Rear Axle/Swingarm Gaiter(Boot)

[Oilhead]

I just noticed that the larger clamp(the front one) is missing.

Is this something I have to go to the dealer for or can I get it at any hardware store or auto parts store? If so, what size do I look for?

It doesn't look like it has been missing for too long as the gaiter(boot) was still fully over the swingarm, but should I be concerned if anything got inside?

The design is so that it would be almost impossible for the back one to come off but it's quite easy for the front one to work loose. It wouldn't hurt to take a quick peek at yours if you haven't lately.

[The Velvet Monkey]

I use a nice long zip tie to secure mine and it works well.

Probably nothing got inside but if you want feel free to pull back the boot-- it's flexible--and take a peek.
You won't hurt anything.

If anyone knows the source of a stainless adjustable band I like to know it.

[Oilhead]

I use a nice long zip tie to secure mine and it works well.

Probably nothing got inside but if you want feel free to pull back the boot-- it's flexible--and take a peek.
You won't hurt anything.

If anyone knows the source of a stainless adjustable band I like to know it.

Thanks VM! Yeah I peeled it back and it looked pretty clean inside.

When u say you use a zip tie, are you saying your original clamp is gone too?

Yes if anyone knows of a good source please let us know.

[CycleRob]

It's a pretty long Ziptie. I used two 12" ones in series together, hiding the Ziptie's latch ends on the upper and lower inside portions.

Yes, those SS clamps would look pretty cool, but I do NOT recommend using them! Unlike plastic Zipties, their ability to be installed really really tight, their sharper band edges and the heavier mass makes them more likely to cut thru the expen$ive boot. Plus, the new boot requires the rear FD assembly be removed to install it.

BMW may have used them on the AirHeads, but that was before plastic Zipties were invented. Also, anyone talented enough to take off the swingarm or FD on later models either knew how tight the clamps should go, or paid the price later on. The black plastic Zipties are much friendlier as they hold the boot in place without being too tight and they blend in cosmetically.

[Oilhead]

It's a pretty long Ziptie. I used two 12" ones in series together, hiding the Ziptie's latch ends on the upper and lower inside portions.

Yes, those SS clamps would look pretty cool, but I do NOT recommend using them! Unlike plastic Zipties, their ability to be installed really really tight, their sharper band edges and the heavier mass makes them more likely to cut thru the expen$ive boot. Plus, the new boot requires the rear FD assembly be removed to install it.

BMW may have used them on the AirHeads, but that was before plastic Zipties were invented. Also, anyone talented enough to take off the swingarm or FD on later models either knew how tight the clamps should go, or paid the price later on. The black plastic Zipties are much friendlier as they hold the boot in place without being too tight and they blend in cosmetically.

I agree with you now that I think about it. The zip ties are much easier on the rubber boot(gaiter) and it definitely will blend in better cosmetically.

I measured before I went to work and the width is about 1/4" and the circumference is about 16". The choice of zipties are 11.5" and 7.5". So I think I'm going to use a combo of those two.....or should I use two 11.5"?

[jas]

I discovered that my zipties (front and back) had fallen off while on a ride away from home. Luckily I had a few 15" ties in my travel kit, so I just connected two together for the forward one and left it at that. They have held for the last 7K miles without a problem.

A friend replaced his with SS bands which looked great and worked well until they dug there way through the boot! Don't use them.

[Oilhead]

I used two 11.5" zip ties connected together, cut off the excess and all is well.

I peeled back the boot and cleaned the inside but it was basically spotless to begin with, to my relief.

But it sounds like this thing falls off quite often.

[boxermania]

The R259 albeit not that bad, reminds me of the old British cars, hot inside, motor ran hot, wire wheel spnes would come loose, the only telltale sign would be the squeeaks of the hub at low speeds, had Lucas electrics which depending on the day of the week and the time of day would decde if to work or not, would ping, really ping on normal acceleration on everything but American "white gas".

When I rode them, as they were my passion, I made sure to carry water, fuses, oil and plenty of change so if I was stranded I could call my brother to come get me, yes, we didn't have cell phones then, which didn't make him too happy after repeated events

Talk about an exciting ride.......those were the times. Gosh, I'm an old geezer!!!!!

[Oilhead]

The R259 albeit not that bad, reminds me of the old British cars, hot inside, motor ran hot, wire wheel spnes would come loose, the only telltale sign would be the squeeaks of the hub at low speeds, had Lucas electrics which depending on the day of the week and the time of day would decde if to work or not, would ping, really ping on normal acceleration on everything but American "white gas".

When I rode them, as they were my passion, I made sure to carry water, fuses, oil and plenty of change so if I was stranded I could call my brother to come get me, yes, we didn't have cell phones then, which didn't make him too happy after repeated events

Talk about an exciting ride.......those were the times. Gosh, I'm an old geezer!!!!!

LMAO! Ahhhh the prince of darkness.

My favorite Lucas story is the one about the faulty regulator on almost a whole run of a Triumph bikes one year. Lucas shipped a run of defective regulators that would keep charging the battery. Then the battery actually exploded and dumped battery acid all over the poor customer and his brand new bike. Triumph spent that summer doing warranty work replacing the regulator, wiring, battery, and repainting the gas tank damaged by the acid.