Need the chain guard?

[cousindave]

A quick question... My 95 steamer does not have the chain guard on it. I know I'll never stick my foot in it while moving. Is there any reason, safety or functional, to require the chain guard be intact?

I have no center stand, hence, it sure is a lot easier to lube the chain without the guard on  

[CoolHandLuke]

Yes, a chainguard is a legal requirement.

http://www.dft.gov.uk/vosa/repository/Your%20bike%20and%20the%20MOT%20July%2009.pdf

[cousindave]

Yes, a chainguard is a legal requirement.

Ahhhhh I should have known the unsightly piece had an underlying reason for being there. Guess I'll be getting one on there soon then. The factory guard is a little, well, how do I say, unsightly. Is there a better looking guard available that bolts up without modification?

Thanks for the reply CoolHandLuke!

[CoolHandLuke]

Aye, you can buy a hugger from a sprint 900(?) of that era and fit that with only a slight modification.

[CoolHandLuke]

I forgot to add the best part... they only cost about £30.00 :)

[cousindave]

Aye, you can buy a hugger from a sprint 900(?) of that era and fit that with only a slight modification.

That's a cool idea! I assume the mod you are talking about is the screw used to secure it on the caliper side of the arm? Anything else you had to do?

[crustycrutch]

That looks excellent - another farkle for my list. Coolhandluke - what pannier rack is that? Regards, CRusty

[CoolHandLuke]

That looks excellent - another farkle for my list. Coolhandluke - what pannier rack is that? Regards, CRusty

That is made by Hepco & Becker:

http://www.motorbikesandparts.co.uk/hepcobecker-black-pannier-rack-triumph-tiger-up-to-1998-ple-p-10383.html?osCsid=0111867d13f7c6ab0ea8449b636597fe

[CoolHandLuke]

Aye, you can buy a hugger from a sprint 900(?) of that era and fit that with only a slight modification.

That's a cool idea! I assume the mod you are talking about is the screw used to secure it on the caliper side of the arm? Anything else you had to do?

Aye, I had to drill a hole and put a self tapping stainless screw in the right hand arm.  You also need to expand the hole to accommodate the mounting for the brake torsion bar (make it a curve to avoid stress points).

[CoolHandLuke]

Right, I spoke to a bike MOT tester to confirm this.

It is illegal by law not to have a chain guard.  How ever, you cannot fail an MOT for not having one, though they can give you an advisory.