front fork boot
Road Captain
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 609
Likes: 3
RE: front fork boot
Well, I've got to admit something... I cheated. 
I actuallybought two pairs of these boots, in case my first try didn't work... What I did was, I split them down the back.
I zip-tied them on, and then I sealed the split (which overlaps just a bit) with Dr. Bond automotive superglue. It actually worked great... much better than I expected. The Dr. Bond is for rubber, and man, it sealed it, but good. You can get it at AutoZone or similar.
The seam is barely noticeable. I'll try to post a close-up pic when I can.
Like I said, I bought two sets of these boots, so if for some reason this doesn't work, I'll put the second set on the "right" way... but so far, this is working very well.
I was going to take the forks out of the triple tree, like some others here have done,but a buddy of mine warned me that I'd scratch the hell out of them... so I tried it this wayfirst.
I actuallybought two pairs of these boots, in case my first try didn't work... What I did was, I split them down the back.
I zip-tied them on, and then I sealed the split (which overlaps just a bit) with Dr. Bond automotive superglue. It actually worked great... much better than I expected. The Dr. Bond is for rubber, and man, it sealed it, but good. You can get it at AutoZone or similar.
The seam is barely noticeable. I'll try to post a close-up pic when I can.
Like I said, I bought two sets of these boots, so if for some reason this doesn't work, I'll put the second set on the "right" way... but so far, this is working very well.
I was going to take the forks out of the triple tree, like some others here have done,but a buddy of mine warned me that I'd scratch the hell out of them... so I tried it this wayfirst.
Road Warrior
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 1,900
Likes: 1
From: Backwoods of NH
RE: front fork boot
I put mine on when I was replacing my front springs with Progressives. Basically just slid them on - pretty tight with the DayStars but doable - in another post I remember someone used a toothbrush to work boots over the forks. Also I removed the dust caps on the lower tubes and held the boots on with the SE Fork Brace I had powder coated:
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 2,215
Likes: 2
From: Northern Arizona
RE: front fork boot
When I do that, it leaves the upper part of the boot short with tube uncovered.
[IMG]local://upfiles/48997/B9F906BD46A34CBC84A1A93710E51961.jpg[/IMG]
[/quote]
The BSA/Triumph fork boots have a lip on the inside bottom. If you push the bottom of the boot over the stock HD dust cover, the boot will lock on and your boots will not hang on the fork tubes anymore.
[/quote]
[IMG]local://upfiles/48997/B9F906BD46A34CBC84A1A93710E51961.jpg[/IMG]
[/quote]
The BSA/Triumph fork boots have a lip on the inside bottom. If you push the bottom of the boot over the stock HD dust cover, the boot will lock on and your boots will not hang on the fork tubes anymore.
[/quote]
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 3,572
Likes: 5
From: Templeton California
RE: front fork boot
I used the triumph ones and they slide very easily over the tubes.Maybe yours has a burr or extra rubber from the mold causing it to hang up.Maybe take them off and sand down or trim that inside ring some and put some kind of lube on them before you reinstall.For those of you that slid them over the dust cover I'm just curious as to how you managed that I couldn't get mine over the dust cover at all.Also if it left some of the fork tube exposed you could easily fix that by skiding the tubes up in the triples couldn't you?
Road Captain
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 609
Likes: 3
RE: front fork boot
Here's the closeup of the backs.
Yeah, they look like crap, in your face, with the camera flash.
But, trust me, lots of people have looked at it, and not one of them noticed until I pointed it out. The seamsjust don't really stand out visually, evenwhen the bike is parked.
Yeah, they look like crap, in your face, with the camera flash.
But, trust me, lots of people have looked at it, and not one of them noticed until I pointed it out. The seamsjust don't really stand out visually, evenwhen the bike is parked.
Last edited by risdo; Aug 6, 2012 at 10:07 AM.
Road Captain
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 609
Likes: 3
RE: front fork boot
A little tip: see that mold mark on the boot? Sort of to the right of where I cut it?
Well... if I had a brain... which I don't... I would have cut them on that mold mark.
Just a thought. If I do it again, I'm going to do that.
Oh, another thing. Those zip-ties come with the boots. They are just about the perfect width to fit down into that groove on the fork seal caps. It fit real nice.
Well... if I had a brain... which I don't... I would have cut them on that mold mark.
Just a thought. If I do it again, I'm going to do that.
Oh, another thing. Those zip-ties come with the boots. They are just about the perfect width to fit down into that groove on the fork seal caps. It fit real nice.
Thread Starter
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Road Master
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 1,246
Likes: 1
From: T-City, Wa.
RE: front fork boot
Thanks again Risdo, I will try that idea of cutting at the seam. Hey, we all live and learn. bike looks great!
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