Gaiter Failure

[Joola_imp]

I haven't been able to ride much the last 2 weeks but decided to work on my Street Shield this morning. I was surprised when I took the cover off my beauty and found the rubber of my 5 month old gaiters was torn and cracking. I don't have a garage so I have to park my bike outside. I always keep her under a heavy duty Nelson Rigg cover. It seems like the heat from the sun has been enough to erode the gaiters.

I ordered these gaiters from British Customs and have only ridden about 2k miles since I put them on.

First my mirror color changed from black to brown, now my gaiters have died...sheesh...

 

[Damfino_imp]

Yikes! That's way too early to fail IMHO. :-/

 

[Joola_imp]

Yikes! That's way too early to fail IMHO. :-/

Agree completely. The product description says, "Made of high-quality, long lasting material," but that couldn't be farther from the truth in my instance. I know there are several other members who have ordered these gaiters so hopefully they aren't experiencing this issue.

 

[ss2wheels_imp]

When you buy cheap chinese junk that is what happens every time. You should have bought the kawasaki gaiters like some of us did.I just dont get why anyone that rides one of the highest quality machines on earth would cheap out and put chinese junk on it?

 

[Elipten_imp]

Please post the Kawasaki part number and other specs so others can order.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

 

[ss2wheels_imp]

Kawasaki 49006-1335 sold separately about 50 each from dealer, got mine 2wheelpros.com about 87 shipped.just use zip ties on top dont need anything on bottom and for the love of GOD do it right, dont cut em like some did! Please...

 

[Joola_imp]

Thanks ss2. If I decide to get new gaiters, I'll give these a try.

 

[ss2wheels_imp]

I got the skinny on these from Rick in Utah, they are a perfect factory fit as the kaw W650 has a 41mm fork just like the CB.When I saw them on his bike I knew they were the ones I would put on my new DLX and they are PERFECT:celebrate:

 

[Rick Froscheiser_imp]

Sorry to see your gaiters failed. After talking with the Ferret I decided to go with Kawasaki gaiters. So far no issues. They are expensive though. Thank you Ferret for the advice on gaiters

 

[ss2wheels_imp]

So the ferret is the all things rubber expert! I will just leave it at that:rofl:

 

[the Ferret]

:rofl: oh Lord.....

 

[PistolPete811_imp]

You mentioned the sun and bike cover, could'nt this failure be completely related to that? If so the Kawasaki model may fail as well under these conditions....


Pete

 

[Joola_imp]

You mentioned the sun and bike cover, could'nt this failure be completely related to that? If so the Kawasaki model may fail as well under these conditions....


Pete

Yup. I'm 90% sure it's just the heat that damaged the rubber.

 

[enzo_imp]

It shouldn't happen, that's just cheep sh.......
What if an O-ring failed in the motor.

 

[the Ferret]

You mentioned the sun and bike cover, could'nt this failure be completely related to that? If so the Kawasaki model may fail as well under these conditions....


Pete

The Kawasaki gaiters I put on my Bonnneville in 2003 still look great. It isn't parked outside, but in 11 years and 30,000 miles they have seen plenty of sun, rain and wind. They are definitly better rubber.

 

[ss2wheels_imp]

Everyone that used the same chinese gaiters will have the same problem, just wait and see! One time I bought a water pump for my 1200 Goldwing from fleebay, I thought I was getting a Honda part, when it arrived it had made in India sticker on it.I was not sure what to do but I went ahead and did the job.This is not an easy job! Well the first time I started the bike I heard this awful noise, shut it right off took it all apart again, the impeller was a little off and as it turned it chewed the aluminum off the inside filling the cooling system with shavings.l think by now you get my point.Anytime you can get OEM parts do it.In this case with the gaiters, you know all the japanese bikes are very good quality so Hon, Yam, Suz, Kaw, I think no problem:biker:

 

[Ridem32_imp]

Hmm I got the cheap gators because I saw the post on this forum. I will let everyone know how they hold up. My bike stays inside my shop. Buy at any rate even if your bike set outside uncoverd for 3 months the gaiters should not rot nor Tare if mind rots I will send them back and demand a refund and buy the kaw brand! I have ordered several items from 2wheelpros they have great prices
Michael

 

[ss2wheels_imp]

MIke,I wish you had heard about the Kaw gaiters before the chinese ones, they really are much nicer in looks and quality of rubber.Well at least you know how to knock out the job quick when it is time to replace them.I know from reading all your posts that you love wrenching on your bikes as much as riding them, me too:biker:

 

[Ridem32_imp]

Yea it's not big deal putting them on BUT I don't like buying cheap stuff I'm the kinda guy that I try to do it right the first time
Michse

 

[avsbezzy_imp]

Yea it's not big deal putting them on BUT I don't like buying cheap stuff I'm the kinda guy that I try to do it right the first time
Michse

Yeah, I have the same as yours and I am wandering if I should install them...I, also like doing it right the first time. So, for now I will wait I think...