TY Chain Guide ?

[Fish]

My mid 80's TY350 has some sort of wooden looking chain guide or protector, just behind the front sprocket. I don't know what it is called - but it's broken.

Can anyone tell me what it's for ?
Is it critical, so should I replace it ? And if so, what it's called !

Thanks

[Rob W]

Hi Fish

It is a chain slider/ swingarm protector/ chain guide. It stops the chain flogging on the swingarm. They are normally made of rubber, plastic, or urethane. I would not run without it. I think TY ones are still available from Yamaha. One of the Yamaha guys will know - David?

If they are hard to get I can replicate them in urethane. I have copied a whole bunch of stuff for old bikes - mostly VMX machines. I am working on a web page - not finished yet but you can see it at http://www.ozktm.com

[Fish]

Thanks for that info Rob,
Now that I can describe it a bit better, a dealer has just advised me that they cost around AUD$50. Which was a bit more than I was expecting !

Perhaps I could make one out of wood ? But I don't know how hot it'd get ? and there's some of it missing on my broken one so not quite sure what it needs to look like. Although I don't think it'd matter if it's not an exact copy.

I might have a go, and if it doesn't work out I'll have to get the real thing from Yamaha.
Or can you give me an idea of would you charge for a urethane one ?
Thanks

[Rob W]

Hi Fish

without knowing exactly what it looks like or how hard it would be to copy, I would say $20-$30 max. It would be good to have a NOS one to copy because they work out best. Do you know of any other TY owners that might share the cost of a NOS item? Failing that I can rebuild a reasonably complete used part. Once again, do you know anyone who will lend us one? I'll send them a new one too. The chain sliders I make will last longer than stock items - period. And you can have them in whatever colour you like

[Fish]

Well thanks again Rob.
I've had a go at making something myself. And without one to copy, I just made a guide for the top of the swing arm. I know the proper ones also go underneath, but I think the top is the main place where the chain rubs. It also saved me from having to completely remove the swing arm.

It's made out of wood, and I gave it a spray of heat resistant paint. And bolted it to a bracket and then onto the chain guard bracket which I don't use.

So we'll see how this one lasts, and then I may have to go for a genuine one.

[Rob W]

It's made out of wood....

I am still shaking my head in disgust - Wood!!!?? It still amazes me what people can come up with to keep their bikes going. Well done Fish. Keep us posted. It'll probably last forever

[seachange]

Gidday Rob, well as luck would have it....i now have a ty250 (pinky) it's in amazing condition. It is a 90 or 91 model, but apperas to have one of those chain guides your talking about. would love to bring it up to you to show off my new investment. Regards, Wayne.

[BJ]

Hey Wayne

Is that the 90 Pinky with the hi-torque redgum piston or the 91 with the West Aus lightweight Jarra one?????

[seachange]

Japanese willow i believe....i was told it was an import.

[Rob W]

Gidday Rob, well as luck would have it....i now have a ty250 (pinky) it's in amazing condition. It is a 90 or 91 model, but apperas to have one of those chain guides your talking about. would love to bring it up to you to show off my new investment. Regards, Wayne.

Hey wayne. A few of us can't get to the interclub trial on Sunday so we thought we might have a social ride at my place. Interested? I think you may be on shift or on call, but post me privately with a number and I'll give you a ring anyway. We might rip off your chain guide, copy it and send poor Fish one.

Save the trees.