Fork Boots (Gaiters) | Honda CB450 / CL450 / CB550 / CL350

Description

Fork Boots (Gaiters) | Honda CB450 / CL450 / CB500K / CB550

The accordion rubber boots over your fork tubes are one of the first things to crack and fall apart on a fifty-year-old Honda. Once they’re gone, road grit blasts the fork tubes and works its way into the fork seals. These reproduction gaiters cover the tubes back up and finish off the front end.

Why You Need This

The gaiters seal the gap between the lower fork slider and the triple tree, keeping dirt off the exposed fork tube and away from the fork seal. Worn or torn boots let grit reach the chrome and the seal, which leads to scored tubes and leaking forks. A fresh pair protects the tubes and makes the front end look right again.

These are a close reproduction of the originals. Honda used several fork styles across these models, so the gaiters are a close match, not an exact factory part.

Specifications

Spec	Detail
Replaces OEM Part	51611-300-000
Fits Models	CB450 K3–K7 (1970–1974), CL450 K5–K6 (1972–1974), CB500K (1971–1973), CB550K (1974–1978), CB550F (1975–1977)
Fork Tube Diameter	35 mm
Sold As	Sold in pairs (one set per bike)

Model-Specific Notes

• Early CB450 / CL450 (K0–K2): These run a different external-spring fork. The fitment above starts at the K3 internal-spring fork — if you have an early external-spring front end, contact us before ordering.
• CB350G / CL350: These use a smaller 33 mm fork, so this 35 mm gaiter fits only as a close, slightly loose substitute. For an exact fit, use the 33 mm fork dust boots made for the CB350 / CB360.

Installation

Difficulty: Beginner

Tools needed: None for the boots alone; basic fork tools if you’re doing the seals at the same time

1. The flat end of the gaiter goes down onto the fork leg, and the other end attaches up at the lower headlight bracket.
2. The easiest time to fit new gaiters is during a fork rebuild, when the forks are apart. If you’re in there, replace the fork seals too.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many do I need?

They’re sold in pairs, so one order covers both fork legs.

Will these fit my CB350 or CL350?

They’ll fit as a close substitute, but those bikes use a smaller 33 mm fork, so the gaiter’s inner diameter runs a little larger than an exact match. For a precise fit, use the 33 mm fork dust boots made for the CB350 / CB360.

Are these an exact OEM part?

They’re a close reproduction. Honda used several fork styles across these models, so the gaiters match closely but aren’t a factory-exact part.

When should I replace them?

Whenever they’re torn, split, or missing, and it’s easiest to do during a fork rebuild while the forks are apart.

You Might Also Need

• Fork Seals (EZ Install) — do the seals while the forks are apart
• Maxima Fork Oil — fresh oil for the rebuild
• Low-Profile Fork Dust Boots — the slimmer alternative if you’d rather show off the fork chrome

Last updated: June 2026