How necessary are fork dust covers?

[Represto]

Here are my forks

You'll immediately notice the saggy, shitty looking fork boots. I have them put on while my mechanic was doing my fork seals. They're far too large for my bike...I believe they're for a dirt bike. I would like to immediately cut them off...but then I won't have any kind of dust cover on my forks. I do have that fork brace that is in place where dust covers normally go.

How important are dust covers??

 

[Cibby600]

Not overly important, but your seals WILL flog out prematurely.

If you don't want to be doing your fork seals again in 12 months, I'd leave em on or get new ones.

Cheers.

 

[Big R]

I can't say how important they are, but if you want to try something smaller DennisKirk.com has neoprene ones. They wrap around the fork and have verlcro (?) to secure it.

 

[Tim]

Put on regular dust covers. I'd be surprised if your fork brace didn't have the mounting surface for dust covers. You can get proper shorter gaiters from lots of places.

MikesXS sells the dust caps and gaiters for $20 a pair.

http://www.mikesxs.net/products-19.html#products

 

[Represto]

Tim, the lip on the brace is just like the lip on the forks. The stock dust covers fit perfectly. I believe I have the Daystar boots that DennisKirk sells...too floppy. They don't hold their place at all.

What about the boots/gaitors that mikesxs sells...am I correct in my assumption that their 35mm boots will fit on my 35mm forks? Do Honda's couple in different than an XS?

 

[crazypj]

there are a few aftermarket that fit CB500/550 but the genuine Honda fit best and last longest.
I fitted genuine to mine after 17yrs, they are probably still OK as bike doesn't get out (its 4,500 miles away)

PJ

 

[bww_mn]

$8.95 at dime city (dtt sponser). check the dimensions.

http://www.dimecitycycles.com/vintage-cafe-racer-caferacer-bobber-brat-chopper-streetfighter-motorcycle-parts-fork-gaiters-rubbers-35mm-dust-covers-45-39665.html