Try putting some silicone on them.Tyre shine or something. Wont get rid of the cracking but should soften them up a bit and stop them getting worse.Worked miracles on an old mx5 I used to have.Used to need wellies when it rained after cleaning all the door seals up and spraying them came up like new.Just dont get it on the paint as I believe if you want to respray it the paint wont stick.Just what someone with more knowledge than me said 👍🏼

The lower leg gaiters on my D5 are like this and they aren’t very old, perhaps 3 or 4 years.  Perhaps they were in storage for a long time even before I bought them, I don’t know why really. They still do the job though, and it’s only if you look really closely that you can see it.

Just remember my friend also had this exact same problem. He has a pair on now that are at least 9 months old and he will probably know where he got them as he keeps receipts. I will be seeing him (and his Bantam) at the weekend so I will try and find out more for you. 

Also, are they the correct gaiters for the B175. I believe they are different from the D14 and D10 ones, but don't quote me on that.

Gary.

Go to "product service reviews" before dealing with Bantam John. I'm not saying his stuff isn't any good, but many people on here have had difficult transactions with him.

Replacement parts are generally poor quality. This is mostly down to everyone wanting everything on the cheap for the last 50 years.......me included unfortunately. It is very difficult to find quality parts, and frankly I have given up looking. I just know that every time I order anything that there is a high chance that it will not fit, doesn't work, leaks or needs modifying to work. The spares issue is the same with all British bikes.

On a positive note, I bought a petrol tap plunger with cork recently and it worked immediately and looks and feels well made👍

Personally I would have accepted the offer of replacement gaitors and kept them in a dark place until needed. Not because I'm a tight git or a grabber, but because you were originally sold rubbish gaitors. I am still trying to find out where my friend got his latest pair. When I find out I'll let you know as they seem to be ok so far. Fitting new ones is not too bad if you follow the advice on here and put them on from the bottom.

Gary.

Have you tried  a bit of silicone?As I say it wont fix the cracks but it will certainly soften the rubber up and make them last longer.

This kind of stuff.Not necessarily turtle wax but just so you have an idea what I'm talking about.

Dont plaster it on just put some on a cloth and rub it in.

Bee175 said

A friend of mine uses ArmorAll. I think that is silicone based as well. 

He used it on my seat once. Big mistake. First time on the brakes and I slid up onto the fuel tank. An unpleasant experience. 

So my lesson from that was to never use anything slippery like silicon on seats or controls.  

Hahaha 🤣 nut buster!Should be ok on the gaiters though not like you're holding onto them 👍🏼

Alan has jogged my memory. I believe I bought mine from Lancashire Classic Bikes (LCB) about 4 years back and they are still good.

Coincidentally I was prodding them earlier today to see if they have started to degrade yet, but they haven't. 

I have never treated them with anything. I believe if you are lucky enough to get good quality items, that they will last anyway. 

Gary.