Lower Handlebars & Fork Boots

[DGShannon_imp]

Just ordered the CB500F bars (53100-MGX-306) from Motosport.com for $38.64. They also carry the Kawasaki Fork Boots (49006-1335) and currently have them for $46.02 each. Total $130.68 out the door, with free 3 day shipping. Pretty good deal if anyone is considering the purchase.

SIDE NOTE: As stated in Chip's earlier thread, the CB500F bars use the same bar end weights currently in our bikes, which makes them a great option.

[pekingduck]

Triumph accessory fork boots A9638018 fit well, look good, and are less than $50 pair.

[the Ferret]

Peking..just have to watch out for the quality on the Triumph acc boots. There are some cheap ones out there, that don't hold up very long as some members have already learned. The Kawasaki Boots are very good rubber and will last for a long long time. The set I put on my Bonneville in 2003 are still in great shape 11 years later. So that is what went on my CB.

[pekingduck]

Right Ferret. The genuine Triumph ones are as durable as any, hence the part number. Mine have been on my Bonnie for 10 years. The ones for the vintage bikes seem to be made of rubber rather than plastic and don't seem as durable. Had to replace the ones on my Norton a couple times.

[DGShannon_imp]

Peking..just have to watch out for the quality on the Triumph acc boots. There are some cheap ones out there, that don't hold up very long as some members have already learned. The Kawasaki Boots are very good rubber and will last for a long long time. The set I put on my Bonneville in 2003 are still in great shape 11 years later. So that is what went on my CB.

Right Ferret. The genuine Triumph ones are as durable as any, hence the part number. Mine have been on my Bonnie for 10 years. The ones for the vintage bikes seem to be made of rubber rather than plastic and don't seem as durable. Had to replace the ones on my Norton a couple times.

As I compared the info I could find on the Kawasaki units vs. Triumph, I came across an interesting point in one of the Triumph forums. Seems that several guys had abandoned the Triumph units for the Kawasaki due to the difference in the way they compress. In other words, as you put load on the forks, do the bellows all collapse at an equal rate, to do they contort and bunch up at odd angles to each other. There were photos of bikes sitting at a stop, with rider on board and forks slightly compressed, with the boots looking all weird. Hard to swallow the higher price, but decided I would do the Kawasaki units.