Where to buy intake boot clamps?

[blizzard]

Can anyone tell me where I can buy new air box and intake boot clamps other than OEM? I would like to replace the old and stretched out ones.
Thanks!
Bike 78-GS1000E
racer2@netins.net

[kparkfan]

I've searched every hardware store around me, but with no luck. I think oem is the only way.

[blizzard]

Yeah, I just took the time to look them up and I was sort of surprised they are only like $18 for all 8 clamps from Suzuki. It seems that the OEM stuff I expect to be pricey ends up being fairly reasonable. It is the parts that I think should be cheap that are expensive!
Thank you for the response and sorry to ask a stupid question without looking it up myself first!!

[kparkfan]

Hey man no problem. there are no stupid questions. I ask stuff like that all the time. I know what you mean about pricing on some things.

[smagnusen]

You know, I just bought a bag of stainless cable ties from H.F. to replace the over-sized hardware pipe-clamps I inherited on the intakes of my 550. I'm haven't tried them yet, but I think they might work well. They're permanant, meaning you'll have to cut them to remove them, but they're maybe 5 bucks for 25. My dealer had quoted a much higher price for the oem's, will have to look them up.

[crapwacker]

Pray tell, just where do you go to look up OEM old schwag like those?

[LarryA_Texas]

I use these guys all the time because I can save shipping by going to pick it up at the store. Internet prices are a lot less than if you order it in the store. You might find a place in your area that does the same thing:

http://www.yamahasuzukioftexas.com/

or

http://bikebandit.com/

[bwringer]

Your clamps didn't stretch -- the rubber on the intake boots shrank. Replace them.

The clamps do tend to get misshapen after a while, and are well worth replacing with new OEM when you replace the boots.

For parts, there are several online sources -- look in the "reviews" forum for a few never-ending discussions of the good guys and the bad guys. Also, look for the web site of your local Suzuki dealer. Many offer parts online at a significant discount, and most will allow you to pick up the parts in person and thus save on shipping.

[Baatfam]

I just got a set from flatoutmotorcycles for $18.32...(with a complete set of boots for another $38), for the 1100E...

But flatout is now...partshark.com and I haven't tried them yet.
It is suppose to be the same guy, Chris, handling the parts...

I just checked and partshark has raised the price a bit...four clamps are now $18.36...
Up $0.01 each...and the boots are up $0.07 each...

[MFerioli]

I have also noticed that my boot clamps screw all the way closed and have wondered how much sealing they are actually doing. These boots are probably original and I guess must have shrunk right? I can't imagine there would be enough stress on the clamps to stretch them. I guess I have to suck up the 30 dollars a piece for new boots.

I was thinking of flatening one of the tabs on the clamp, cutting it back, drilling a new hole and bending a new tab. This would allow the clamp to tighten more and it would be free! My boots are still plyable and don't have any holes that I can see.

I think it could work...no? I don't have a clamp infront of me right now.

[Nessism]

I have also noticed that my boot clamps screw all the way closed and have wondered how much sealing they are actually doing. These boots are probably original and I guess must have shrunk right? I can't imagine there would be enough stress on the clamps to stretch them. I guess I have to suck up the 30 dollars a piece for new boots.

I was thinking of flatening one of the tabs on the clamp, cutting it back, drilling a new hole and bending a new tab. This would allow the clamp to tighten more and it would be free! My boots are still plyable and don't have any holes that I can see.

I think it could work...no? I don't have a clamp infront of me right now.

The clamps tend to stretch, particularly if someone over tightens them, so getting new is worth while.

[MacGyver]

The large clamps on our 1983 GS550E twinned intakes were stretched to the max and I was quite certain they were not sealing as I could move them a bit. On a whim I tried a standard nylon zip tie and tightened it down as much as I could - to the snapping/stretching point actually. So far it seems to have worked as the idle is now stable, before it use to vary quite a bit while riding. I don't feel it is a permanent solution, but it has helped me eliminate a few variables until I can get some OEM clamps.

[Baatfam]

I guess I have to suck up the 30 dollars a piece for new boots.

Should be able to get them for a lot less than that...the 1100 boots are about $9-10 each on line...

[Nessism]

Should be able to get them for a lot less than that...the 1100 boots are about $9-10 each on line...

1100E boots are completely different than most other GS boots that have a metal insert and use an O-ring to seal. I recently paid $23 each for carb boots for my 1000 from Flat Out – cheapest source available.

[Baatfam]

1100E boots are completely different than most other GS boots that have a metal insert and use an O-ring to seal. I recently paid $23 each for carb boots for my 1000 from Flat Out – cheapest source available.

OK...thanks! Didn't know that...lovin' my 1100E more every day...