1981 GS450EX slowly going were everyone has gone before

[Guest]

NO I am not making this a full out cafe racer

Link to My 1981 GS450EX updated pics

Need to find some of the black NOS or OEM mirros... been tough finding real ones. Taking the covers off for a repair and going to give them the brushed aluminum look next weekend. Also painting the clutch and front brake handles.

Should I put full fork boots/gators/gaiters, whatever you want to call them, on?

Yes, that is an "L" chain cover...that cheap plastic one breaks with the chain being the slightest bit loose.

[Gorminrider]

Nice!.... I like the gaiters on mine. keeps abrasive beetle and bug chiton bits from getting at seals is my theory...and the original "Dust wipers" are likely worn so gaiters seem a better way....You have to pull them down to check for a wearing seal occassionally (or up, but mine are pull-tied onto lowers) and they are harder to clean with soap and water...but the stuff you are cleaning off would have been on the all-important chrome stanchions without them so..