How to Put on Motorcycle Fork Boots by Cutting/Gluing NO REMOVING ANY PARTS - Rebel 500

Alright fellow bikers, this is the quickest/laziest way to put on fork boots on your bike. The alternative to this is taking off your wheels, forks, etc, and sliding them over it. This obviously is much easier, I probably wouldn't recommend this for heavy applications like dirt bike riders, etc, I believe this is going to last a long time on just street riding.
Here are the list/links for all the materials. The total cost was only $40. Sorry if the links become dead! But I have pictures in the video of everything I bought, so just look for similar stuff.
I did this on my Rebel 500, Rebel CMX 300, Honda Rebel 500.
Rubber Boots - www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01...
Rubber Cement -
www.amazon.com/Slime-1050-Rub...
Gorilla Glue Gel -
www.amazon.com/Gorilla-Super-...

[@bobo0o522]

The motorcycling world is full of making it work with what you have. Tons of people hold their bikes together with zip ties and hope. A simple little fork boot is not the end of the world like some people make it seem. Thanks for the video!

[@teamhwoarang]

Definitely didn’t feel like ripping my bike apart and misaligning the forks, great idea to just cut ✂️ and glue like a pro💡

[@omarmorales9523]

Almost impossible to misalign your forks if you mount your front fender while fork bolts are semi loose but on. The fender holds the forks together as a vice in a way that'll keep them aligned 🫡💯

[@shugyoforyou211]

⁠@@omarmorales9523 All that stuff you said right there is exactly why I'm just going to cut and glue 😂

[@youngcam000]

@@shugyoforyou211 Lul do you know how easy it is to do. It took me less than twenty minutes my first time, while looking at a manual.

[@vscolkitt]

I like your idea as long as the splice job stays hidden, (doesn’t move) and they don’t come unglued. Your the only one who knows about the glued rubber seams so as long as you can live with that knowledge, who else would even care? Cheap scissor jack…$75 and cheap torque wrench $25 (Amazon) so I agree spending an extra $100 to install a $10 part doesn’t seem practical. They look just as good! Add time for watching KZbin videos … on installing the gators “the correct way” and more videos on realigning your forks and tires, and you’ll probably have a 3 hour install ! Your correct! This may be “the lazy man’s way” or like most of us, just don’t have a lot of spare time in our day! I’ve ordered two sets of fork gators for my Rebel 500 (and my sons). Since the gators are only a $10 item, I might try my wife’s “pinking shears” (which will give it a zigzag cut). It may “lock” the seam better when glueing? (Or put a zig zag cut on each “ring” with a hobby knife (looks like a scalpel). Maybe spray the outsides with a can of Flex Seal to cover the seams? Anyhow, thank you for the idea! I’d rather ride my bike than work on it!

[@head69420]

Thank you very much for this informational video. I was actually able to make my ride a super flaming blazer that I took me and my wife on a joy ride on. The fork boots definitely helped with this tutorial, thank you.

[@SinCityVBall]

Flame on bro

[@StiglerPanther]

Awesome video my brother! Stay safe and have fun.

[@run-aliens]

I did this but I think I could have stopped at just using the glue, I also Black spray painted over the sealed glue once it dried to cover up the glue as it drys white, it looks good and has not come apart, the glue takes overnight to dry, it took me 4 days to do as I glued the middle of the boots, waited a day to dry, then the tops & bottom, another day drying, then the rubber cement, also another day to dry then spray painted the joins black, so 4 days all up. Very happy with the end result, cheers for the vid 👍

[@maverickarian]

Wow man you went way far and beyond. Great idea, ill try that.

[@maverickarian]

Thanks for posting this, i thought about this but not gluing together. Growing up i had a BMX with a fake shock which was covered with plastic cover split and wrapped around it, was just going to cut wrap shock and twist to hide the cut. Lol

[@Audace1400]

Looks great 👍. I was thinking of doing this myself.

[@BigBrownie96]

I was just thinking about this, cutting instead pulling all the stuff off. Thanks you helped a lot. Instead of paint I’ll spray a bit of plexidip and that might be better on glue since it’s rubber

[@SinCityVBall]

That's a good idea, good luck!

[@Velktron]

There are split rubber car CV joint boots that are designed to be installed like this, so the idea is not bad per-se. For a generic fork boot, you'd need to start with a larger diameter or pre-glue a rubber extension "lip" along the cut, internally or externally.

[@aaronkoch100]

I watched your video and just did this for my sportster today. I only used gel glue tho. Turned out decent enough and with the seam in the back side you don't even notice it.

[@fifthdimension326]

I salute your method. One guy said do it right, I cracked up. Jack to lift motorcycle up $$$ + rear wheel stabilizer $$$ + remove front tire, he never specified torque ftlbs. (We all know the magic number in our crystal ball, if no manual is available) Then the dude says its only 4 bolts, (Yes I know where they are at but again, who has the crystal ball for location size and ftlbs) so I salute you for doing it this way. Theother guy would still be bolting crap back on while your done enjoying a frosty brew.

[@VeritasEtAequitas]

You can do all of this with any kind of jack your car already comes with if you're not stupid. Rod bearings are super cheap too, but they're a actually a lot of labor to do right, unlike these. Crystal ball? LOL, you can literally just google everything or get a manual. It's literally right there at your fingertips, and you think it's some "crystal ball" unknowable, esoteric knowledge? You can usually find free PDFs of them too. This completely defeats the purpose of having them. He even cut off the ties... what an idiot. No wonder it's ratio'd.

[@aguscmzz]

This is the most logical idea to do this, I think. Disassemble half motorcycle ... is not an option for me :D

[@kevinedwards4223]

Great video I’ve been doing this for awhile on few bikes .. some one needs invent some snap on split Gator fork boots .. great job

[@stefanholm1373]

They do exist. Kijima EZ on fork gaiters.

[@monxstiglitz08]

@@stefanholm1373 They are so expenssive for a fork boots. They are around 90€ here in Finland 😢

[@alia235]

T7000 adhesive is black and is good for gluing rubber. Worth a shot😊

[@Dragoninja833]

I hope you got an aftermarket LED headlamp in there. After you put on the black vinyl rap all I can think is how dope it would look with a modern light. (and maybe some new blinkers)

[@Shubh.Kale95]

Thanxxx brother u r only one Which is tell us how to install without opening tyre and shockups. It's very helpful to me ♥️

[@dat1phoenix173]

This worked for me :)

[@GurupreetSingh07]

Hey was just wondering.. What section tyres are on your bike, they look amazing

[@truckandtea]

Do you know what diameter is the boot I’m trying to buy on eBay there are deferent sizes

[@Mieziy]

Hello! Great video. I unfortunately had an accident and am changing the front forks. Maybe you know? Will the forks from the 2022 model fit the 2018? (CMX500). Thank you

[@theashehousehold2717]

Love it! Thank haha 😄

[@artieshell9205]

What does the rubber cement do on the last step ?

[@private_Angus]

Hi, thanks for the great idea. In the afrer shot, the metals next to the headlight are also matt black, how did you accomplish that? Thanks a lot for your help!

[@SinCityVBall]

Regular sticker black vinyl that I bought on Amazon. I just cut it to size and wrapped it, super easy

[@niionne6661]

Don't forget to put glue in the fork sealer 😂

[@SinCityVBall]

I drenched it, I want a stiffer ride. Good suggestion

[@s8ml5e]

thanks for the video! have the fork boots held up okay so far? Also, how did you black out the upper part of the forks?

[@SinCityVBall]

No problem. It seems to be holding up well, if it ever comes apart or doesn't want to stick together, I can always reglue it very easily. I used Permanent Vinyl and used a straight edge to cut it to size. It was pretty hard, much harder then doing the fork boots... www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01NC0XTPV/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o05_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

[@SinCityVBall]

@ARTIFACTS K

[@eb_reviews]

Great idea!

[@RAvlogs007]

@@SinCityVBall hey great video. Do you remember the exact measurements of the black vinyl. Thanks.

[@SinCityVBall]

@@RAvlogs007 I don’t, most vinyl comes in 12 inch rolls, and just get about 5 feet long. Then cut it down to size.

[@TheLatinlover9574]

Great idea

[@marcogonzalez3736]

Thank you for posting this. How did you paint the upper portion of the fork from chrome to black?

[@SinCityVBall]

Wrapped with vinyl 👍🏼

[@ec9156]

Easy install, still works and looks great to me. Taking the forks apart is nonsense.

[@whichgodofthousandsmeansno5306]

Agree. Since I only want it for looks on my street cruiser bobber this idea is great because I am a bit lazy lol. But I am going to try black silicone instead of glue to hide the cut better and maybe it will seal the cut seam well.

[@PotatoeJoe69]

@@whichgodofthousandsmeansno5306 It's not even about being lazy really. The amount of work and time it requires to take the forks off, as well as having the necessary tools to do it, well, it's just not something most people want to mess with for a piece of rubber that is just for looks. I'm a mechanic, and on my own bike, I didn't even bother taking the forks off. It's just an unnecessary PITA and very time consuming just for fork gaiters, so I used the cut it, glue and zip tie method.

[@speedrover]

A better adhesive might be: 3M Black Super Weatherstrip and gasket adhesive. It works much like contact cement.

[@h1a2m3z4a5]

So do these not pop open after it compresses and stuff? How long has it held up for you?

[@VeritasEtAequitas]

It's junk. Do it right.

[@SinCityVBall]

2 years, still good

[@whichgodofthousandsmeansno5306]

I thought of doing this too because I am lazy and impatient. And it seems to work but I am going to try to cut it really nice with a sharp razor and use black silicone to glue the seam back. That might hide the cut really well and actually keep it sealed too. Thanks for the tips.

[@lechefski]

What does the rubber cement do when you already have the super glue on?

[@Voltomess]

exactly what's the point?

[@artieshell9205]

🤷🏼‍♂️

[@leonidjoseph5483]

Fill off any micro holes???

[@christopherocasio87]

I Wouldn’t mind rigging the fork boots if it wasn’t for the Plate Covers. For me, I just gotta have both.

[@flattire4243]

Are these boots/gaiters really even needed?🧐 I feel like I should mention I have a dual sport and will probably be doing mostly highway and street riding.

[@toben42]

If you zip tie it tight, it shouldn't move the cut to the front.

[@gr8bart1]

Wait how did you make the rest of the forks black and the handlebars black??? In the before and after Picture!!

[@SinCityVBall]

Black vinyl wrap

[@alexlaws28]

I did it too, then i used a black restorer for trim/rubber and it looks like new.. The glue doesnt appear at all!

[@pgansz]

Exactly. Gaiters are a $15 part and people tear apart the bike to fit them. Questionable decision doing all that work if you're not a mechanic with proper tools.

[@VeritasEtAequitas]

Questionable to do these completely wrong and defeat the purpose of having them. You don't need to be mechanic to work a few bolts, lol.

[@miahomalley7429]

How do you figure these won't accomplish the purpose of having them, which is to keep dirt and debris out of the fork tubes @@VeritasEtAequitas

[@pepealonso7846]

So did it broke or still in place?

[@SinCityVBall]

What you think. Of course it’s still in place.

[@Voltomess]

@@SinCityVBall is it still in place today in 2022?

[@claudiorojas6764]

How did it held up after 3 years? Great video thanks

[@T-lm5um]

Both flew off on motorway

[@sawyerramos3113]

i like it. I dont think its lazy. I, for one, do not want to take off the forks and do all that work...

[@mtp04987]

This is great! Thank you . love the car. What is it? 🤘🏽

[@SinCityVBall]

It’s a motorcycle, rebel 500

[@carlosarevalo6868]

Did it stay together in the sun?

[@SinCityVBall]

Yep, it’s good still

[@Vorulon]

Slim Shady

[@raisehellpraisedale6016]

So did you use rubber cement or gorilla glue?

[@SinCityVBall]

Both, gorilla glue first, then put rubber cement over it as a double protection.

[@raisehellpraisedale6016]

@@SinCityVBall thanks!

[@motorsonny]

So did it hold in hot weather and after driving X km ?

[@SinCityVBall]

I’m in Vegas and it’s fine

[@Etienne_Diecast]

Still holding up in 2022?

[@SinCityVBall]

Yep, still good

[@kieron1966]

why did'nt you just cut down the seam??

[@vrekenstein1451]

Still holding up?

[@SinCityVBall]

Yep, still on there, hasn’t deteriorated at all.

[@usafreedom7967]

It's really not that big a deal to slide out the forks and put these on. Don't know how long that seam will hold up. I wouldn't do it that way myself. But if you like it on your bike that's ok.

[@SinCityVBall]

2 years, no issues still. But thanks for the advice.

[@usafreedom7967]

That's good to hear, might last longer than I think, looks good. Like old school and it does protect seals better

[@calimilk1113]

Bro looks so much better with them off!!!!

[@omega6599]

These things will squeeze a thousand times during rides, the glue won't last.

[@SinCityVBall]

Haven’t fell apart yet, thanks for the constructive comment though.

[@omega6599]

@@SinCityVBall my pleasure, just be keep an eye on them if you're actually using the bike for riding rather than for showing! And have fun!

[@mattycrebo]

Preposterous

[@Gertrude180]

Do it right or don’t do it at all. It only takes 30 minutes to slide the tubes out

[@SinCityVBall]

Only 30 minutes? Nice man

[@guhanathana5308]

If we slide the tube won’t be problem for alignment

[@Gertrude180]

GUHANATHAN A have a look on utube “ How to Align motorcycle fork tubes” it doesn’t take long and is very easy. Hope this helps

[@mendellucero]

no it doesn't take just 30 minutes

[@saschaflorin4190]

why not remove the fork, put them on and reinstall the fork?

[@SinCityVBall]

Because the point of this video is to not do exactly what you just said.

[@andriusvirbickas]

Because not everyone likes to do a proper job I guess.....

[@whichgodofthousandsmeansno5306]

@@andriusvirbickas Or they just don't feel confident to remove the wheel and forks, may not have the right tools and stands and jack etc. Or lazy. However if I were to do it that quick lazy way I would have used black silicone and done a much neater cut and reglue job so it would have been almost impossible to tell it was cut on a seam.

[@sparklysparks77]

@@whichgodofthousandsmeansno5306 Exactly, black silicone and dark plastic belts to keep the boots in place.

[@adrenalinejunkie9428]

@@andriusvirbickas Proper Job, Huh. If it is improper but it works its not improper

[@hokeypokey4464]

いや、フォークはずせよ

[@latishajackson9118]

It defeats the purpose though dude

[@hotrod1015]

Whats the purpose?

[@SinCityVBall]

And what purpose is that. Please enlighten me...

[@latishajackson9118]

@@SinCityVBall I was just messing with you lol did it to my bike to 😂👍

[@SinCityVBall]

@@latishajackson9118 You’re ok in my books

[@latishajackson9118]

@@SinCityVBall k😄

[@HoustonT17]

🤣

[@manuelvillaverde4703]

I’ve tried it. Its easier, sure, but it doesnt work. It always opens up with the motion of the bike. Just make it the right way once, its not that diffucult

[@SinCityVBall]

Still good on mine…

[@ImZene]

Nooooo. Lmao

[@SinCityVBall]

Yaaasssss. Lmao

[@sk8teurboy68]

gypsy method...

[@TysonJeffries808]

Is this a joke?

[@SinCityVBall]

No

[@philthyone1977]

Horrible and funny at the same time!

[@yardenl1998]

what the heck man... you completely ruined it. Just put it properly and take everything off. You'll also learn how to dismantle and re-assemble your bike as a bonus! Get familiar with it and do things right :)

[@SinCityVBall]

Hmmm.... no

[@niionne6661]

@@SinCityVBall hmmmm ... lol

[@sparklysparks77]

Dismantling and reassembling a motorcycle is not for beginners. I may have a mechanic inspect and lube my bike's front end and simply ask him to install the boots. $30 USD job where I live. Otherwise I am trying the hack.

[@luxuriousforce]

Oh grrrrl no!

[@GregoryHouseMD1]

HACK JOB!! -

[@robkule424]

bro just remove the front wheel lol

[@SinCityVBall]

Why? It’s still on there over a year later, like why tf should I remove the front wheel

[@robkule424]

@@SinCityVBall hack job

[@sk8r4life92188]

Car jack and a scrap 2x4 make a perfect center stand. A couple bolts and this could have been installed properly. Do not ride motorcycle if you dont understand how to use a wrench.

[@mtp04987]

I understand how to use a wrench and I think this is great. It works and looks good. Why do it the hard way?

[@SinCityVBall]

I bet you know how to fix every single thing in your life, or else you shouldnt be using it

[@user-ck5ve4gl6s]

"Do not ride motorcycle if you dont understand how to use a wrench". Complete non-sense, and utterly pretentious and patronizing statement.

[@bobbybudnik7713]

You have a nice garage, invest in some tools, do the job right.

[@SinCityVBall]

Standard 2 car residential garage, I’m broke, can’t afford tools, janky way ftw

[@jakeR1954rr]

Looks like trash sorry

[@SinCityVBall]

You look like trash.

[@iamjimb]

@@SinCityVBall hahahahaha it looks

[@porter5877]

Why? Why wouldn't you be a man and drop the forks out? Seriously don't do it this way do it properly and learn how to look after for bike, mantaince wise...

[@SinCityVBall]

Damn bro you sound so manly, wish I could be like you.

[@tedmarakas2626]

This is hilarious. Too bad it doesn't work.

[@SinCityVBall]

It’s literally still on my bike working just fine. Thanks for your amazing comment though.

[@gardenaish]

In the time it took you to do the job wrong, you could have done it properly. Why he lazy, and then make a how to be lazy video?

[@SinCityVBall]

To help other lazy people, clearly you aren’t lazy, so move along

[@WaterDR-tw8re]

Why didn't you cut along your seam????

[@garysmith7832]

Boots look ugly