softening up intake boots

[cutlass79500]

i know this sounds like a long shot .pulled off the intake boots on my gs 850 to replace the o rings boots are fine no cracks but they are harder then i would like is there anyway to soften them up a bit. the factory clmps dont tighten up all the way so im gonna replace them with band clamps .i have a few days to soak them or do anything i need to any suggestions would be appriciated thanks

[Tarbash 27]

A heater or a heat gun will do, just dont melt them

[Mr. Brown]

I've tried damn near everything. Boiled 'em, lubed 'em, and ended up getting new ones. I guess it depends on how old they are, but I know mine have stiffened substantially over the course of the year.

[bwringer]

Apply $$ with a Visa or Mastercard and buy new ones.

[Big T]

Apply $$ with a Visa or Mastercard and buy new ones.

There's definately a point where they just get TOO hard.

Buying new ones will save you hours of heartache, bad running and taking your carbs off multiple times. Then, if you waste all those hours, you'll have to buy new ones.

How much is your time worth? Follow BWringers advice.

[salty_monk]

I've heard that soaking them in the waterproofing solution sold for proofing tents works wonders.... never tried it.

I they are the same as the ones on the 1000G I have some that will work for you, 2 of them are pretty much like new, 2 of them have a hard spot but they seal ok etc.

Dan

[chef1366]

Just buy new ones.


Peer pressure.

[Larry D]

Not only do they get hard over time, but, they shrink too. Here's mine, old vs. new. +1 on getting new ones. It makes it much easier to install the carbs and airboxes.

[mf70]

What LarryD said. A bad seal makes for inconsistent (too lean) mixture. Replacing my horn boots made a HUGE difference in my 250's running.

[Clumzi]

Alright. I'm realizing I have little choice with this as well. So since we've all agree on getting new boots, where is a good place to purchase these things online? As an add on (and to hijack the thread ), where is a good place to buy things like brake pads and common things? Is there a good site for most stuff? -nick

[Larry D]

Alright. I'm realizing I have little choice with this as well. So since we've all agree on getting new boots, where is a good place to purchase these things online? As an add on (and to hijack the thread ), where is a good place to buy things like brake pads and common things? Is there a good site for most stuff? -nick

Don't fret....it only hurts the wallet a little. May want to get new boot clamps too, if yours are bent up at all. It's one of those "might as well" purchases.

Brake pads are commonly found on ebay. I get most of my things from BikeBandit. Really, I look around at a bunch of different parts sites and see who's the least expensive including shipping. They just seem to be as good as any other.

[Big T]

Check the Links page

Bikebandit, Z1 Enterprises, Dennis kirk, etc

[cutlass79500]

update

soaked the boots in hot soapy water much more pliable. the unfortunate part is i ordered the orings for the carb and intake from mrroberts orings on here two of the intake orings were wrong so hopefully i can find a suzuki dealership around with them tomorrow and pick up some allen head bolts for the intakes

[Larry D]

soaked the boots in hot soapy water much more pliable. the unfortunate part is i ordered the orings for the carb and intake from mrroberts orings on here two of the intake orings were wrong so hopefully i can find a suzuki dealership around with them tomorrow and pick up some allen head bolts for the intakes

I'm sure if you pm him, he would happily exchange them for the correct ones.

The allen head bolts may be found at a Ace Hardware or other mom and pop type hardware store. The larger national stores, Lowes, Home Depot, etc, don't seem to carry metric socket heads.

If you can't find them anywhere go to McMaster-Carr, they'll have 'em. Great service and very quick delivery.

[cutlass79500]

I'm sure if you pm him, he would happily exchange them for the correct ones.

The allen head bolts may be found at a Ace Hardware or other mom and pop type hardware store. The larger national stores, Lowes, Home Depot, etc, don't seem to carry metric socket heads.

If you can't find them anywhere go to McMaster-Carr, they'll have 'em. Great service and very quick delivery.

thanks guy im lucky with allen bolts my lowes store has them they have a big selection . i wrote him yesterday he never returned my email he might not be in town or not at his shop im not sure you can see how close they are