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Fork Boots

PostPosted: Tue Mar 01, 2016 12:13 am
by jOe
I noticed the fork boots on my CH are deteriorated to the point that they need to be replaced- - again. They were brand new in the bag a year and a half ago when I put them on. Fork boots over the last 10-15 years seem to have a disturbingly shorter and shorter life expectancy. It doesn't matter if they're the real H-D's (which are on the CH now) or the aftermarkets---they all seem to start cracking and falling apart around the one year mark. I'm guessing that the material used now contains little if any authentic rubber. Is there a source of fork boots that have a reasonable life span? Or alternately, is there anything that could be applied that would extend service life?

Re: Fork Boots

PostPosted: Tue Mar 01, 2016 7:18 am
by sean
i use mink oil on my seat and the rubber parts..that keeps them hydrated and they dont dry out and crack..

Re: Fork Boots

PostPosted: Tue Mar 01, 2016 5:41 pm
by hayleyl
Hello JOe - 3M make a great marine product for rubber and synthetics on boats and yachts. While it won't fix cracks etc. It seriously reconditions and rehydrates. Most good marine stores will stock it. Cheers Hayley

Re: Fork Boots

PostPosted: Tue Mar 01, 2016 5:54 pm
by EKHKHK56
Armor All is designed to clean and protect rubber, vinyl etc products and they claim it cuts down UV damage which is probably the biggest problem.

Re: Fork Boots

PostPosted: Thu Mar 03, 2016 2:27 pm
by jOe
staggering around the web, I've seen claims for pure silicon spray , and another for DOT5 and higher brake fluid....hmmmmm

Re: Fork Boots

PostPosted: Mon Mar 21, 2016 7:25 pm
by jOe
EKHKHK56 wrote:Armor All is designed to clean and protect rubber, vinyl etc products and they claim it cuts down UV damage which is probably the biggest problem.


Good point. I changed out the old ones and the decay is only on the outer surfaces. Inside they look OK. SPF60 sunscreen?

Re: Fork Boots

PostPosted: Mon Mar 21, 2016 8:35 pm
by EKHKHK56
Yes! Not just for the beach anymore. :) Probably their active ingredient mixed with something to make it cling or soak in.

Re: Fork Boots

PostPosted: Mon Mar 21, 2016 8:53 pm
by jOe
Zinc Oxide?? (ZnO). Mixed with Vasaline? I'll have to see what can hold ZnO in solution.