Fork Gaiters?

BlackRig · 03-10-2010, 07:42 AM

I'm looking to do something different with my front end. While I have the forks torn down it's a good time to add things.

Is there any reason NOT to use fork gaiters on my 919? Aside from the possibility of looking ridiculous. I'm not 100% on the idea yet. But for $30 they should at least protect the fork uppers from damage.

Our forks are 43mm right?

Is anyone willing to Photoshop me a 919 front end with gaiters before I drop the cash?

Craig

Danke · 03-10-2010, 07:53 AM

They tend to trap dirt and grit and then hold it so it grinds on the stanchion.

Some sort of 1/2 shield like on a current dirt bike wold be a better idea if you're trying to stop stone chips and that kind of damage.

ST-DocLizard1 · 03-10-2010, 11:25 AM

I been using these for years with no damage to the fork tubes. Tight at the lower end and loose at the upper.

NOJ Fork Guards: Neoprene with a velcro fastner from behind.

Doc

mdtoney · 03-10-2010, 12:24 PM

A number of companies make products like the NOJ fork guards that Doc has, but the velcro would make those the easiest to install. For less than $20 you can't go wrong.

I have Seal Savers on my dirt bike and they work great, but you have to remove the fork tubes and slide them down the tube and secure with zip-ties.
The entire bike can be covered in mud and the fork tubes are spotless.

AllanB · 03-10-2010, 02:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ST-DocLizard1

Tight at the lower end and loose at the upper.
Doc

ST-DocLizard1 · 03-10-2010, 05:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AllanB

That would be my preference.

Doc

mcromo44 · 03-10-2010, 05:44 PM

I clean my tubes before every ride.
But as a buddy said, I'm a fiendish lunatic but my seals will surely last forever even without gaiters.

rickard919 · 03-10-2010, 08:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mcromo44

I clean my tubes before every ride.
But as a buddy said, I'm a fiendish lunatic but my seals will surely last forever even without gaiters.

I agree here. Keep them clean and the seals will last a long time.

BlackRig · 03-21-2010, 04:48 PM

My forks are in the shop, so i have a favor to ask.

Can someone take a few measurements for me? None of them need to be exact, just a rough tape measure job. I need:

1. The distance from the top of the fork lower to the bottom of the triple clamp while the bike is at rest. I.E. On a center stand or side stand ect.

2. The outer diameter of the top of the fork lower. (the spot where the stock guard attaches.)

3. Our fork tubes are 43mm correct?

Thanks in advance,

UJM · 03-21-2010, 05:34 PM

BlackRig · 03-21-2010, 06:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by UJM

Ahahahaa! Hey, that doesn't look too bad!

It is a little odd. I usually associate fork gaiters with older 70's bikes. But, it doesn't look too bad. Would I be a retro poser if i rocked it?

Mad Max?

Thanks for the photoshop UJM.

UJM · 03-21-2010, 06:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BlackRig

Ahahahaa! Hey, that doesn't look too bad!

It is a little odd. I usually associate fork gaiters with older 70's bikes. But, it doesn't look too bad. Would I be a retro poser if i rocked it?

Mad Max?

Thanks for the photoshop UJM.

I'm all for anyone doing whatever they want to their motorcycle. Try it, you can always change it if you decide you do not like it.

And you're welcome, anytime, I like to photochop!

03-10-2010, 07:42 AM	#1
BlackRig Discen Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Lakewood, Ohio Posts: 241	Fork Gaiters? I'm looking to do something different with my front end. While I have the forks torn down it's a good time to add things. Is there any reason NOT to use fork gaiters on my 919? Aside from the possibility of looking ridiculous. I'm not 100% on the idea yet. But for $30 they should at least protect the fork uppers from damage. Our forks are 43mm right? Is anyone willing to Photoshop me a 919 front end with gaiters before I drop the cash? Craig

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03-10-2010, 07:53 AM	#2
Danke Two Wheeled Warlord Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Salmon Arm, B.C. Posts: 1,066	They tend to trap dirt and grit and then hold it so it grinds on the stanchion. Some sort of 1/2 shield like on a current dirt bike wold be a better idea if you're trying to stop stone chips and that kind of damage.

03-10-2010, 12:24 PM	#4
mdtoney The 919 project continues Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Seattle, WA Posts: 1,321 Awards Showcase Total Awards: 2	A number of companies make products like the NOJ fork guards that Doc has, but the velcro would make those the easiest to install. For less than $20 you can't go wrong. I have Seal Savers on my dirt bike and they work great, but you have to remove the fork tubes and slide them down the tube and secure with zip-ties. The entire bike can be covered in mud and the fork tubes are spotless.

03-10-2010, 05:44 PM	#7
mcromo44 McTavish Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Calgary Posts: 472	I clean my tubes before every ride. But as a buddy said, I'm a fiendish lunatic but my seals will surely last forever even without gaiters.

03-21-2010, 04:48 PM	#9
BlackRig Discen Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Lakewood, Ohio Posts: 241	My forks are in the shop, so i have a favor to ask. Can someone take a few measurements for me? None of them need to be exact, just a rough tape measure job. I need: 1. The distance from the top of the fork lower to the bottom of the triple clamp while the bike is at rest. I.E. On a center stand or side stand ect. 2. The outer diameter of the top of the fork lower. (the spot where the stock guard attaches.) 3. Our fork tubes are 43mm correct? Thanks in advance,