no the 2002 chain guard was fairly durable plastic, could still flex a lot but there wasnt any signs of mine twisting at all.
I know what you mean about throwing time and money at it thou, im trying to keep mine pretty standard but am adding bits that will help preserve the bike, as i ride all year round and its kept outside under a bike cover so I really have to try and stay on top of keeping it clean and protected
my next want is stainless radiator cover.
yeah the tie wrap is for the scotoiler, ive got the tourer type mounted behind the No-plate, there were 2 ties last week looks like ive lost one over the weekend....... was going to replace them anyway they get pretty grubby and the nylon does breakdown with UV