Removing fork boots, any advise?

[ydelacosta]

One of the boots I have is broken and was just taped up with electric tape by previous owner. I have seen new replacements for very cheap, that is not the issue. It just seems like a lot of work to put them on. Has anyone replaced theirs? Can you run without them and just keep area lubed? thoughts are welcome.

[TOOLS1]

You can take them off, and replace them with the later 77-78 dust boots. It is a pain to get that little chrome ring on, and off to replace them.
TOOLS

[sgtslag]

They protect the tubes from bug impacts (chitin shell remains will stick into the tubes, then proceed to make small cuts in the fork seals, eventually causing them to leak).  The seals will be fine for around 10,000 miles before they start leaking, if new.  The fork gators will allow fork seals to last around 20,000 miles.  Later bikes ('79 onward, for CB750's) did not come with gators, and the fork seals wore out in half the time.

If you leave them off, be sure to wipe down the tubes with a microfiber cloth, after each ride, to help remove microscopic chitin bits from the tubes.  This will help the seals to last longer.  I'd recommend installing a new pair when the seals are replaced, though.  Cheers!

[mitchell.lee.miller]

i was thinking about replacing the seals and cleaning up my oily forks, my Clymber manual has the steps for doing this and seals seem easy to get, but which seals are the best?  Also any recommendations for where to look for fork gators? good ones!?

[sgtslag]

Avoid the so-called, "permanent" seals, as they have had issues in the past, with low quality, and not lasting.  As to the fork gators, I bought a set off of Dennis Kirk, but they're pretty much similar, no matter the brand.  Cheers!

[TOOLS1]

I have gotten seals, and gators both from Cycle-X. No complaints.
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[mitchell.lee.miller]

I bought and installed new seals and boots from Cycle-X.  I was very happy.  I then was able to clean up the front of the motor from all the grease caked on and she stayed pretty clean all summer.  Stayed cool easier as well.  I was amazed at the stiffening of the front end suspension.  She rode so smooth after that, no bouncing after small divets on the road.