XR 400 shock.

[jasonbc]

Can't agree with that last bit, I've got some absolute bargains on Fleabay, you just need to be a bit careful.

Dirty spares are what you get from bike breakers, they just can't be arsed with a bit of a clean up.

New parts and consumables for my 3 bikes are cheaper in my local dealers than what i can get them for when ever i search ebay by my bike model. Then they put OTT postage costs on them.

My Varadero needed a chain & sprockets thought i'd get them and fit them at end of month when i'm on holiday. Looked on ebay it was in excess of £150 for everything. In the end i ordered it from DAvid Silver bought a genunie kit (2 sprockets & DID chain)for £95 +vat complete and it arrived the following day. Just got to fit them now.

A mate of mine bought a complete gasket set and piston rings for xr250 dirt cheap on ebay they came from the states. NO surprise they were the wrong ones for the wrong bike and seller wasn't responding to emails so nows he's stuck with them and out of pocket.

Ebay as far as i can tell is only any good for things you don't see in shop very much such as collectables records and things which are difficult to get hold of through age, for anything else i think its a waste of time and effort.

[Pieeyedpiper]

Guess you just need to be lucky then. I've got a dipstick for £3, 4x Michelin knobblies (3 rears and a front) nearly new for £5, pair of kick starts plus a knuckle for £12, a new one for £15, oil return pipe for 99p (long one up the frame on a 250) and just recently a Cebora 180 amp arc welder for £7.
Been stung a few times admittedly, but the bargains sure outway the crap.