Chainguard facing down - removal?

OK folks,

I know there are many who believe that messing with Honda's engineering is a bad idea. I can't resist though. So, on that note, does anyone know why the chainguard on the bottom of the swingarm is there? I mean, it's not like it's holding the brake lines or that my pants could get chewed up by the chain.

It looks to me a lot like a part that should be unbolted....and left off. What do you guys think?

Karsten.

 

Dunno why it's there but i am planning to replace it with a billet one.

As for 'messing with Honda's engineering', I've been building/modifying cars and motorcycles for years with no ill effects. But I don't run right out and chop something off or weld something on just because i think it will be cool; there is a lot of research involved. I currently have a CBR929 rear shock in my '94 VFR; works great and i did alot of reading prior to putting it in (mainly because it isnt done to 4g's too often). My next mod is the front end; either usd forks or f3 guts in the stock tubes.

So go ahead and make the mods you want, just remember your life may depend on the work you do.

 

It has been put there to keep any body part from being wrapped thru the sprocket in case of a crash. A conventional swing arm will not allow this to happen.

 

I beg to differ..

You're right about the purpose, but every other swing arm will still let you snip bits off with the chain/sprocket. That's why race bikes have them fitted and most track days won't let you participate without one fitted..