Race bike question

[olddaze]

On the K model race bikes there is usually the corner cut off of the cam cover and the kick cover. Was this done solely to save weight? or was there more to it than that, because if it was it seems like alot more could have been cut.

[Sargehere]

To replace the drive chain in nothing flat. No parts needed to be removed if you threw the chain. Just reach in there and guide the new chain around the sprocket. Otherwise, you're taking off the clutch throwout, exh. pipe, kicker.

[olddaze]

Smart fellers. Thanks

[dlm32]

If you decide to modify a stock cover, remember it takes a fair amount of force for the worm gear in the side cover to push the clutch push rod and separate the clutch plates. That cover only has a couple bolts securing it to the engine case ands it needs a fair amount of flat surface contact between the cover and the engine case to spread the load out. Also, many of those stock (non modified) covers cracked or broke out right in normal use. Modifying the cover may increase you chances. I have two unmodified covers and both were fixed in the past.

[Chris Haynes]

I know an old time racer who used to remove the dowel pins between the cover and case. He also made new bolts out of aluminum. His theroy was that if the chain came loose it would hit the cover, the bolts would break and no parts would get damaged.

[exeric]

I know an old time racer who used to remove the dowel pins between the cover and case. He also made new bolts out of aluminum. His theroy was that if the chain came loose it would hit the cover, the bolts would break and no parts would get damaged.

Did he ever win a race?

[MJW]

I know from experience how catastrophic a broken drive chain can be if it stacks up on the drive sprocket, first bike, doing a doghnut, dad was impressed...Mike

[Chris Haynes]

Did he ever win a race?

Many........