'm guessing it's going to restrict how low you can pull the chain down to adjust/measure the slack.   

[Hibobb]

19 minutes ago, Samm said:

Were they victims of unsafe motorcycle design or were they being silly and sticking their fingers where they shouldn’t have

Sam, They were just stupid accidents, as most are. Both with the bike on the center-stand and the wheel under power. Can't blame Yamaha for stupid. 

But getting a stick caught in the chain/sprocket, or picking up a rock and bending/busting a tooth off, is a real problem... Even the most brilliant minds I can think of (me ) have had that happen.

[Samm]

26 minutes ago, SXXP said:

Do you have to remove the guide every time you need to adjust  the chain?  I'm guessing it's going to restrict how low you can pull the chain down to adjust/measure the slack.   

 

 

It has been discussed. I like Rays problem solving a few posts down.

[Alan M]

It’s all been a bit of a mismatch from the get go with the T7.

 

Standard bike wasn’t really equipped for serious off roading without some upgrades. Then they bring out the T7 Rally which had a proper engine guard but not much else of use off road.

 

Roll forward to today and they have the T7 Extreme, it does come with a chain guide but they’ve removed the up rated engine guard

 

Still, makes for a blossoming aftermarket parts industry

[Tenerider]

2 hours ago, SXXP said:

Do you have to remove the guide every time you need to adjust  the chain?  I'm guessing it's going to restrict how low you can pull the chain down to adjust/measure the slack.   

Not really. I took measurements with and without it (Acerbis) and there's no difference.

[Hollybrook]

@Tenerider I can see where the chain is hitting the guide when measuring slack, but have not been able to measure any difference either.  It must not be significant, and the chain will quickly remove any of the plastic that gets in its way!