Find the right motorcycle parts
Content
- Where, how and at what price to buy spare parts
- Saga of the restoration of the sports car Kawasaki ZX6R 636 model 2002: 5th episode
- Complete sourcing: parts and service
- Buying used or adaptable parts
- Purchase consumables and new parts
- One possible solution: repair, not replacement of a part
- Long and laborious search to compare prices between new, used or refurbished
- Cheaper spare parts abroad, but be careful!
Where, how and at what price to buy spare parts
Saga of the restoration of the sports car Kawasaki ZX6R 636 model 2002: 5th episode
We returned the bike, now installed in our garage workshop. We also carried out an examination and diagnosis of our motorcycle, which leads us to a list of all the spare parts that we need for the restoration.
This is, to put it mildly, the most tedious part of this eventful story. A few twists and turns when looking for parts, but you still need to find good sources of replacement parts. Several options are available: buy in France or buy abroad. Then the question arises as to which type of part you will choose.
Most importantly, when do you want to rebuild / rebuild your motorcycle? Find the details! Especially for a motorcycle of a certain age or even a certain age, as in the case of the Kawasaki ZX-6R 636. 18 years old, small ... Almost large and vaccinated. Finally, they are no more relevant to his vaccines than mine. I will try not to catch tetanus: rust is abundant. But let's get back to the parts. Obviously, manufacturers have stock, but they charge a fee for it. Often expensive. Kawasaki is no exception to the rule.
Again, the Internet is a valuable ally to find genuine or fully original motorcycle parts at a fraction of the cost. Whether it's "OEM" or "Genuine Part" as we say, when we want to make it professional, usable or just adaptable, or even used, we find (from) everything in the world of the room. In my case, the choice is simple: for small items, less expensive, or for basic and vital parts, no running around, I go to Kawasaki. For the rest, I dig my head. And if I continue like this, it ends up empty.
Complete sourcing: parts and service
First I look for the optics, spark plugs, engine oil, fork oil, coolant, brake fluid, brake hoses and… cylinder head gasket. Exactly this. Fast, right? I also miss the fairing and engine propellers. Oh, and by the way, almost everything is missing, as well as some engine screws and other elements, mostly electrical. But first, we'll have to do a good job of repairing the candle. Therefore, I will have several sources to search for: suppliers of spare parts and service providers. To do this, I do it, like everyone else, I google it.
Buying used or adaptable parts
The internet makes things a lot easier, especially with my small budget. My first reflex for detail? Leboncoin. Prices vary a lot, as does the condition of the parts, and you must be patient to find the right item at the right price. But now we can make an offer and calculate shipping rates. The latest version of o ffre even has the option to choose between on-site or postal delivery. With a little time and good keywords, not to mention this bit of luck that we don't always imagine, we achieve amazing results.
Going through used or adaptable, I divide the price for parts and elements by 2, 3 or even 10. So I am in favor of this track, always in the Paris region sector. Luckily there are a lot of parts available for the 636. Will Murphy be absent from subscribers?
So I'm looking for:
- optical unit
- танк
- feilings
- front electric beam
Purchase consumables and new parts
The Internet directly or indirectly responds to my request, I often prefer human contact. So if Google is my lifelong friend again, it is not replacing another network: the dealer network. I went to buy new parts from Kawasaki dealers: screws, hardware and small plastic parts, as well as an oil filter and drain seal.
One possible solution: repair, not replacement of a part
The internet also makes it easy to reach the right people through event-specific descriptive sheets and customer testimonials. Better yet, I find very good addresses while browsing. My new reference sites in France, whether they are online stores or motorcycle equipment and accessories stores. The addresses I'm happy to share today so you don't look too long: I've tested and approved. Or not. I'll see you with him.
I also like to focus my choice and curiosity on motorcycle professionals or artisans whose know-how always impresses me. Repairing is often cheaper than buying a part. Renovation is an interesting option that allows you to maintain the original quality, while ensuring that after that you will not have any problems. A track not to be neglected. Therefore, I am looking for a repair in relation to:
- танк
- cylinder head seal (once I discovered mine was no longer available in Kawasaki).
Long and laborious search to compare prices between new, used or refurbished
A little spare part to start with, ladies, please. The economy is one of the pillars of my motorcycle repair. To find out which option is most interesting between repairs or replacements, I set a standard scale. Sorting a lot and it takes an insane time. However, I was able to do a tight sorting, especially by searching in the Shopping section or in the images. Anything I can't do myself anymore, I'll have to find a solution.
Surprised to find on the web the technical spikes commonly used by dealers, all complemented by all the manufacturer's links, I looked at a well-made site that became a valuable ally: Bikeparts. After receiving information, this site "hides" the dealer and, therefore, very similar rates.
For the original Kawasaki part, behind this site is the Team Deletang dealership in Tours / Blois / Romorantin. In this case, www.pieces-kawa.com details the current and past production models. We choose the model we were looking for through the best car that can be found on the market and move forward calmly. It lists all the models that dealers themselves know about and those that they still have access to. We know in real time the availability of the part, as well as its dealer price. Couldn't do better for the original piece.
Another source of parts available through the portal is also possible: microfiches.
On these and other websites, we either review the model and vintage, or review the registration number. This is for motorcycles sold in France, UK and the world with their name, reference and original supplier. Happiness! And good price indication.
However, I didn't always order on the website. After finding the Kawa link, noticing the presence, I went to the dealership of the brand closest to me. As mentioned earlier, the time frame is getting shorter. I save shipping in passing, at the same time exchange with the dealership. Sorry Bikeparts, thanks a lot anyway! Through revenge. If you live far from the dealership, or if you are in a rush and outside your favorite mechanic's working hours, see if you are isolated is always a good decision. The best, even.
The only downside with bike parts is that you can order online - and therefore pay - for a part that will not be available at a European or global level ... So be sure to call before ordering to check for part availability. Did you ever know? I had to do this several times, but directly with my favorite dealer. In my case, the passenger seat ties and especially ... the cylinder head seal are no longer available. Cylinder head seal? No, no ... Galley in sight!
Cheaper spare parts abroad, but be careful!
I don't know you, but at the moment I have crabs in my pockets and limited funds. Therefore, I am looking for savings at any cost, not wanting to skimp on quality. I really want money for butter and butter. This is possible provided that you agree to spend a lot of time there. I managed to find a reliable address, which I immediately share.
If you like Russian roulette, finally American roulette, and if you're in no rush to pick up your parts, Partzilla is one of the most interesting sources: you pay 50% less for genuine parts than at its dealership. The other side of the coin? Significant shipping costs and customs fees that may apply if not provided by the sender: and these are the responsibility of the buyer, who pays upon receipt of the parcel. Typically, this additional tax applies to packages based on declared market value. Therefore, we pay taxes while remaining a beneficiary. There is an official simulator for calculating customs duties (link in the special restoration catalog at the bottom of the article).
In a hurry, given that the bike is housed in a garage with participation and that I cannot afford to spend too much time there, I opt for the local delivery option. In dealerships, it takes 2 to 4 days to receive parts without any unpleasant surprises. For adaptability and if it comes from Bir, it can even be delivered the next day after ordering.
All professional contacts are in the catering directory at the bottom of the article.
Well, we are waiting for details and we can attack the engine part.
