72 CB500/4 — Forks gator boots necessary?

[edelweiss]

I want to take the front gator rubber boots of the front forks on my 72 CB500/4. Is this ok to do? Will taking them off make the front suspension vulnerable to dust or elements? I will be using a fork brace (link below) so I can run without the front fender.

http://www.fastfromthepast.com/servlet/the-480/Fork-Brace-Honda-CB500K/Detail

Thanks!

 

[VonYinzer]

You don't need full gaiters, but some sort of boot is a good idea.

 

[VonYinzer]

http://m.ebay.com/itm/390561710520?nav=SEARCH&sbk=1

 

[carnivorous chicken]

The gaiters will protect your fork tubes from a stray rock. A stray rock can ding your tube, and when that happens, your seal will go soon after, and you'll either have a leaky fork or you'll have to replace the tube. That being said, it's not likely to happen that frequently, and unless you're frequently riding down dirt roads you'll likely be fine.