Chinese eBay fairings?

Hi everyone,

I'm new here and just picked up an '01 VFR 800 that a buddy wrecked. So, I need a few things. I'm wondering what the consensus is on the cheap eBay fairings? I've heard that the fit isn't always good, but for the price they are decent. Looking on eBay there are a couple different sellers ... one sells them for $490 or so shipped, the other for a bit over $500 shipped...

Any comments?

And, I need the gauge cluster and headlight assembly. So far there's a gauge cluster on eBay for $225... is that a normal price? It seems a bit pricey to me. And I'm still hunting for a headlight. Any sources that you can recommend besides eBay for these parts?

Thanks in advance!

 

Forum member ZonaMan installed a Repsol replica Ebay fairing set on his '01. Turned out pretty nice actually.

He did end up having to make a few small modifications to the fairings to get them to fit properly though.

Here's the link to his thread. Click me.>>>>>http://vfrworld.com/forums/mechanics-garage/26872-ebay-plastics-have-you-wondered.html

 

I was considering these myself, as mine have been scratched up pretty badly over time. I talked to various people that I respect in the motorcycle world... shop owners, riders, etc. and everyone says the same thing... stay away from anything but stock, unless you are doing it just to sell the bike. They always have to be modified some way in order to get a proper fit and if the bike is ever dropped, the Chinese ones will crack and break apart easily where the stock ones are make of a stronger, more flexible plastic, that takes a beating without major damage.

 

I can attest that the stock fairings will take a beating, but I can't say the same for taking a beating without 'major damage' unfortunately. I suppose this depends on what one considers 'major damage' though.

 

I was looking at the Repsol too...LOVE LOVE LOVE that look but I'm too hesitant to spend $500 in China / Hong Kong where if I have a problem the chances of me getting any resolution is slim to none. Wish there was someone in the USA that re-popped these...but then again, if they did they would be a heck of a lot more than $500

 

Another thread which mentions those cheap fairings from China.

http://vfrworld.com/forums/5th-generation-1998-2001/33205-so-i-finally-have-vfr-but.html

 

Hello Galenenest, The fairings are a thinner plastic NOT ABS. So it is somewhat more of a risk for cracking and damage. Why not check with local auto body shop for a paint job. Do a drawing of what you like, keep it simple to save money and then get a few estimates. If the fairings aren't too bad you could do the body work yourself. Sometimes, if you have a local trade school that teaches bodywork they might take on the project if you talk directly to the teacher. It's extremely cheap but you can't be in a rush for the parts back. They take their time and are graded on the project. I've had a whole kitchen cabinet system done and they did tons of work on my cars for parts price only. It's worth a little effort to find out. Where I live now, the instructor said they will paint my bike, (got a 4 color scheme going) just for the paint costs. Incidentally, the cabinets rival any that you see at the building stores, Home Depot, Lowes, etc. Good luck.

 

A friend of mine (who has been a professional mechanic for years and isn't shy about doing a small bit of bodywork) bought one recently. He hated it.

Not only did it not fit, he had to Dremel pieces out of the headlight area so the lights would fit. After fighting with it for weeks, he finally gave up and put his broken, stock faring back on.

I wasn't the guy doing the work, but I saw his frustration. Also, it's ugly as sin in unpainted off-white. Figure in the cost of painting it, as well.