Bonneville America Forums Forums Technical Forums General Tech Chain Guard

The chain guard on my 03 America just doesn't look like it fits correctly. Looks like there is too much space between the sprocket/chain and guard. If it was closer, I wouldn't be too worried about a rock or something getting jammed since the guard is pretty flimsy. I think with a few snips and bends to the mounting brackets, I could move it closer to chain. I think I've seen some chrome guards that fit closer, but I'd like to modify existing guard. Anyone done something like this?
Thanks

Just my opinion: I would be careful bending or modifying the mounting brackets. There have been several chain guards that have broken at these mounting points (I don't remember now if these were stock or the chrome replacement guards). My guard didn't break, but after it worked itself loose the second time, I just took it off.

Will

My recollection is that the chrome guards have been the ones that have failed on occassion.

I would NOT reccommend altering the clearance. The chain has to have some space for normal flexing. The minor problem with less clearance may just amount to noise from chain slap on the guard. The major problem could cause the chain to contact and rip the guard from its moorings. That could be costly and more importantly, painful should the guard cause loss of control or become a projectile. There's an old chap in Hinkley - much like that old dude in the lab on the James Bond movies - He decided where that guard belongs, and he did it with purpose.

I would imagine a custom guard that hugs the SPROCKET more would be fine, but the chain needs a lot of room to move further forward along the swingarm. That's where it'll flex and hit.

If you take a look at some those sportbike pictures in MC rags when they pull wheelies, you can see the stress and movement of the chain. It's kind of amazing, so I agree there needs to be ample clearance.

Today I stopped by local dealer, and looked at the guards on some of the other Triumphs. Don't remember the exact models, but some hug the chain and sprocket pretty tight. Thanks for everyone's feedback.