Unofficial Royal Enfield Community Forum

Royal Enfield Motorcycles => Bullet Iron Barrel => Topic started by: Anon on November 02, 2007, 06:51:21 pm

Title: Fork gaiters - better with or without?
Post by: Anon on November 02, 2007, 06:51:21 pm
I was wondering if there is some reason (other than thinking that they look cool) that I might switch to fork gaiters on my Bullet?  I live in Seattle, so the bike does get some weather exposure, but not much exposure to dirt.  Will my fork seals last longer with gaiters, or would the difference be minimal?

Eamon
Title: Re: Fork gaiters - better with or without?
Post by: Vince on November 02, 2007, 07:04:18 pm
Hi Eamon! It's a mixed bag. Gaiters mostly keep out water. but can trap condensation and rust the forks anyway. Gaiters are great for protecting against damage from debris (rocks etc.) If you use them, periodically lift the bottom to dry and clean the tubes.
Title: Re: Fork gaiters - better with or without?
Post by: stipa on November 03, 2007, 02:39:16 am
Thats a good idea, haven't really thought of that, maybe a shot of WD in there also?
Thanks, and by the way, you haven't posted your age in profiles.

Steve
Title: Re: Fork gaiters - better with or without?
Post by: jonapplegate on November 03, 2007, 08:30:55 pm
LIving here in Seattle I have been keeping an eye on the weather and always cover my bike when there is a chance of overnight rain. A little work to be sure but it may be a good option instead of gaiters. Do you like the way gaiters look? I not sure what to think of them from an aesthetic standpoint.
Title: Re: Fork gaiters - better with or without?
Post by: RagMan on November 03, 2007, 08:58:42 pm
Nearly all the old British bikes, when ridden in 60s Europe, had fork gaiters. They maybe didn't do much, but they looked good, to the teenaged me. The amount of bikes I put 'em on.. 
Title: Re: Fork gaiters - better with or without?
Post by: dave48 on November 03, 2007, 09:54:03 pm
I've always assumed that in trapping moisture gaiters do more harm than good. When front sus pedallers/mtbs first came along gaiters were very popular - riders soon realised the drawbacks!  I cut them off the 2 or 3 sets of bouncers I got with them fitted - and just wiped the tubes dry after a wet ride. I'd do the same with a m'cycle.
Title: Re: Fork gaiters - better with or without?
Post by: Anon on November 04, 2007, 04:28:44 am
LIving here in Seattle I have been keeping an eye on the weather and always cover my bike when there is a chance of overnight rain. A little work to be sure but it may be a good option instead of gaiters. Do you like the way gaiters look? I not sure what to think of them from an aesthetic standpoint.

Hi Jon, nice to see another Seattlite!  I pretty much cover my bike every night regardless of the weather.  I figure, if for nothing else, it decreases (maybe only slightly) the chances of the bike getting messed with.  I think the gaiters have a kind of sporty look to 'em, but my bike ('06 red Deluxe) looks pretty nice with just the stock black covers.  I think maybe some engine bars to protect against knockovers might be better way to spend my money.  It's all very tempting, but I really love the stock bike too!.

Eamon
Title: Re: Fork gaiters - better with or without?
Post by: dewjantim on November 04, 2007, 04:54:41 pm
Go for the gators. The old /5 and/6 BMW's had them and you rarely, if ever,had to replace the seals......Dew.
Title: Re: Fork gaiters - better with or without?
Post by: jonapplegate on November 05, 2007, 01:18:56 am
Eamon, I like to think the trouble of getting the cover off, especially when it is snapped together underneath, is enough to discourage meddlers. It at least gives me a little piece of mind. In Seattle, with parking as tight as it is, I have been seriously considering the bars as well. Maybe front and back. They don't cost that much. I like the minimalist look better though.