GATOR BOOTS

Hi all, trying to find some gator boots for K / XL forks, can't use stock as the ears on the lower tree have been removed via early chop job, so I need ones I can clamp one end to tube other end to slider, fork tubes are 33 mm ( 1.300") , slider tops are 42 mm ( 1.650"), hoping someone here has been there and done it, thanks, Tim

Tim, gaiters for a pre-unit Triumph should work for you. The seal holder is about the same size as Sportster sliders and the tube is the same diameter. Readily available from any Brit part supplier.
Robbie

Thanks Robbie, already checked the Unit Triumph they are much too big, will check out the pre unit

Tim,
Pre-unit used internal fork springs like a K/Sportster. Unit front ends use external springs so boots are much larger. I can try to measure a set for you if you like, I have several lying around for some of my projects. I think i traded you a WLD cylinder some years back, sound familiar?
Robbie

Very possible, always buy/sell/trading 45 stuff, do have a nice WLD rear that needs a mate if you know of any, contacted the local Triumph guru about pre unit boots, said he couldn't get a good measurement but about 1 1/2" I-D both ends, that would be the closest so far, Tim

Just a thought... Have you tried using the stock -54 boots upside down?
VPH-D

That was the first thing we tried VPH-D, no go, too big

-54 boots upside down work well on a wide glide front end, big end fits the slider and small end is tight on the tube.
Robbie

Tim, I went out and put a caliper on a K fork slider and tube and a pre-unit Triumph slider and tube and they are virtually identical. Less than .020 difference, so the Triumph gaiters will fit your application.
Robbie

The -54 boots upside down work well on 70s FX/XL forks, too.
VPH-D

Thanks Robbie thats probably what i'll go with, also noticed recently Hummer boots are a match on the one end but a little short, will report results when finished, thanks again, Tim

A late note on this project, was at a British meet and found a vendor with later model UK Triumph gator boots, these are a much nicer and heavier rubb
er than the pre-unit type and the fitment was nice and snug, drilled a small vent hole at top, rear, Tim