Gators with an RS fairing ?

[Duane Ausherman]

We always recommended using real gators instead of those fake covers of the "S" models, or those glue in things. The "S" type look sexy, but don't protect at all. Rocks can easily nick a tube and then seals fail very quickly. One should stone the nicks down to flat.

We found that the really old 13 rib gators worked well and the 11 rib seemed to fail faster. It could easily be a different situation today with current materials and products.

[Jean]

My old R100s has Kawasaki gaitors on...they haven't split in...whatsit now? 30 years.

[Chuey]

I tried the big, normal, BMW gaitors on my RS and they limited steering lock. A friend of mine had some on his RS and they were smaller in diameter and the bellows were more "sharp". He got them a BMW dealer (they put them on his bike). I think they were the "early GS" gaitors mentioned earlier.

My RS now has the stock "bellows" and they have been through drilled and zip tied on with about five or six small zip ties on each one. That aspect worked fine in that they could be put on without smearing glue for miles all over and still not having them stay. Thing is, they split at the edges of the bellows. In other woids, the rubber didn't last. The fun part of any of these items being discussed, is that you gotta take the forks off the bike. Not so bad if you think the rubber parts will last.

As for the "S" type fork seals, I think they look terrible. An RS without gaitors looks like a very heavy lady with skinny legs - almost comical. (Maybe that's just me.) Or, maybe it's Diane.

Me no likey lessening my steering lock.

Chuey

[ME 109]

I'm guessing they're the thicker, more rounded version Jeff. How many ribs?

Nah, skinnies Steve, 11 ribs. (gaitor rubber right? )

And minimal if any interference with steering lock to lock.

[alpha]

Following your advice I shall be going with the thinner 13 ribbed versions with spacers.

I think RS's look strange without them on, plus I live in NZ where it get's pretty messy in the bush!

Thanks guy's!

[Duane Ausherman]

Chuey, why take the forks off to change gators? Just drop the lowers. That way one need not risk messing up fork alignment. Plus, it is much faster.

Maybe I am forgetting something about the RS.

[Chuey]

Chuey, why take the forks off to change gators? Just drop the lowers. That way one need not risk messing up fork alignment. Plus, it is much faster.

Yes, I think I've done it that way once. The other time, the fork was off for alignment anyway. Good point, though, that it isn't really removing the fork when you only have the lowers off.

Chuey