Interesting Items on Alibaba

Shocks. They have black ones too...

https://m.alibaba.com/product/1600321023667/Motorcycle-Rear-suspension-shock-absorber-420mm.html

Drive Belt. Minimum order 2, but I think you can order a sample for about $40 plus $20 + Shipping.

https://m.alibaba.com/product/62446550660/Motorcycle-Transmission-Belt-for-Honda-motorcycle.html

$30 shipped for the elusive chrome muffler guard and end cap at AliExpress.

https://m.aliexpress.com/item/32824904394.html

Haven't tried ordering from them, but they do seem mostly legit.

I would have no worries about the exhaust shield because what can go wrong? But bits like the shocks or belt, which keep body and soul together, I couldn't trust being up to the task at that price point.
I know China has some of the best manufacturing in the world and lots of experience building everything for everyone to whatever standards they ask for, but they can also produce some absolute rubbish where the only specification is price.

steve_h80 wrote:

I would have no worries about the exhaust shield because what can go wrong? But bits like the shocks or belt, which keep body and soul together, I couldn't trust being up to the task at that price point.
I know China has some of the best manufacturing in the world and lots of experience building everything for everyone to whatever standards they ask for, but they can also produce some absolute rubbish where the only specification is price.

The old adage applies, "you get what you pay for" comes to mind. But yes, I noticed it because of the exhaust shield, which is north of $150 us.

The thing is, it's easy to make "pictures" of parts look as good as OEM. Real life experience should tell me different. I may order the shield just to check it out. Besides, I actually need one.

I need one too. Would like to know how you get on if you go ahead in buying one.

I've always thought that Alibaba were a trusted organisation but my suspicious nature makes me cautious. "If it looks too good to be true, it probably is"....mostly, but not always

Got this disclaimer on the SWing muffler guard.

Decoration
Product Name: Motorcycle chrome muffler cover
Material: ABS plastic
Applicable models: For Honda SLIVERWING600/400/GT SLIVERWING
100% brand new
Country of manufacture: China
Note: Due to the limited manufacturing process, it is impossible to achieve ultra-high-end technology. The surface or edge details of the product cannot be avoided. There may be slight flaws, and the product cannot be 100% absolutely perfect! Perfectionists please be careful to buy! We don't want to open a dispute with this excuse! Please understand!

So I got a muffler shield for the Reflex and a pair of grips for the SWing. $30 for everything. I'll let ya'll know how it goes.

The chromed plastic muffler cover is $72 plus tax and shipping (About $88 USD total) on Partzilla. The SWing cover with the end piece is $146 USD plus tax and shipping.

These covers seem to be one of the most easily damaged parts. When I was troubleshooting my Reflex fuel delivery problem, I inadvertently overheated it and melted the mounts on the muffler cover.

Oh well... It was scratched anyway.

TheDude wrote:

(Snip) These covers seem to be one of the most easily damaged parts. When I was troubleshooting my Reflex fuel delivery problem, I inadvertently overheated it and melted the mounts on the muffler cover. :

How did you manage, what did you do, to overheat the Reflex muffler so much that it resulted in melted shield mounts?

Cosmic_Jumper wrote:

TheDude wrote:

(Snip) These covers seem to be one of the most easily damaged parts. When I was troubleshooting my Reflex fuel delivery problem, I inadvertently overheated it and melted the mounts on the muffler cover. :

How did you manage, what did you do, to overheat the Reflex muffler so much that it resulted in melted shield mounts?

I was keeping the rpm's too high (to keep it running) while on the center stand for the fan to keep it cool. It actually needs a good amount of wind friction to keep it cool.

So I got the Reflex muffler cover today. $18.30 shipped. It's nice. Some slight imperfections around the edges, but certainly not noticeable.