Neighbor Backed into my Bike, any luck with Chinese plastics from eBay

Title says it all. Now I have a dent in my tank, a cracked upper cowl, and a broken windshield (Have yet to get the play-by-play, so I'm kind of curious how this combo of damage happened?)

As I'm trying to price out fixes for my 2001, I was wondering if anyone has used one of the Chinese plastic kits on eBay. Also, curious if anyone has any ideas for fixing a tank? If I replace OEM it would run $1250 for tank, cowl, and small parts. eBay would be $750 for a scratched tank, an entire Chinese Plastic set, and the other small parts.

Anybody been there before and have any advice?

 

I would cough out $1200 + for OEM parts, I have seen and heard many horrible story from Chinese fairing.
I think Jethro and Toe can chimp in and share their personal experience.

 

Or better yet collect the money and get you a newer bike, keep the 5th gen for running around.

 

That's, what I was figuring about the plastics. Thanks for keeping me out of trouble! I hate crap like this. I hate asking for 1200 to make right a dent and a crack on a bike worth $3,000. They're my neighbors, so I wouldn't feel right pocketing the dough and parking a second bike on the street. I'll be selling the bike in September, so I'll probably make a guess at what the damage will do to resale and ask them to pay me that. Another bad idea?

 

Here is what you can expect from the long dong province.

http://s9.photobucket.com/user/jethro911/library/2007 VFR Ebay fairings?sort=3&page=1

This is how they looked on my bike with an OEM tank, Not bad if you just need a cheap suit! I think I paid $500ish shipped and after I complained about the quality they sent me $200 back so I was happy. Since then I sold the fairings and picked up some OEM plastic that fits better and looks awesome.

 

If you can source the OEM stuff, quote him that.

 

I understand the neighbour thing but you are on the loosing end of this through no fault of your own. Get it fixed properly even if you sell it tomorrow.

 

Worst idea of the day right there.. He backs over a parked motorcycle. He is responsible for repairs up to the condition it was in prior to his negligence. Quote him what it costs for new OEM parts. Don't forget that the steel brackets may very well be bent and will not bolt the new plastics back up with out some massaging. couple that with a paint job if needed. n all honesty $1200 would be letting him off easy. I'd guess somewhere closer in the neighborhood of about $2k if he's paying out of pocket so his rates don't go up. If it goes to insurance I'm betting it's closer to $3k.

What you do with the money either from the neighbor or the insurance company means fuck all when it comes to your neighbor. If you want to use it to fix your current bike then do it.. If you want to put it towards a different bike then do it... If you want to piss it away on a trip to vegas where you snort coke off a hookers tits then more power to you. Bottom line you have zero reason to consider how the jackass that backed over your bike feels.

 

One vote here for Vegas!

 

I have done the Chinese body kit, go with the OEM. You will not regret fixing it correctly but I guarantee at some point you will very much regret aftermarket plastic.

 

If he's a good neighbor he should make good on his mistake.

 

The guy who backed into my bike paid close to 3000 to keep it out of the insurance claim. Had to replace clutch lever, shifter, tank, front cowl, headlight, fairing sides, some small bits under the fairings and I spent a lot of time bending mounting tabs back into position.
I say give him the option to pay you out right or go through insurance.

 

It's not cool that they want to skate on insurance and then get upset at how much the repair bill will be. It is what it is.

I would offer to get estimates and let them decide what they want to do.

Do not buy knock off plastics!

I would not not fix the bike. Although it is your prerogative you don't want pissed off neighbors and it sounds like you'd be the type to feel guilty about it. Not worth it! It's not a payday, it's restoration to like condition so you both can forget it happened.

If it wasn't your neighbor I'd say do what you want with the money.


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I'ts a good thing he backed into your bike. Could have been a child's bike. While being ridden. Paying for total and proper repairs is a small price for your neighbour to pay considering what could have been. I suggest you make an insurance claim against him and if he wants to pay to keep his rates down I am sure his insurance company will gladly accept. This keeps you out of the potential of conflict with your neighbour if he suddenly balks at the costs. My opinion.

 

This is the most sensible and it covers your arse like a diaper.

 

I have an upper cowl as well as a gently used Z.G. Double Bubble Windscreen if you are interested...the upper cowl is OEM, peal white

 

This is one area where pix of the damage could be of great help. Your tank is steel and unless "backed into" isn't backed over a good bodyshop may be able to fix it. Same thing with the plastic.

From the figures supplied your bike is a total.

 

Ya if he does not want to fix HIS screw up with cash the exact condition the bike was...INSURANCE....and if he does not want to do either...HIT AND RUN...if hes a good neighbor he will do the right thing..if not ... Screw him..I would be on him like flys on shit...no more mister nice guy...its your baby

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Personally, I would have a sit down with them to get the details of what happened and how they want to deal with it. No point in burning a bridge with them if they are ready, willing and able to come good for the costs of repair. This is especially true if you plan to stay living there for a long time or if dude has a hot wife! :chaingun:

Negotiate first and you will probably realize a better result in the long term.