Gaitor removal..............permanently. O4 Tiger

[Fentible]

I've been thinking about removing my gaitors all together, never been fond of the look but appreciate the protection factor. That said I'm unlikely to ever off road the old girl and my T509 is nearly 20 years old and the exposed stanchions are unmarked. Anyone removed their gaitors??

[JayDub]

One thing to remember is that the fork seals would take more punishment due to the abrasive dust and grit which they would then be exposed to... a reason why so many people fit gaiters in the first place - especially on this type of bike.

[blacktiger]

One thing to remember is that the fork seals would take more punishment due to the abrasive dust and grit which they would then be exposed to... a reason why so many people fit gaiters in the first place - especially on this type of bike.

As above and remember that the forks on these don't come fitted with any sort of dust cap like you'd get on other bike that don't have gaiters fitted. So remove the gaiters and you'll expose the seal directly to the elements.

[Fentible]

Thanks for input Jaydub & Blacktiger. Yes I did consider the fork seals, if I can find some suitable dustcaps I think I'll remove the gaitors. If I can't I'll leave the gaitors in place.

I have seen a picture of a Tiger with no gaitors, very clean look.

[ed mocz]

There should be a dust seal on there.  Shows it on the parts fiche and I just ordered some for my bike.  Dust and oil seals in one kit from All Balls.