Old Boar's blog (Old Boars blog)

A flying update on progress with the Black MZ 250 motorcycle. I had to rush things a bit last weekend, but I still managed to make significant progress. The front forks, mudguard and wheel are now fitted properly, and the drive chain has been fitted.

For those of you who are unfamiliar with the old MZ motorcycles, amoung their distinctive characteristics; the drive chain is completely enclosed and the rear wheel is "quick detachable" (without disturbing the chain). The sprocket on the rear wheel is encased in a plastic guard, the front drive sprocket is hidden behind a cover and the two are joined together by two black plastic hoses, usually known as "gaiters" which contain the chain. This is really quite a good arrangement. The chain is protected from the elements (and lasts longer) and the chain tension can be checked (cleanly) by pressing down on the top gaiter (with the engine stopped!).

The gaiter system is very practical, but it has two disadvantages:

1. The gaiters tend to split at the ends (the rubber used does not really
   have the necessary tensile strength.
2. Fitting a new chain after the bike has been dismantled can be a bit of a chore.

If anyone is tempted to follow my example, here are a few suggestions:

• Clean the outside of the gaiters first. Even if you are not bothered about
  the appearance of the bike, it makes the job a whole lot more pleasant.
• Minor splits can be repaired with cyanacrilate (superglue) adhesive (but don't include yourself in the repair!)
• I painted my gaiters with tyre paint. The smell is awful (like someone burning a small tyre under your nose) but the end effect is good.
• When you eventually fit the gaiters, put black cable ties round the outside of the attachments. This will help with the splitting problem and is almost undetectable.
• To fit the chain, make a "hook" from fencing wire a little longer than a gaitor and use that to pull the chain through.
• You will have to join the chain over the engine drive sprocket. This is fiddly.
• You will get your hands dirty!

And while on the subject of "dirty hands", all of us (in Britain anyway) who have worked with machines own this man a debt: Swarfega