Forum

[Rainmanshaun]

Really like the cable tie idea - why didn’t I think of that....

I have done it and used the screwdriver method but was pretty tricky, then of course you have to get it to go further onto the fork collar - didn’t want to use lube as it would have interfered with the “you don’t need to use clips with these” feature.

Also had to push the tops back up the fork stanchion (notice how I have finally spelt it correctly!) and just about tore the skin away from my thumbnails

[dalgrae]

Not convinced the gaiters are the same compound as the tyres also tyres have steel belting ,did not find any of that in my gaiters,also previous threads went on about various rubber parts not lasting

[windmill john]

Haven’t checked recently, but I’m pretty sure new tyres have no rubber at all.

[Wheaters]

Haven’t checked recently, but I’m pretty sure new tyres have no rubber at all.

Tyres most certainly DO have rubber in them!

[windmill john]

Composites and stuff.

http://www.cambriantyres.co.uk/motorcycle-tyre-facts/

[Wheaters]

Synthetics are used, but there’s still a significant proportion of natural rubber involved, at least in the vast majority. Some very high end tyres (as in competition) probably contain more synthetics and less rubber.

As far as making rubber softer by warming it is concerned, it certainly works. Anyone who changes their own motorbike tyres the old fashioned way with levers will know how much more difficult it is to do with a very cold tyre in the winter compared to one that’s been out in the summer sun.

[Duke of Wybourne.]

Just received a load of parts that I ordered from our hosts and trying to fit the new rubber fork gaiters - tough job to try and get the bottom end onto the fork lower! I know that they are manufactured to be tight so that no clips are needed but blimey!

Any handy hints here chaps?

Get an empty plastic bottle, cut a cylinder about 6 inches long, then cut it so it wraps neatly round the fork slider, then feed the gaiter over the top of the plastic tube with a smear of washing up liquid, and slide it down over the slider, then gently pull out the plastic tube. If you use a plastic lemonade bottle or similar, make sure it doesn't have sharp edges that may slice your new gaiter. I've used this to fit crankshaft seals over difficult lips ext with factory supplied equivalents for years, and a thin plastic bottle modified does the job just as well.

[Wheaters]

That’s a good idea. Part of the plastic tube of a trigger gun type sealant cartridge would be more robust and any rough edges could be sanded down. I’ve used these in the past inside the springs of narrow coil over shocks to prevent them clattering.

You can also buy a plastic cone designed to get the gaiters on the end of a car steering rack.

[Duke of Wybourne.]

I haven't done this, but I've seen someone carefully split a set of gaiters, and carefully glue them back together with Stormsure Wellington repair glue, and it apparently worked. I know it does work well at repairing wellies.