I rebuilt the forks on my 850 mk3 about 18 months ago replacing most parts including the UK type gaiters. a couple of weeks ago to my shock I noticed that the lower part of the gaiters on both sides had cracks all the way around the slider extension. I checked where I had purchased the gaiters from and ordered new ones from another supplier along with a pair of the short type.
The bottom end of the UK type measure ID 1 3/4" but the slider extension measures O/D 2 1/4". I have been told that they need heating up and stretching on. This is a big stretch and to my mind this probably caused the last pair cracking so early.
The short (US) gaiters are such a better fit (See Image) but I would prefer the longer ones.
Can this be right?
Stupid question but, are you…
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I don't like...
.. gaiters as they tend to attract muck however well they fit and that just sits inside wreaking havoc. I had the short dust covers on my Commando and they were fine despite riding it in all weathers.
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I have to say that my…
I have to say that my experience is the exact reverse of Ian's; dust covers convert road grime and water into most effective grinding paste, but gaiters keep both materials well away from the stanchions and bushes.
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Where did you get the gaiters from?
There are gaiters and there are gaiters, some better than others and made from better materials.
Never had a problem with AN supplied gaiters, fitted 2014 and still good today.
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In answer to Stan, yes this…
In answer to Stan, yes this was the larger end in the photo, the other end measures 1 1/4
which fits nicely over the stanchion tube.
To answer Peter, the first set of gaiters I purchased from RGM, the latest ones are from Andover
so both should be of quality. Andover said they are correct and have to be heated and stretched on. however, all the pictures I have seen of original Commando's do not have that step going onto the slider extension.
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I'm coming round to agreeing…
I'm coming round to agreeing with Andover...
The gaiter pictured is new, unused and over 20 years old. Probably came from Hemmings. The small diameter is 31mm-ish and fits the stanchion, the large diameter is 44mm, or 1 3/4". I seem to recall thinking back then (20 or more years ago) that the lower end was tighter than original but they do go on easily enough - no need to heat but maybe soften the rubber in some warm water if needed. (And they still need a cable tie to keep them on.)
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Thanks Neill, the perishing…
Thanks Neill, the perishing was my main concern as I don't want to replace the gaiters every few years. As my new ones are from AN I will give them a go.
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Stupid question but, are you putting them on the right way round? There should be a small end, the one pictured, that fits the stanchion. And a large end, roughly the same diameter as the bellows section, that fits over the fork retaining ring. Should be able to work onto the fork leg by hand and retain with a cable tie.
Short ones are just dust covers. Don't qualify as 'gaiters' since the fork still slides thru them.