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People running bikes like MZs or early Bultaco Matadors or Yamaha TR1("The TR1 has rear drive by a totally enclosed chain running in lithium-based grease") with enclosed chains report 30-60K miles on a set of chains and sprockets. How many quarts of oil will a chain oiler dump on the ground in that distance?
Motorcycles are hard on chains as they run open and are often transmitting much more horsepower than they should for a long life. Look at industrial chain drives, they'll often be not only enclosed but include an oil or grease bath to ensure the chain is always lubed.
The drawback is that it adds some weight and complexity.
You can pay up front for the enclosure and replace chain and sprockets a lot less frequently, or maintain an exposed chain and replace the chain and sprockets somewhat less frequently.
cheers,
Michael
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