Open Chain Covers on regular bikes
About 1 year ago, I removed the full chain cover (metal) and instead used an open chain cover made of plastic. I thought it would save some weight and look great too. See the image below:
Bike: Bajaj Pulsar 180 UG3
Chain Cover used: JN181204 (Original Bajaj Part) costing Rs. 74.
Fitting: Had to create a hole (on chain cover) on one end to fit it. Since it was plastic, creating this hole was easy.
I can say that even on ordinary chains, you can remove the chain case safely, but you should:
1. search for a good open chain cover. Most of the dirt gets hurled on the top of the running chain, while the bike is in motion.
Don't skip this. You must find a decent cover above the chain.
If you are unsure, its better to leave the upper part of stock chain cover intact than to completely expose it to dirt.
2. purchase a good quality chain spray. I cleaned my chain using old engine oils, but I don't recommend it to others.
Every month, first clean the dirt on the chain using a cloth. Then, apply the chain spray/ formulation on the bottom end of the running chain...
CAUTION: Don't clean/ oil the chain while the wheel is rotating too fast, or its rotating on engine power, while on main stand.
One may lose a finger by accident if he's not careful.
3. Warn the ladies who sit on your bike, to keep their clothes, etc. out of the chain's reach. My sister's chunni (or dupatta, whatever it is) got entangled in the chain when I was leaving my home, barely at 5 kmph. It got torn. Fortunately, nobody was hurt.
Good luck.