pattern parts......

[Entertwainer]

need to replace some bits on my CG 125, there are a few pattern parts that are cheaper, but wondered if its worth the risk?
got a rusty exhaust (toying with the idea of stripping the chrome and blacking it up) - but wondered if pattern parts are a gamble or not - about £20-£30 quid cheaper in places.

also, there seems to be a shortage of CG125W parts on ebay.....exhausts in particular dont come cheap....what gives?
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Honda CG 125 W - Turkish - 1998 - 2015 RIP

[Frost]

I've always bought pattern parts and never had a problem.

[SQL]

Pattern parts are usually fine

[Teflon-Mike]

Its all dependent.

Chain & sprockets? You buy unbranded they will work, but probably not as long as something that has DID stamped on it you pay a bit more for; buy through Honda, chances are you'd get the same DID chain or sprockets, but pay a few extra quid for them being re-packaged and given a Honda Stores code!

Exhausts; I renovate old Honda 125 twins. I've not had one with a serviceable OE Honda pipe on it; I have seen old hondas, well 'preserved' that have thier original pipes on them still after quarter of a century or more, but rare. At a guess I would say they would last, typically 8-12 years 'normal' use, before rotting out.

Two brand name exhaust systems for the 125 Twins; No longer available Micron, which I have to say was well made; apart from scrape marks, I've pulled a few off bikes that have been pretty damn solid, but have got to be over twenty years old! But I preffer the Motad, which, again is no longer available, and I think slightly better; and again, these pipes have got to have lasted over 15, more likely 20-25 years and still polish up.

Lastly, there are the 'pattern' replacements; bought a pair for Snowie's bike three and a half years ago. Motad explain they the cheapie pattern makers, apply 'cosmetic' chrome plate, to them, like they use on chrome curtain poles and stuff, and its not up to out-door living, or being on hot bit of motorbike. Started to show surface rust on snowie's within six months and have needed frequent polishing since, and I suspect fro a rattle that has started to develop on cold start when the idle is low, that baffles are starting to rot out, and they'll need replacing within the next eighteen months.

I dont know if Honda list a new exhaust for the CB125, but I have a notion, I noted a price in the order of £300-£400 for a 'pair' of pipes on the CMSL web-site a while back.

Micron are no longer trading; Motad recently looked into making a new batch of thier pipes from the old tooling; but decided ecconomics wouldn't make it viable; last one I spotted New Old Stock some-one wanted £250 for; while better second hand ones can fetch £60-70.

The 'Crap' pattern ones, cost about £120 or 60 a pipe, and to large degree on the bikes I renovate, its needs must as the devil drives, as there ent any alternative. BUT, three to five years? Against what, 8 to 12, pro-rata, they ent that bad value for money, and they do the job.

If you have choice... you have to work out the pro's and cons.

Parts like brake-pads or tyres, that are safety critical? I wouldn't risk buying cheap unbranded bits just to save a few penies, not to have them last, offer sub-standard performance, or worse, fail in use.

Parts like chain & sprockets? Not so safety critical, but higher wear part that needs more frequent replacement and attention? Well, depends how big the saving is likely to be, but old addage, buy cheap, buy twice, on this kind of thing is frequently true, and likely that you'll end up doing more work oiling & adjusting, and end up paying more per mile for cheap chains than a better one; so if cash there, to get better, can save money longer term.

Exhaust? Pattern you know isn't going to last as long as OE or good after-market; but life still reasonably long, you will only buy one, and its rotting out wont be your problem, but next owners, and saving is significant. Not such a critical component; so can be a reasonable ecconomy.

Adage is... you makes your choices and you pays your money.

We cant tell you how to spend your cash, only advice, but its that sort of reckoning you need to apply.
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My Webby'Tef's-tQ, loads of stuff about my bikes, my Land-Rovers, and the stuff I do with them!
Current Bikes:'Honda VF1000F' ;'CB750F2N' ;'CB125TD ( 6 3 of em!)'; 'Montesa Cota 248'. Learner FAQ's:= 'U want to Ride a Motorbike! Where Do U start?'

[motad_uk]

sensible and usefull post

just a clarification in case someone reads the above quickly

we at Motad use either stainless steel or top quality external use chrome

its the cheapie pattern people using "decorative" internal chrome- not us!- decorative chrome is often 70% cheaper- shame its only of use if you life in a desert.

I was sent a pattern silencer last year- by someone who wanted it assessed before we designed a Motad silencer. The pattern silencer was showing signs of rust in the box!