Bonneville America Forums Forums Technical Forums Accessories Fork Gaiter Install

I sure like the look of those fork gaiters reminds me of my first bike. Think they'll go great with the clutch cable dress up kit. How difficult an install are those gaiters? I have not done anything with the front end yet. Thanks

sctba,

I like the look too. I ordered a pair from Brent. Should get
them Monday or Tuesday. I have a shop manual and have been studying how to remove the forks. It doesn't look too hard.
I will wait until it warms up a bit before I tackle it. Right now it is around 16 degrees F here in New Jersey. I also have a Pingel fuel valve that I will install at the same time. Hope it warms up soon. I'll post a report when
Im done and if I can figure out how to post a pic. I will.

Not that bad of a job. I installed my gaiters by removing the front wheel and doing each fork leg at a time, but there are others who have just pulled the whole front end off, wheel and all.

Make sure you strap the bike to the motorcycle/atv jack before starting the job. If you don't, once the front end is off the bike will want to tip over backwards.

With the front wheel left on, you'll still have to take off the calipers and the speedo cable and remove those lines that are attached to the front fender. Loosen up the top and lower fork tree bolts, and take off the bolts that holds the top shrouds to the top tree.

Squirt some WD40 or some other kind of lube around and inside the shrouds so they'll be easier to pull off. Once you get the top shrouds off the front end will slide out and you can tackle the bottom shrouds. Install the gaiters, put the forks back in, and re-install everything. Torque values are in the download section at bonnevilleamerica.com.

The Euro Gaiters from Michael at Bellacorse fit perfectly and make the front end look like a real Triumph. See posted photo.

Contemplating gaiters last November, I asked resident BA/SM design guru Brent about installation. Here is what he was kind enough to send me. I'd suggest we alter a page out of Henry Ford's playbook and each one of us get really good at one thing. Then when a member needed that thing done, they'd consult the "thing" directory and go for a spin to the respctive members' place. That way you get the one thing done correctly and also get a great ride out of the deal. Being a certified generalist, I don't know a lot about any thing, but some thing about many things.

*********************************************
courtesy newspeedmaster

Fork Gaiter Installation Instructions

1) Remove the fork legs per the Service Manual instructions. You will have to safely raise the front of the bike, remove the wheel, brake caliper, speedo cable and front fender. Tip; it helps a lot to remove them if you remove the headlight bolt on the leg you're removing. DO NOT remove the top cap! Also only remove one at a time and replace it before taking the other one out. Take your time, do not use pliers or other devices, it will break free but will be very hard at first. A strap wrench is useful if you have one...

2) Remove the plastic rock guard. You will probably have to pry a little - a heat gun or blow dryer will help in softening this up. You can also use a soft wood block to "drift" them off from their retaining grove.

3) Spray the fork tube with WD-40, LPS or other light lubricant. Slide the gaiter (boot) over the tube and seat the large end over the lower fork legs & seals. The boots are a tight fit, you may have to either dip one end into hot water, use a heat gun or WD-40, to soften the vinyl so it will slip over the grooves that the plastic "protector" clipped into. The other end sits snug in place;

4) Replace the fork leg back into the triple tree and headlight bracket and torque the clamp bolts to 27 Nm. After replacing the headlight bolt, repeat on the other side. Then reattach the fender, wheel, brake caliper and speedometer cable.

5) Last use zip ties at the top of each tube just under the lower triple tree. You should also use the included zip ties for the bottom as well. Make sure you get the vent holes in the boots facing rearward.

Hey thanks for all input. Believe I'll give it a go.Heads up Brent, a gaiter order will be coming to your neighborhood soon.Thanks again all.