Re: Anybody running gaiters?

Posted by sgtslag on Apr 11, 2012; 5:08pm
URL: http://vintage-and-classic-hondas.81.s1.nabble.com/Anybody-running-gaiters-tp3900325p3903167.html

I measured the tube diameters (upper and lower), went online looking for gators, and found a pair for around $16 + S/H -- around three years ago?  I used black, Zip-Tie's to secure them in place, with the 'head' on the back side, to improve the appearance.  Anyway, the DOHC bikes did not come with them; however, without them, bug shells will shatter on impact, sticking to the fork tubes...  When the tubes compress from road impacts, the bug chiton shell bits, will cut small slices into the rubber fork seals, leading to leaks, and failure.  With gators on the tubes, the seals will last twice as long, typically 20,000 miles, or more.  The gators were removed to improve the looks, not the performance (they likely generated more income for the shops, as well...).

Newer bikes are sometimes equipped, factory, with shields (1/2-tubes, made of foam material, or solid plastic) that cover the front of the tubes, to prevent bug impacts from shortening the life of the seals.  There are aftermarket shields made for Wings, and other touring bikes.  I still need to put gators on my Voyager's tubes, to help stretch the life of the seals on its forks.  Cheers!