Triumphrat

UJMrider · 08-17-2005, 01:15 AM

Just wondering how many folks out there with Classic Triples have fork gaiters? I've seen a few pictures here and there but most of them are on Bonnies.

How difficult are they to install? Do you take the wheel off and slide them up from the bottom or do you take the forks out and slide them down from the top?

vonbonds · 08-17-2005, 01:22 AM

I purchased a set from bellacorse.com but haven't put them on yet (they were originally meant for my Tbird). I assume taking the forks off would be easier but I will defer to anyone else who has actually done it. You can ask in the Twin section as the install will be the same as how they did it.

Tom

Jodel · 08-17-2005, 04:03 PM

I fitted a set from Sprint Manufacturing (UK) with which I've been quite happy. They are well made and fit perfectly.

It's an easy job to do with no major dismantling needed. All I did was remove the front wheel then release the fork stanchions from the triple trees. The gaiters slip down over the forks and are a push fit on the top of the fork lowers. The tops of the gaiters are secured by a hose clip.

flybiker251 · 08-17-2005, 04:38 PM

I installed a set on my Legend that I bought from my Triumph dealer. He has been in business for over 25 years and specializes in restoring all old Brit iron. They are the gaiters for a BSA and the part number is 97-2513. They look really good. I had to remove the forks and install from the top down. Wasn't hard just tedious. I would send pics for and old and don't know how.
Flybiker

vonbonds · 08-17-2005, 05:46 PM

flybiker...email me the pic and I will post it for you.

Tom

UJMrider · 08-17-2005, 09:27 PM

Okay, dumb question maybe, but when you slide the forks out, how do you make sure you put them back in the same place? Also, are there alignment issues with removing and replacing the forks? I'm very leery about messing with anything that has to do with brakes or steering.

Also, how do you support the front of the bike with the wheel off? Jack stand under the engine?

vonbonds · 08-17-2005, 11:48 PM

Martin, not a dumb question at all. The main reason I haven't put them on yet is your exact fear...getting them back to perfectly be aligned again.

glgavin · 08-18-2005, 03:34 AM

If you get the Triumph Service Manual or the Haynes, the specs for the where the top of the fork tube rests in relation to the top triple clamp will be listed. (aka pull through) For the Thunderbird, TBS and Adventurer it's listed as flush with top of yoke. My manuals don't cover the Legend but it's got to be the same.

You also need a torque wrench when you tighten triple clamp bolts. The setting is 20 Nm for both upper and lower clamps.

Sometimes the O-rings that are in the headlight mounts may have turned to sticky gooey mush. You'll spend some time cleaning this mess up and you will need to purchase replacements to put everything back together.

flybiker251 · 08-18-2005, 10:55 AM

glgavin is right about the gooey o-rings but the overall installation isn't difficult. YOu do have to drop the forks after having removed the wheel. To reinstall just flush mount the forks to the top of the trees and align the fork tubes with the fender bolts. After installation you should put the front tire up against a wall and bounce the forks up and down a few times without engaging the brakes in order to make sure all the internals are properly aligned. I support the bike on its center stand and use a small floor jack to jack up the front of the engine by putting a wood block between the jack and the exhaust pipes.
Flybiker

[ This message was edited by: flybiker251 on 2005-08-18 09:00 ]

jimmyj900 · 08-19-2005, 09:35 PM

If you're only interested in protecting the fork, then check out the NOJ fork boots in my album (clicky below.)

There's no disassembly required and they simply need to be trimmed to fit and are held on with a strip of velcro.

They're about $15 from Dennis Kirk, but I found a bin of pop can insulators at the local Walmart for $0.25 each -- same cloth covered material as the NOJ and the same size. Cut the stitching and you've got the NOJ's!

Jim