Update- Full length rubber fork boots / gaiters

I was asked to update on the adaptation and install of full length rubber fork boots (or gaiters). I did this as part of the process of updating my Silver Wing with the Hyperpro spring kit, and adding new fork seals. Though it is not on the road as yet, I feel good about saying these should work great.

The fork boots I used fit over the fork tube and fork leg perfectly. The only modification I did was shorten them by cutting the top off with 1.3 coils. This brought them to a more correct length and allowed me a good spot to attach the top. As you can see from the photos the top has a bit of extra rubber and I will trim down a bit before remounting the fairing. I did try out the fork action and they work as they should (and as expected, the Hyperpro kit feels great). Only the bottom 1/2 - 2/3 of the boots will be visible after the body panels are again mounted. These should give the seals a long life and ensure against nicks on the fork tubes.

These boots are made for off-road auto shocks. They are thick rubber with a lot of flexibility. 2 zip-ties secure the bottom and 1 zip-tie at the top. They are also dirt-cheap at $4.00USD each. Here is the Amazon link where I ordered. AMAZON

For those that do not order from Amazon, or are out of the USA, the brand is RANCHO and the model number is RS1952. Remember you have to order 2 as they come individually packaged. now back to work -- I still have a lot to do with assembly!

The only worrys I'd have about putting the gaiters on are the possibility that if water entered them it would prevent drying very quickly and exacerbate the problem of rust and pitting. The only other thing is that if the seals do begin to leak and the gaiters don't allow the oil to leak out at the bottom you wouldn't know when the seals begin to leak.