XBR 500 chain guide/slide replacement

[RhynoCZ]

I found out that the original chain guide/slide on my bike is probably the original factory fitted one and it's in a pretty bad condition after all those years of fun and giggles. Now, looking at the diagram, do I have to remove the swingarm to replace the chain guide/slide?

Part No. 8 - 52170-MK4-000 (52170-MK4-690)

EDIT: Also, I can't find the part anywhere, any thoughts?

https://images.cmsnl.com/img/partslists/swingarm_mediumhu0280f2300a_3618.jpg
____________________
'87 Honda XBR 500, '96 Kawasaki ZX7R P1, '90 Honda CB-1, '88 Kawasaki GPz550, MZ 150 ETZ
'95 Mercedes-Benz w202 C200 CGI, '98 Mercedes-Benz w210 E200 Kompressor

[davebike]

Not done an XBR500 but looks like yes most of that typeneed the swing arm out GREASE the pin and bearing while it is out !
____________________
Dave
NC750Xdct + others at work !
davebike1@gmail.com

[Robby]

Is the existing one so worn that it doesn't work, or are you just planning on replacing it to look nice?

It's an old bike. Some parts are not going to be available. All that part does is stop the chain from gouging the swingarm, so if there is still some plastic in the right places, leave it in place.

Also, not sure about the XBR, but the CB (similar age and type) has grease nipples on the swingarm pivot. If greasing has been neglected, they are a good place to squirt in penetrating oil prior to removal.

[doggone]

[stinkwheel]

Once the side plates have worn two grooves into the slider and the rollers are hitting it, it pretty much stops wearing any further.
____________________
“Rule one: Always stick around for one more drink. That's when things happen. That's when you find out everything you want to know.”
I did the 2010 Round Britain Rally on my 350 Bullet. 89 landmarks, 3 months, 9,500 miles.

[RhynoCZ]

Well, the top part of it is completely flat, meaning the ridge that's supposed to guide the chain is completely gone.

I run the original final drive gear ratio 15t-36t.
____________________
'87 Honda XBR 500, '96 Kawasaki ZX7R P1, '90 Honda CB-1, '88 Kawasaki GPz550, MZ 150 ETZ
'95 Mercedes-Benz w202 C200 CGI, '98 Mercedes-Benz w210 E200 Kompressor

[Robby]

I wouldn't worry about it. The sprockets keep the chain in line. As long as the chain can't gouge the swingarm, the slider is doing its job.

Assuming the new ones are no longer available, it could be a candidate to 3D print a new top section and glue it on if it's really bothering you.

While you're worrying about things in that general area - and bearing in mind that my experience is with the CB250RS so may not be entirely accurate - there are a couple of design weaknesses to check/fix:

1. Frame rusting. On the 250, the frame likes to rust out below the swingarm pivot and rear engine mount, where the footpeg hangers mount. Worth poking around with a screwdriver looking for rotten metal. I had to weld in quite a lot of fresh metal to sort the area.

2. Swingarm rusting. The bottom of the swingarm likes to rust out, just forward of the rear wheel. Not all that difficult to cut out the rust metal and fabricate some new sections, weld them in. It's just sheet steel, so new bits can be made using basic hand tools.

3. Swingarm bushes. On the 250 the original swingarm bushes are plastic, and after 40 years they will be worn out. I replaced them with some brass bushes, which removed all the slop and should last well as long I grease them occasionally.

[WD Forte]

In the abcess of the original part
I'd be inclined to mod a similar one from another bike
or fab up something to stop the chain slapping the swinging arm.
Options abound.
Its pretty much out of sight if you have a chain guard
so it wouldn't have to be pretty, just do the job.
____________________
bikers smell of wee

[RhynoCZ]

I think I'll leave it for now. The to do list is long enough as is.

There is still a plenty of ''meat'' on the chain guide/slider, and guessing it's the original one from 1987, it doesn't have to sorted right now. It survived this long, well to a certain extent.

This winter I'm replacing the fork seals, fixing fork pittings with rather experimental glue trick and while I'm there I'm gonna replace the steering bearings as well. Then I'm fixing all sorts of damage done by the preivous owner. The starter motor also requires some attention, probably fresh set of brushes. The front brake needs a clean up, fresh fluid and I'm gonna have to true the front wheel.

I've spent more time fixing the bike than riding it.
____________________
'87 Honda XBR 500, '96 Kawasaki ZX7R P1, '90 Honda CB-1, '88 Kawasaki GPz550, MZ 150 ETZ
'95 Mercedes-Benz w202 C200 CGI, '98 Mercedes-Benz w210 E200 Kompressor