Aftermarket Plastics or 'Plastics arn't Plastic', Soul.

[mx250]

I've had limited experience in buying aftermarkets plastics but from experience, and comments on this forum, it is obvious there are some marked differences. For some applications, e.g. racing, it may not be an issue, but for resto's and/or painting it is very important.

I have noticed various manufacturers DC Plastic, Acerbis, Maier, Goneli and others. Which are best and how do you know what vendor is selling what? I notice on the AMS site that he offers the same pieces in 'plastic' and "ABS Plastic (paintable)"

Anyone like to give some guidence/comments to a complete mug when it comes to aftermarket plastics.

[vandy010]

if you're after the 'correct' shape for a particular model, then your chances will be narrowed somewhat but if you're prepared to be flexible on the shape and style of guard you use then the world is your oyster.
i like the DC plastics but only because they come model specific and not because of quality of finish. i currently have an AMS yz/a front guard on two of my bikes in white and they are for my Yammies, my #1 choice, great style, top quality and flexible { a bit like dream woman}, on the rear i use a MCS generic guard that is also a top quality item and very cheap at around $30 but colour matching can be difficult. i always use white as it just keeps things simple but have seen this rear guard painted on another bike and it seems to be holding up well. MCS mini mudder rear i think it is and it's a real pre75 style of guard.
HTH

[LWC82PE]

I spoke to someone the other day who is restoring a yellow YZ 400 and has a couple TT's and he got some DC plastics and he said the plastic has a distinctive sound to it when tapped. he said it doesnt seem like strong flexible plastic and pointed out that the yellow is totally different to the original YZ yellow and not like the yellow PE plastics he saw on my bike. he also said the DC plastic is totally different to the plastic originaly used on my suzuki and he said it doesnt flex like that good suzuki plastic.

most of the italian plastics are about the same but acerbis is probably the best, then UFO, stilmotor, M, robert, and cemoto. but theres not much between them

genuine preston petty stuff is very good and maier is very good too.

its also possible to paint any plastic. there are correct methods and products to use though. not for the inexperienced.

[BETRIC]

I JUST GOT SOME WHITE SIDE PLATES AND FRONT GUARD FOR A 76 XT500 FROM ANDREW AT XT500.COM IN THE UK, THEY ARE PERFECT IN SHAPE, COLOUR AND FINISH, AS GOOD AS THE FACTORY ITEMS, COST ALL UP WAS $257.00 TOOK A WEEK POSTED TO MY DOOR.

[crash n bern]

There's a guy on US ebay that has been selling NOS tt500 side covers for around $50-60us each +$14 to post to AUS.  He must have a warehouse full of them.

[LWC82PE]

yes some one told me that the TT/XT 500 plastics that are coming out of UK are very, very good. he said the only way to tell that they are not genuine is that the place that makes them changes the part number slightly that is moulded into them. this is so they can not be sold by people who buy them from the UK and claim that they are NOS side pannels and try to sell them for big bucks on ebay. so be aware if some one is trying to sell you NOS TT/XT side covers and ask to see a photo of the moulded in part number. if its not the correct part number is not genuine yamaha, avoid paying the inflated price of who ever is claiming they are NOS and buy them direct from the UK at the proper price.

[BETRIC]

JUST GOT OUTBID FOR A NOS YZ125X RH SIDE NUMBER PLATE ON EVILBAY $255 USD

[Freakshow]

Geeze id sell you the whole bike for that, air cans and all.  which side you need ?

[DJRacing]

I'll take the exhaust pipe, airbox, rubber reed block and seat from the X, Freaky