Money to be made? Pattern parts.

[forchetto]

We're all aware of how ridiculously high priced Japanese spares are. I believe this is part of the grand plan of "planned obsolescence" foisted on us by the Japs, but invented in the USA as far back as the 1920's... The other is the constant change of models and all their components so that no two bikes share bits. This way you exhaust the patience and pockets of owners and dealers and sell the punter a new bike. Less hassle, yeah?. Sod the Earths resources...plenty more where that came from.

The sample prices in the list below explain how out of the millions sold you'll see precious few Jap bikes older than 5 years about. The spares prices condemn them to an early grave in a breakers yard or back of the garage. They're simply not worth repairing if more than a few components need replacing. I think this stinks and it's not ethical. In these eco-aware days, the Chinese could usefully use statistics like these to encourage their sales. They could claim that although their bikes might not be as good or as long lasting as their Jap equivalents, they could be rebuilt cheaply forever...

The Americans have a perfect example of sustainability in their Harley Davidsons: The design dates back to the dawn of motorcycling, yet it's widely and universally copied by other makers. The bikes tour well, are light on chains, gas and tyres and the simple mechanics and availability of spares means they can be kept running till doomsday. There's no instant obsolescence with Harleys...

Remember British bikes and their "common parts"?. You could fit a 1960's BSA twistgrip to an 1949 AJS if you wanted. You could even make your own bike using bits from various manufacturers and from the accessory and aftermarket makers. Remember the TRITONS?. Home made superbikes using Norton frames and Triumph engines and all manner of off-the-shelf bits.

Having an hour to spare I searched parts prices for some Jap bikes. For example a CDI unit for my Yamaha costs $827...! After picking myself off the floor I decided to compare prices of Chinese bike spares with a similar Jap bike. I chose the obvious: My Qingqi QM200 v Suzuki DR200 as they're very similar. They do share lots of components. With the exception of the exhaust system, the components I chose look exactly the same in the parts books of both makes.

Here's a few examples:

Rectifier-regulator: Suzuki $158 Qingqi $24
Starter relay: Suzuki $71 Qingqi $11
Ignition coil: Suzuki $71 Qingqi $23
CDI unit: Suzuki $351 Qingqi $45
Exhaust complete: Suzuki $405 Qingqi $172
Rear shock absorber: Suzuki $761 Qingqi $103

This last item is utterly ridiculous. I'm sure the original Suzuki shocker can't be 7 times better than the one supplied by Qingqi. Even if it was, I can buy 7 Qingqi shockers and pocket another $40 in change...Same with the exhaust system. There's nothing wrong with the Chinese one. It's very well engineered and made from a heavy gauge steel, beautifully welded. It should last as long or longer than the Suzuki masterpiece.

Similar ludicrous differences apply to mechanical parts, pistons, cylinders, chassis, wheels, etc.

To prove that some of these components are probably the same, here's an example: I ordered a genuine Suzuki DR200 foam air filter in the belief that it would be far better quality. On receipt I compared it with the Qingqi's and...exactly the same item. Same material, construction, etc. Curiously the price difference between the genuine Suzuki one and the Chinese filter was only $4.40.

Someone with business sense, and preferably already in the trade, so that bikes and their details could be compared and components even tried out, could see that with some research and finding out which Chinese machines share components with Jap bikes, could establish a business supplying Chinese spares as pattern parts for Jap bikes. I am sure the items above would work just as well on a Suzuki.

Just a thought... I'll sober up in a minute and realise this is all twaddle...there must be a catch somewhere.