NEW_XT500_SPARES_AVAILABLE

On this page are the parts, so far introduced, which are replacements for original Yamaha parts that are no longer available or just too hot to handle without big pockets! I welcome suggestions for new items to add to this list but please bear in mind:

1. I sell mainly by post so it is not very good value to offer items like chain kits which are easily available locally and heavy to post.

2. When I organise manufacture or even just a new supply of a part, suppliers require quite large minimum orders so it is necessary to do quite a lot of research before committing a lot of money to just one item. I know this, having got it wrong so often!

Getting it wrong...it does happen...here is the prototype TT500 rear light unit with a more correct mold - but note the 'orrible shiny covering on the cable - and the wrong colour wires... HERE - these are now in process of change so you will hopefully get a good part - at a good price (projected retail: £9.50)

Your feedback here, on what you really need, helps increase the range of parts more quickly!

3. There are often "lead" times of over six months from preparing specifications and quotations to actually getting the parts. Usually at least half the cost of manufacture is lying out of my hands for this time! There are a lot of parts in even just one bike so...please be patient!

4. Obviously, bearings, seals, many fasteners etc are much easier to obtain but there is no point in tying up a lot of money in these parts if you guys still want to buy in the Yamaha bags. For instance, I have a reasonable range of stainless fasteners (not just the engine) and am happy to produce all the "specials" but only if there is enough demand.

5. The serious parts - the plastics, fuel tanks and exhaust systems can all be made at reasonable cost if there is enough demand. I have now produced the side covers in El Toro Orange and Competition Yellow for the TT500; these are no longer £100 ebay NOS rarities! This production will now roll out to all the other plastic covers and mudguards with a huge delivery planned for March 2008.

I would especially welcome comments on new fuel tanks. I have looked at getting these made by craftsmen in the UK and also the alternatives of investing in tooling abroad for larger volumes. Either way, producing a new tank (I am looking mainly at the aluminium ones here) is fairly costly. What do you think?

6. Yamaha give a pathetic discount to dealers, unless you are one of the few franchised, big bucks guys, which means that there is no viability in anyone offering a service to owners based on their stocking of the OEM parts that are still available. Once Yamaha find that they are selling an uneconomic amount of a part, they discontinue it. For ever. Once discontinued, they will not ever make it again - whatever quantity is ordered. This is Fact. (I have tried ordering a few thousand of some parts...interesting communications with Japan but no go!)

NOS - old stock of Yamaha OEM parts is pretty thin on the ground and often fetches more than even Yamaha sold it for. There is not enough to go round so two things happen; prices go up and good bikes get broken up for parts. This is the other nasty fact.

I won't shove my views in your face any more than that but, if you want to keep the XT500 and TT500 alive, then remaking parts is the only solution - for the benefit of everyone rather than the lucky few who've got their own stash of parts so it's OK...