The fitting instructions for Bonneville fork gaiters ( A9638018 ) state : "Slide the bottom of the gaiter into position over the outer fork tube ensuring that the vent holes in the gaiter face towards the outside of the motorcycle." Does anyone know why the vent holes should face to the outside? I would have thought it would be better for preventing any ingress of moisture or dirt if the holes faced the rear or the inside? Thanks for any replies.
I would have the holes facing backwards. Seems logical to do so. But hey, what do I know? Well ... I know it seems logical to have the holes facing backwards.
Have to concur in that, facing backwards so no rain forced in and also presumably be at lowest point to allow them to drain, if required.
Face towards the motorcycle, as in towards the rear as opposed to away from ie facing forwards. Makes sense to me on this occasion but on a different day maybe not!
I followed the official Triumph fork gaiter fitting instructions which as you stated said holes to the outside, which I did. Couldnt quite understand the reasoning for it but with it being so specific an instruction I complied. Still much improved on the plastic stone guards.
It looks like I will give an answer to my original question. Looking at many new Bonnevilles at the Munich Motorcycle show - all the vent holes faced inwards, in other words - towards the other fork leg. So I think the Triumph fitting instructions are incorrect. To me, inwards is the best direction. The rear of the fork leg might be in a low pressure area at high speeds? & If the holes are at the back maybe moisture or dirt could could get sucked in? Or am I getting a bit scientific ?
Sounds like using a bit of common sense is going to be best. I am going to turn mine inwards as your observations from the show suggest. Thanks for the feedback.