I'll grant you they don't look great!
Weight is a non issue what with carbon fibre these days. Even ABS would be light enough - especially if you compare it to carrying a Scottoiler and oil round the planet with you! (and yes I know it'd be unsprung weight...)
I don't think the flappy chain thing is that big a deal either, since it has to join the sprockets at both ends, so it wouldn't be too bad making the unit big enough to accomodate the bow in the lower run.
As for the shaft drive idea, it's a damn sight heavier than any chain and case! Works fine for my K1200RS, but not on an off roader thankyou.
I wonder if there's a product which could withstand the constant rubbing of a chain which could be made into a kinda 'tube' for the lower run. I'm thinking heavy duty canvas? Kevlar? Cordura? Something flexible which attached to the frame / swingarm at the front, and simply encased the lower run down as far as the rear sprocket.
Yes, I have mad ideas from time to time...
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