Different parts are standardly equipped for off-road as compared to the street. Among them are heel guards and chain guides, which can be considered essential for off-roading. These parts can also be installed on the Hunter Cub, which has a lot of off-road flavor, and ZETA's Connecting Clamp series is just the thing you need. By attaching a connecting clamp to the swingarm, heel guards, chain guides, and chain covers can be installed in any combination, and you can also use the stock drive chain case.

Let's take a look at the rest of the parts in the series.

Connecting Clamp Heel Guard

A heel guard is another must-have off-road item. As the name suggests, it prevents the heel from hitting the chain. When riding off-road, you move your feet a lot, such as putting one foot out when cornering, so if you run into an uneven area your foot may come up and hit the chain. If you wear off-road boots, there shouldn't be much damage to the heel, but conversely, the chain might break. In other words, this is a very important item that not only protects the heel, but also protects the chain from the heel.

The parts configuration is simple, so let's get right to it. First, remove the stock chain cover. You won't be reusing the bolts, so put them somewhere that you won't lose them.

■The stock chain cover can be removed with just a 5mm Allen wrench.

Once the bolts are removed, simply pull out the chain cover, but do not pull it too hard because there is a lip on the backside that it has been inserted into.

■It's not just attached with the bolts, there is also a hook on the backside that holds it in place, so be careful when removing it.

Now all that is left is to attach the heel guard with the bolt that comes with it. Don't forget to put the supplied collar on the reverse side when attaching the bolt. For the rear end, simply remove the bolt on the upper left side of the connecting clamp, and re-attach it together with the heel guard.

■Don't forget to insert the included collar when you bolt the front end.

At a glance, it doesn't look like it covers such a large area, but this really is the perfect positioning. This is what it looks like when you have your leg out.

■When off-roading, you will often naturally put your foot out when you turn.

I imagined that something hit my foot causing me to suddenly bend my knee, and my heel just hits the heel guard like so. I think it is unlikely to hit any further back because of the center stand. The stock chain cover also protects this spot, but since it is made of resin, it might break if your heel hits it too hard, making this a very effective part.

■When your foot hits a rock or something, causing your knee to bend, your heel hits exactly at the position of the heel guard.

Connecting Clamp Chain Cover

The chain cover is also designed with an off-road style. When installed together with the heel guard, it provides the same or better coverage than the stock chain cover. The larger design better protects from mud and chain oil.

It consists of two parts and has a rather rugged design. It has a large guard area to protect you from mud and sand as well as oil from the chain.

■The chain cover consists of two parts.

Up until now, you could install everything using only a 5mm Allen wrench, but since the chain cover has nuts on the back side, you will also need an 8mm box wrench. Unlike the chain guide, the chain cover should be assembled before mounting on the bike.

■The nuts on the back side require an 8mm tool.

The rear end is fastened to the bike using the bolts and collars provided with the chain cover. There are similar diameter collars for the chain cover, heel guard, and connecting clamp itself, but they all have different thicknesses, so be careful not to mix them up.

■Don't forget to insert the included collar for the rear end.

The front end is co-tightened with the bolt on the upper right side of the connecting clamp.

■Attach the front end to the connecting clamp to complete installation.

This completes the whole process. Frankly speaking, I don't think there is anything difficult about the installation. The only hard thing might be deciding what combination to use. ZETA recommends seven different installation patterns, including the use of the stock chain cover. We'll show you each combination below.

Connecting Clamp Series Combinations

Off-Road / Standard Type

First, there are three off-road style types. The Standard Type uses the stock chain cover along with just the chain guide, which gives the rider a sense of security when riding off-road without compromising the stock look. The best part is that the off-road style parts are subtly attached to the underside of the swingarm, which looks really cool.

■Standard combination with stock chain cover and ZETA chain guide

Off-Road / Type-1

For this style, the heel guard and chain guide, which are both standard parts for off-roading, are equipped. Personally, I like this style the best. It gives a very different impression from the stock look, and is unique but not too flashy.

■Off-Road Type-1 with heel guard and chain guide

Off-Road / Type-2

Using just the chain guide and chain cover, the heel guard is purposefully omitted. The volume seems to be emphasized because the parts are grouped together at the rear. I should have cleaned up the chain more.

■Off-Road Type 2 with chain guide and chain cover

Street / Standard Type

From here we have the street types. The difference from the off-road types is the absence of the chain guide. Removing the chain guide makes it stand out as on-road style. The Street Standard Type uses the heel guard and chain cover, giving the impression that the stock chain cover has been replaced by ZETA.

■Street Standard Type with heel guard and chain cover

Street / Type-1

Type-1 is simply the heel guard only. Since this is street style, it could be considered a simple customization for looks rather than the protection it would be for off-roading. The design of the heel guard is well balanced with the shape of the chassis, and it fits quite well.

■Street Type-1 with heel guard only

Street / Type-2

Contrary to the Street Type-1, this style has only a chain cover. The chain cover has a fairly large coverage area, so this alone will protect you from getting splashed by chain oil. If you are focusing on street riding, you may want to start here.

■Street Type-2 with chain cover only

Complete Type

As the name "Complete" suggests, it has it all. The protection performance and style are both perfect. If you are still undecided, you can't go wrong with this Complete Type.

■Complete combination with everything installed

In conclusion

The ZETA Connecting Clamp Series is very effective not only for those who ride off-road on forest roads and trails, but also as custom parts to enhance the off-road look of the Hunter Cub. Above all, it is a lot of fun to think about which combinations will suit your style and different riding situations.

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