Fork gaiters

[Sailor Sid]

When i had the forks out of my ST1100 I thought that this would be a good chance to fit some fork gaiters. Forks out to replace the seals. I went to Supercheap and bought a pair of multifit steering boots. Cut the ends to suit the fork sizes, punch 4 holes in the top fold, about a 2mm punch, for air to escape, and job finished. Protect the fork legs up to the bottom triple calamp and cost $13.50 NZ. Left off the plastic deflectors.
Sailor Sid

[saaz]

Thats a good idea. I have fitted bike fork gaiters the last few tyre changes, but they always seem to holes in them form wear even though were meant for dirt bikes.  I will try the steering boots next time and see how long they last. 

[Biggles]

Thats a good idea. I have fitted bike fork gaiters the last few tyre changes, but they always seem to holes in them form wear even though were meant for dirt bikes.  I will try the steering boots next time and see how long they last. 

Have you got a photo of what that looks like, saaz?

[saaz]

These are a bit out of focus, but the large gaps can be seen. Only 12,000kms road miles and they are not much good. They do protect the forks though, as I have had no fork seal problems for ages.

[ruSTyEB]

I've been toying with the idea of these,  for the ST and the DRZ

http://www.shocksox.com/

[West Aussie Glen]

Found these on ebay while looking for some others that I think had velco on them. Not sure how these are fitted.

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Viper-Fork-Seal-Savers-fits-Honda-ST1300-A-2003-/390535825538?pt=AU_Motorcycle_Parts_Accessories&hash=item5aedbfc882

[Biggles]

Looks like they use cable ties, and have some sort of sealing arrangement.  $18.50 + $3.75 post.
The beauty is I deduce you can fit them without removing the forks.

Here's their spiel:
 
Includes 2 Viper Neoprene fork gaiters (145mm long) & 4 cable ties.
HD stitched and sealed construction.
Stops dust and dirt getting into your seals, increasing seal life up to 4 times.
These will not come undone under compression (velcro sealed imitations will) 
We supply these for all models so check out our other items! or contact us.

[West Aussie Glen]

Unfortunately I think this:-

"These will not come undone under compression (velcro sealed imitations will)"

Indicates that you would have to slip them on somehow.
Have searched for some fitting instructions but no joy.
I think the cable ties just secure them to the lower section of the fork.

[Biggles]

Unfortunately I think this:-

"These will not come undone under compression (velcro sealed imitations will)"

Indicates that you would have to slip them on somehow.

My guess is they have a split down the back so they actually only offer a sealed protection from the front.  So you hold them apart, slip over the fork and secure with the cable tie.  I suppose the velcro version use that to rejoin the split at the rear.

[bluehonda]

I recently bought a DRZ400E and it had neoprene boots around the front forks, like the shocksox.
Thought I'd check what was inside the boot and when I took it off there was a layer of accumulated clay and dirt about 5mm thick against the seal/scraper that is part of the fork seals.   Didn't put the boots back on.
I haven't seen this on any bikes I've owned before and assume that if the boot wasn't there the dirt would have either fallen off or been washed off.  With the boot on it can't get away. 
Just something to keep in mind.

Brad

[Biggles]

Thanks for that warning Brad!  Sounds like the best protection is to keep them shiny rather than covered.
Just out of curiosity, were the neoprene boots the type that would have required the forks removed to slide over, or were they the "wrap-around and seal" type?

[bluehonda]

They were the wrap around and seal type.
Like you say, best idea is to keep them clean.