Shock and Fork Boots

Hey folks the project has begun. I've started the process of making my 83 Spectre look like it was meant to. Or atleast make a good effort.

Someone who owned the bike before me cut off the rubber/plastic accordian looking boots that went around both the the top of the forks and shaft of the rear air shocks. It's a pretty nasty hack job. I suppose they wanted the pretty shiny parts to show. It does look alright from a distance, but some engineer put them there for a good reason, I figure to protect the seals from abrasive crud.

I've looked a few placed online and have been unsuccessful in my efforts of finding a suitable replacement. I thought I'd see if anyone knows where I might find something that will work. Replacement boots that is.

Thanks!
Dan

I'd suggest checking with 4-wheel drive (off-road) repair/supply shops.
The boots on the Spectre are very similar in size to the boots that come with Rancho and other brands of shocks. Most folks I know that are avid off-roaders usually toss them because they can retain water/mud/dirt/sand/gravel/etc if submersed, which does a number on the seals.
But they should be fine to run on a motorcycle, since I doubt you'd be putting them even close to the abuse that an off-road vehicle sees.
Rancho brand boots are usually red in color, but I've seen boots in all colors of the rainbow.

Go to cyclexchange.net they have the ones for the honda's you can check if the fit the KZ's let us know if they do.Go to the honda section and they have them thear.

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Don't they also call them fork "gaiters"? A quick google on "fork gaiters" or "kz fork gaiters" got a lot of hits. Lots to look through though.

i have a full suspension off of a spectre 1100 i think the boots are ok ill have to look this weekend if i can make it out to the garage

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Well looks like I'm going to have to replace the rear suspension all together. So I assume the "boots" will come on them. I will keep looking for something that'll work on the forks. Thanks everyone for your input

DACarpy:

While I have not checked for your gaiters, I do own several 1982 models and, strangely enough, when I need a part, I have been surprized at what is still available from Mother Kawasaki. Check with a reputable Kawasaki dealer, but be prepared for sticker shock:ohmy:

They are still avalable from Kawasaki But at like 80.00 each or some real high price ,, I used the regular boot seals from a B1 twin from Z1E at 22.00 a pair ,, the forks look like every other kawasaki then ,,

Hey DA,
I've got an 82 1100 Spectre that will need fork boots in the near future so I'll be interested in what you find. I managed to fit fork boots from a 250 Montessa onto my KZ900. They were a perfect match.

KZCSI

While I'm not entirely sure, it's a fair bet that the Spectre fork boots are the same item as the booties on the KZP cop bikes.

If so, John Cordsen at Western Motorcycle Escort prolly has a bin full of 'em. Cheap.

westernescort@msn.com