Topic: Fork Gaiters Not Fitting

[acb]

I'm reassembling the forks on my 73' CB750K after doing a fork seal job and the fork gaiters don't seem to fit over the bottom end of the forks anymore.

The previous owner had taken the gaiters off and was just using rubber fork caps – I'm assuming the fitment issue is because the gaiters are original, have been off the bike for a while and have hardened a bit.

Just wondering if anyone has run into this issue before and has any advice before I spend $60+ on some new OEM gaiters.

Any help is much appreciated.

Thanks

[750K]

I'd try a blow dryer or heat gun to soften them up and help them stretch over the fork lowers, if they crack or rip then buy new ones.

[KennyRedman]

I put new ones on my 550, and they definitely were tight. Warming them up should allow them to stretch a bit.

[acb]

Thanks for the help, I had tried heating them already but I'll give it another shot. Good to know that even new ones will fit tight as well.

[nIkbot]

I gently hit mine with the heat gun, then flipped the end over on its self inside out, pushed it down the tube then flipped it right side out onto the lower fork. Worked like a charm.

[Johnie]

Make sure you have them orientated correct as there is a top and bottom to these.

[SohRon]

Make sure you have them orientated correct as there is a top and bottom to these.

+1   And a front and back as well!

[wowbagger]

+2 and an inside and an outside too

[Bootlegger56]

Unless your a purist who has to have OEM and you determine you need replacements the online store from Florida; CB750 Supply hooked me up with a set for around 20 bucks that were a good fit, soft and easy to install.  I put them on my K1 550 (same as 750) more a year ago and haven't seen any cracks or degradation so far.  They don't feel quite as heavy as stock but for the price I was happy.  I had previously purchased a set from a online source that advertised stock fitment but when I received them they turned out to have a set of cheesy steel hose clamps meant to hold them at the top.  Avoid those!  They are junk out of the box.  I dealt with a lady named Vickie.  Good to do business with.

http://www.cb750supply.com/