Why aren't chains here enclosed in a "chain case"?

[iExist]

Why aren't chains completely enclosed in a chain case like in some other countries? Especially considering the terrible weather they are exposed to here in the UK compared to countries like India where its common to see something like this:

https://www.motorsbros.com/images/Hero-Splendor-Plus-04.jpg

Wouldn't this reduce chain maintenance considerably and prolong the chain's life?

Lastly, can I get something like this for my CBF125 for the winter?

[fatpies]

Probably to reduce costs, weight and allow flinging lubrication.

Some bikes have sealed enclosed chains which are partly filled with oil. They make chains last ages but cost MPG and are extremely messy when you have to open it up.
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[moppy]

They're more prevalent in India because it also acts as a saree guard. As in stops the loose fabric from the kind of clothes than most women wear from getting caught up in the chain.

But yeh I reckon it is a good idea and would make sense on a commuter style bike.

[-Matt-]

I always figured it used in places like India quite a lot because of being on such dusty roads in a lot of areas.

Unless it was entirely sealed one used in the UK might act like a moisture trap in the wet months here. Might cause more rust than just leaving it open to the elements perhaps?

[Baffler186]

Easier to lube and keep an eye on chain condition if it's not enclosed though? I'm sure that's not the reason, but it's a good side effect of not having it enclosed.

Good point about clothes Moppy, and from what I've seen in Asian countries, whole families are draped over the bike rather than one person riding it

[yen_powell]

Fashion. My first legal bike had one in the early 80s (CG125). MZ250s used to have them around the same time.
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[Polarbear]

[sabian92]

Because it makes it look like a child's bicycle?

https://img.diytrade.com/cdimg/555039/6066424/0/1212738197.jpg

[Mr Hammers]

I think the chain and sprockets are one of the most visually pleasing parts of a bike. Enclosed guards look a bit naff, imho.
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[stuarthouston]

[Rigga]

Plus it would make it a pain in the arse to look after, checking tension and lubing etc
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Current bike: Honda CBR 1100xx

[Dazbo666]

[johnsmith222]

[Rogerborg]

No idea, but I have much the same question about other bike parts as well.

Fork gaiters.
Radiator guards.
Mudguards / huggers that actually work.

Fashion over function, save a few pennies in production, sell parts later when the bike pits, rots out or springs a leak.
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[iExist]

[c-m]

Do you want that front drum brake that also shown in the picture

[Rogerborg]

[iExist]

[Nobby the Bastard]

[Rogerborg]

[stinkwheel]

Service interval for the fully enclosed chain on a Jawa 350 is 20,000 miles. At which point you are supposed to remove it and boil it in grease. From personal experience, it doesn't actually need doing.

The only good reason to not fit an enclosed chain is fashion.
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[qarka]

[deadwolf]

Eagerly awaiting some nutcase to start making titanium chain cases and creating the next big bike accessory trend.
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[davebike]

As said earlier Fashion

Honda cub and I have one as a commuter has used an enclosed but not sealed chain case since the 1950's long chain life
Yamaha did try to use fully enclosed and sealed chain cases on customs in the USA in the 1980's they worked extremely well I friend had a 750 imported with very few miles on it and still the original chain at 80K when he sold it but Fashion always wins over function so there disappeared

Much the best idea shafts sap power and are very heavy
Belts fail with no warning
Open chains require lot of maintenance to last and are messy
Enclosed little maintained OK a bit of extra weight mostly unsprung but a very good compromise
The hard bit is the design of the area around the rear sprocket to enable chain adjustment yet still provide a good seal

Dave
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[Pete.]

It's not hard to get a good seal, you don't need one. Sprockets will always fling lube off to the outside so all you need is full outside coverage planar to the chain run and you can leave the hub section open.
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132.9mph off and walked away. Gear is good, gear is good, gear is very very good