Rubber Front Fork Gaitors

[florence]

Are these designed simply to trap condensation thus aiding the rust growth on the stanchions or do they have some hidden and important purpose?  I ask this because mine are split and I am trying to decide whether it is worth the trouble to replace them.

Any thoughts?

[matthewmosse]

they keep the worst of the cack off the forks, I've genrally found forks last better with them, particuarly in all year round / weather use, I'd try spraying light grease / chain oil onto stanchions before fitting to keep damp from doing damage having considered it (I've just never got round to actally doing it)

[Bryanj]

Also stop too much road sh*te getting into the seals, you can fit the dust boots off the 77/78K3 (same as 500T)

[deltarider]

Mine are in use since 1976 and have done over 130.000 kms. Didn't have to renew a forkseal yet. Need I say more?

Are these designed simply to trap condensation thus aiding the rust growth on the stanchions...

If you look well, you'll find a small hole in them for moisture to evaporate. Just watch gaitors are positioned in such a direction the little hole doesn't catch water.

[florence]

Thank you for your wise words, I will order some and get it done.  I like my fork seals to last.

[andy120t]

..I thought they were designed to get you throught the MOT when the stanchions were a bit rusty...

[florence]

You are right! 

I am saving up for some new gaitors.  In the meantime, I have effected a make-shift repair using baler twine and some gaffa tape.

I had given some thought to making new ones out of wax cotton, but I haven't yet got round to it.

As I type I realise that the best solution to free gaitors is old inner tube material.  I don't know why I haven't thought of this before; jubilee clip top and bottom and away to go.  Where are my scissors?............