Yeah, Marvic, Dymag, PVM etc the period stuff is scrap, and the new stuff is silly money so Kwak looky-likey it is.
Partly not as keen on the look and partly availability.
It was a 'must have' for this build as it's one of the most recognisable '80s performance parts there is. Getting a JMC arm in this condition is very difficult, but fortunately even though they're rare, there's a very small market for them too.Ooo ooo ooo an upside down swinging arm
Lovely!
It was a long search to be fair, but perseverance paid off in the end.
I so need one of these for the CB1100.
As mentioned it took a while to find, but it (or a Metmachex) was essential for the build to get it looking like an '80s build. The sort of thing we drooled over back then but could never afford to build, buy, or insure. The only things it won't have will be a Harris works exhaust which I have but will use on another build and this will have a slash cut. The other '80s thing missing will be Raask rear sets for the purely practical reason that I reckon my knees would explode after five minutes using them.
For those with the equipment and skill making a jig and banging them out wouldn't be a big challenge. The issue is that even at their height they sold in relatively small numbers, and that height was 40 years ago. So it just wouldn't make financial sense for anyone to make them as just covering the costs would make them so expensive that no one would buy them.
That's one of the main things which makes stuff rare/valuable. If they're crap, rust badly etc very few survive and they achieve legendary status and become sought after. Datsun 240Z, Alfa Romeo being two examples, Harris exhausts, or any factory exhaust for a Japanese bike from the '70's or 80's being others, the list goes on. You'll frequently see stuff for sale and think "But they were junk!" even though the advert will say it's a classic, rare etc.
Nostalgia's a funny thing.That's one of the main things which makes stuff rare/valuable. If they're crap, rust badly etc very few survive and they achieve legendary status and become sought after. Datsun 240Z, Alfa Romeo being two examples, Harris exhausts, or any factory exhaust for a Japanese bike from the '70's or 80's being others, the list goes on. You'll frequently see stuff for sale and think "But they were junk!" even though the advert will say it's a classic, rare etc.
I also have an 80's Cowley ceramic coated exhaust, same/similar style to the Harris but the difference in quality is night and day. The Harris would sell for £400 (maybe more) these days as it completes a period build, probably wouldn't get half that for the Cowley as most people outside of NZ have never seen one.
This one won't need an exhaust as the draw through will dampen the noise enough to just have a short slash cut pipe. The other GSX I have earmarked for the Cowley, so the Harris may get cast adrift on the Bay of E.
..nice find