Don't know what everyone else thinks but lately I've started to notice that other than new panels original screens etc which haven't been available for some time now for nc30s stockists such as lings cmsnl and David silver are now showing NLA on many more parts for these bikes other than the usual service items maybe Honda should have a look at the way Suzuki run a parts network for there older models.

Older Yamaha parts are pretty easy to get hold of too, they still make pretty much everything (except for the wiring loom and frame) for my old FJ. I understand most parts are still about for RD350 models too including crankshafts amongst other things.. They're horribly expensive sometimes but you can still get 'em.

I do worry about parts for the NC30 although I am very thankful that I live near to D & K Motorcycles and have an eBay account!

so many NC30's out there and loads that need breaking.
they will end up like LC's though and even in 10 years will be very much more in demand.

It worries me on the side of running and maintaining a race bike, the cost of refreshing a motor is hideously expensive, valves, pistons, and rings are silly money if available and some bearing shells are showing NLA! Makes you think running a yamaha would be better!

Bearing shells are going to be the big problem as I see it - most of the other essentials are available as pattern parts or can be replicated.

I have spoken briefly to Honda UK`s parts co-ordinator about this and will put in a formal written request in due course but Honda seem much less interested in running a `classic spares` scheme than some other manufacturers.

Unfortunately the company seems to be in the hands of bean counters rather than enthusiastic engineers & designers these days - if you doubt that assertion just walk into a dealer`s showroom and cast an objective eye over what`s on offer...

Should be interesting to hear the response rick .
I understand what your saying about walking into a Honda dealership these days I've found they all seem to have a uniform decor perhaps one of each model on display if lucky and tbh find the places uninspiring . I guess the bosses at Honda want to get away from the greasy image bike dealerships had for a boutique style showroom planters marble tiles kiddy play areas etc Just like their car dealerships.

Don't even get me started on the new Honda showrooms, i thought i had walked into an operating theater it was only the bright red CRF that made me remember i was actually in a bike dealership.
All the new bikes are just so fucking dull, they may be .00000001 bhp more than previous models, but by Christ they look so plain and boring, paint looks thin and cheap, just nothing that makes us as bikers buy with our hearts.

bikes are antisocial and wild, so the thought of a sensible bike in dull grey and white that's good on fuel doesn't really scream at me to shell out 12+k or what ever.

I dream of the day they make something new worth buying, but Honda are the only manufacturer that make nothing current i even like let alone desire. Yamaha with the MT07, a couple of Kawasaki's and even a KTM make a motorcycle that's exciting and fun, its not all about outright speed and BHP. Honda deserve to wind out of the motorcycle market making shit like they do today.

Plus one...soulless for sure...what happened to bikes like ns400's vt500s..granted emissions etc killed em..but what's to stop a new one to be designed clean burning engine et al...all the big 4 are the same..italians are slowly following as well...gawd I'm glad we have a good selection over here of oldish bikes..couldnt ride anywhere near what's on offer new.

VtypeV4 wrote:Older Yamaha parts are pretty easy to get hold of too, they still make pretty much everything (except for the wiring loom and frame) for my old FJ. I understand most parts are still about for RD350 models too including crankshafts amongst other things.. They're horribly expensive sometimes but you can still get 'em.

I do worry about parts for the NC30 although I am very thankful that I live near to D & K Motorcycles and have an eBay account!

I do not think that Yamaha is manufacturing any parts for older vehicles.

It is more a case of a large amount of spares were originally produced and remained unsold or left in distribution centers.
Fortunately it is easier today than ever to source parts for bikes long since out of production due to the web.

I required a pair of 5th gears for an XS2 650 in 1976,This was 3 years after production stopped.
The parts were on B.O. from Japan for over 18 months before delivery.
Today I could source them in less than 24 hrs and have them in less than 30 days with about ten clicks of the mouse.

The RD350 production line was sold virtually complete to a company called Radjoot in India just after production ceased in Japan. The venture had failed within a few years.

The whole Japanese economic infrastructure is based on new sales and virtually instant recycling of items over 3 years of age.
It would be an oversight for production tooling to have remained intact for any period of time once the model was replaced.

I guess I learn something new everyday although obtaining parts has never been an issue..

I wonder if the FJ is a little different as the engine is still current production? I know it's had a few tweaks (bore, cams compression, EFI) but it's fundamentally the same..