OEM Plastics / Are we barking up the wrong tree?

[Orangecnty250r]

Have we been barking up the wrong tree. I was reading the recent posts about Clarke making new gas tanks and peoples concerns about there likeness to the originals. Everybody was contacting Clarke including myself. I recently started collecting these bikes and before I learned of Service Honda I bought a Maier front fender for my R because I was told by several dealers they were discontinued. Now I commend and thank Maier for even making plastics to freshen up a machine but after putting this on the machine I immediately noticed the curve did not follow the front wheel as the original did ( i've since replaced it with an original). I've since bought an 85 TRI Z and 86 Tecate and quickly learned of other OEM discontinued items. Tecate Right shroud and headlight cover are worth there weight in gold. And of course some people would trade their house for a new 86 tecate tank.

MY QUESTION

Because I'm fairly new to this board has anybody ever contacted corporate headquarters about doing limited runs of some products. Hondas still producing ATC 250R tanks but in black ???? They're beautiful and I bought one but it makes no sense (thank Maier again for making the black plastics to match. Call me crazy & I understand the nature of the business beast (supply and demand) but I just think its good business sense to show your loyal supporters the buyers of your product that you'll support them in the years to come with the parts needed to keep their machines running. I think we should make a list with member names and their needs/petition/email what ever. Any IDEAS ????

[bigredhead]

I'm all for that.. don't get me wrong.

but it's my opinion that Honda would rather have you buy a new quad with new parts . For this reason they'd only keep making the absolute minimum amount of trike compatible parts they need to.

Plastic not being essential.

argh..

[Orangecnty250r]

Thats big business. Even in the 4 wheeler world Ive seen many tracks discontinue the TRX 250 Rs from racing due to Corporate pressure to sell the new machines. The aftermarket industry was benefiting from the old aftermarket beefed TRXs from running so you make a good point.

[84honda 200X]

Your right about the front fender not being curved right. I bought a new set of fenders for my 200X and the front one was a little curved and it makes it look like the forks are bent when they arent. And they arent as strong as the oem ones. Id send an email to if you guys do.

[Dammit!]

A mailing campaign (real mail, not e-mail) would probably be more effective. If somebody could track down the exact right address and persons to send them too, it would be worth the effort to let them know there's a need for the stuff.

[NICKG]

first off, been there done that. just forget it. not gonna happen. you can get all the honda stuff new still if you call older dealers(they have a locater service) forget the kawasaki parts. I suggest hitting up some of the older dealers in the area(like spears in washingtonville) or whatever, but i will tell you in advance, if it is a tecate part and hard to find...it ain't anywhere near you...between me and 3 tigers, you would have a better chance of seeing Jesus in checkmates by you