I know this has been discussed before and there appears to be those that deride anything to do with eBay or AliExpress items, sticking staunchly to the Machine Art, Wunderlich, Touratech etc etc branded items from ‘reputable’ sellers. Then there are those that are more open minded about it.
Anyway, on my previous bike that I’ve just part exchanged I spent a fortune over the years on the above branded name products, front mudguard extension, rear Mudsling, headlight guard, headlight peak, instrument surround, rear mudguard extension, side stand foot, the list goes on.
Having just spent a lot of dosh on moving to a year old R1250GS I thought bloody hell I’ve got all that to do again.
Then I thought I’d take a punt on AliExpress, spending around £70 on the usual items and they all arrived end of last week and today. I am very impressed with what I’ve got and they are mostly fitted now. The quality and fit is way above what I was expecting and having had all the big name items on my previous bike I’m qualified to judge.
The front mudguard extension is exactly the same as the Machine Art one, including stainless screws, perfect fit, looks and feels identical.
The rear mud sling is 95% identical to the Machine Art one and fits exactly the same, just as good quality nylon.
The side stand foot is the same quality as my previous one, BUT, did need very slightly filing to fit perfectly.
The frame hole rubbers, I was expecting cheap hard plastic and they are flexible, perfect fit rubber.
The headlight guard is great, perfectly clear thick Perspex screen with a powder coated frame, though I’m going to fit rubber washers which didn’t come with it.
The radiator guards are perfectly finished, powder coated, possible aluminium and fit well.
Overall I’m very impressed for what I’ve spent and will be ordering some other items.
The only downside is waiting two to four weeks for delivery.
No doubt there will be many negative comments about ‘Chinese rubbish’ but remember, when something says ‘made in’ it only has to be finally assembled or finished off in that country to be able to claim ‘made in Germany’ etc.
Anyway, on my previous bike that I’ve just part exchanged I spent a fortune over the years on the above branded name products, front mudguard extension, rear Mudsling, headlight guard, headlight peak, instrument surround, rear mudguard extension, side stand foot, the list goes on.
Having just spent a lot of dosh on moving to a year old R1250GS I thought bloody hell I’ve got all that to do again.
Then I thought I’d take a punt on AliExpress, spending around £70 on the usual items and they all arrived end of last week and today. I am very impressed with what I’ve got and they are mostly fitted now. The quality and fit is way above what I was expecting and having had all the big name items on my previous bike I’m qualified to judge.
The front mudguard extension is exactly the same as the Machine Art one, including stainless screws, perfect fit, looks and feels identical.
The rear mud sling is 95% identical to the Machine Art one and fits exactly the same, just as good quality nylon.
The side stand foot is the same quality as my previous one, BUT, did need very slightly filing to fit perfectly.
The frame hole rubbers, I was expecting cheap hard plastic and they are flexible, perfect fit rubber.
The headlight guard is great, perfectly clear thick Perspex screen with a powder coated frame, though I’m going to fit rubber washers which didn’t come with it.
The radiator guards are perfectly finished, powder coated, possible aluminium and fit well.
Overall I’m very impressed for what I’ve spent and will be ordering some other items.
The only downside is waiting two to four weeks for delivery.
No doubt there will be many negative comments about ‘Chinese rubbish’ but remember, when something says ‘made in’ it only has to be finally assembled or finished off in that country to be able to claim ‘made in Germany’ etc.
