I'll never understand the fashion for unprotected damper rods on bikes that are intended to be used. While sorting through some old photographs today, I came across this picture of the mod that I did about 20 years ago.
The gaiters are cut down BSA Bantam front fork gaiters. Being PVC they last much longer than rubber boots, the solo still has those original ones and I have replaced the ones on the outfit once in that time.
Of course, any gaiter needs a drain/breather hole at the lowest point.

Paul.

Good point paul, it is that way it have turned out.... design before function.
Look at the forks, how exposed they are to stone chips.
No one like to drive around on a two wheeled accordion anymore.

Inge K.

Hi Paul,
You have inspired me to just get on and do it, I have been thinking about doing this for a couple of years on this bike. The fact you did it 20 years ago is even more incentive.
Regards,
K-BIKE

That is brilliant paul I did the same on my old Bonny's I also remember they used to sell them back in the 70's 80's I think it was peter furlong products who also made the fully enclosed chain cases.

BIG D

Every bike I have has gaiters on the front fork tubes. I don't dislike the appearance of gaiters. I suppose the rear damper rods are somewhat less exposed to damage, but protecting them too makes perfect sense to me. I thank you for the inspiration
Some may laugh, but we all like to personalize our bikes, no?

Very early on I had a front fork seal leak on the solo. I replaced the seal, fitted gaiters and 25 years later the fork tubes are perfect and no oil leaks. Nothing more to say really!
Paul.

On the rear unit, does the aluminium top screw onto the damper rod? john

Yes John, they are screwed and I think they are fitted with loctite so a bit of heat may be needed to get it undone.

I made a simple clamp to grip the damper rod, by drilling a 12mm hole in a piece of ally plate about 3"x2"x3/8", and then hacksawing the plate in half through the centre of the hole. The plate was then clamped in the vise to grip the damper rod.

Good luck,
Paul

Alternatives are shock socks or similar