Topic: Would I be wrong...? First response arrived, favorably!

[HondaMan]

Back in (about) 2006 or so, a bunch of us at SOHC4.net contacted Honda Powersports USA to 'petition' them to supply certain parts for these bikes, given that Sochiro was known to have [often] vowed that "..Honda will always make parts for everything we make..." and that unarguably, the CB350, CB750 and follow-on SOHC4 bikes made both motorcycling and Honda what it is today. Our intent was to obtain certain critical parts like tuneup components (that actually work) and critical internal engine parts (cam chains and tensioners), and some running gear pieces like swingarm parts. Honda responded to most of it and made these parts for us until a few years ago.

The Covid-19 mess clobbered (and still is, in Japan) the whole market of manufacturing this stuff, and almost no SOHC4 Honda parts are currently available. I am sure that Honda is loking for new markets for stuff to sell: that is simply who they are.

So, would I be wrong in presuming that hundreds (or more) of us SOHC4 members here (and in the UK forum) would be on board with such a request again now?

[Don R]

 It makes sense to me.

[Stev-o]

So, would I be wrong in presuming that hundreds (or more) of us SOHC4 members here (and in the UK forum) would be on board with such a request again now?

You are not wrong, and dont forget about the SOHC'rs on fakebook too.

What is the next step?   

[Kelly E]

The 70's Honda's sell as good now as they did when they were new and for quite a bit more money. I've got a 70' CB450 dohc on the table now and it was sold before we got it stripped down.
I would like to get Honda quality points and condensers as well as cam and primary chain tensioners and chains. We have three 70's and three 80's Honda's that we're keeping. Factory maintenance parts would be great.

[PeWe]

Engine rubber parts as stock tensioners.
 Carb boots which are most important when there are no working alternatives.
Copies do not live long.

I think there are carb boots looking exact as Honda but crack within 25.000 km/4 years. 
My old from early 80's have not a beginning of a crack despite carbs where hanging into them with pods. No other support.

[goodtryer]

Count me in.

[rocket johnny]

sign me up !!

[samm_j2]

Absolutely!!!

[cb650PK]

Were you thinking of contacting Honda Japan or Honda USA ? I would expect  difference in attitude between those.

[MauiK3]

These bikes are iconic and I don’t see why Honda would not benefit from supporting them, there is a huge fan base. I sure would love to make my K3 more stock with some Honda parts.
Soichiro Honda was a visionary, the current holders of the reigns should want to honor the legacy.
Yes, go for it.
What can we do?

[BenelliSEI]

Add me to th list.

[pjlogue]

Great idea.  I would love to be able to get spare critical parts.  A lot of the aftermarket stuff is not very good and even the better stuff isn't perfect. 

The request could be delivered as a compliment to Honda's quality as their 45-50 year old bikes are still running strong and the demand is there for both parts and whole bikes.

-P.

[tool14]

add me to the list

[jonda500]

+ 1 You would definitely not be wrong!
John

[ekpent]

  How would Honda distribute it nowadays or how would we be able to buy it. Lots of major Honda dealers don't even carry the parts fische online anymore for parts numbers etc. before 1978. Would the dealers want to hassle with it. ? Would a few select handle it ?  Just thinking out loud.

[Jerry Rxman Griffin aka MuthaF'er]

I'm in

Special order like always using the part number

[lash]

I’m in also!

[grcamna2]

subscribed

[newday777]

It is definitely a critical need for parts that do expire with time. Add to the list exhausts, carb boots and gas tanks(yes Yamima usually has them and hopefully will be back on production)
I have 3 CB750s that I need these parts for.

[RAFster122s]

The 550 parts are a little bit more lacking than the750 and good quality CB650 parts are in extremely short supply. The 650 is an attractive motor for a drop in CB550 upgrade but the lack of basic rebuild parts convinced me to not consider picking up a 650 motor as finding cam chain tensioner and slippers and a good head gasket is a significant issue.

[69cb750]

Back in (about) 2006 or so, a bunch of us at SOHC4.net contacted Honda Powersports USA to 'petition' them to supply certain parts for these bikes, given that Sochiro was known to have [often] vowed that "..Honda will always make parts for everything we make..." and that unarguably, the CB350, CB750 and follow-on SOHC4 bikes made both motorcycling and Honda what it is today. Our intent was to obtain certain critical parts like tuneup components (that actually work) and critical internal engine parts (cam chains and tensioners), and some running gear pieces like swingarm parts. Honda responded to most of it and made these parts for us until a few years ago.

The Covid-19 mess clobbered (and still is, in Japan) the whole market of manufacturing this stuff, and almost no SOHC4 Honda parts are currently available. I am sure that Honda is loking for new markets for stuff to sell: that is simply who they are.

So, would I be wrong in presuming that hundreds (or more) of us SOHC4 members here (and in the UK forum) would be on board with such a request again now?

What is your strategy ?
Writing to American Honda ?
Writing to Japan ?
Post your strategy.

[flybackwards]

There is a real market for manufacturer supplied vintage parts, and a profitable one. It enhances the brand's reputation for longevity and desirability. For a comparison check out the vintage parts and service programs available from Porsche and others - these folks make good cars but they also don't do things that don't make money and very carefully protect their brand. Its a great idea and our community should support it.

[kerryb]

You would be doing this community a great service to use your contacts to try for renewed availability of parts for our bikes.  It would also make Honda look good as someone else already mentioned.
I'm in, I have six bikes that need parts!

[desertrefugee]

You are not wrong and how could anybody not want to support such a movement? As iconic as the SOHC bikes are, the large fan base and the lack of critical components doesn’t end with those models. Honda could make a lot of money supporting many of their vintage creations.  I have a CBX and a GL1000 that need love too...

[Stev-o]

There is a real market for manufacturer supplied vintage parts, and a profitable one.

What are you basing this statement of profitability on? Honda has produced hundreds [thousands?] of different models, it may not be cost effective for Honda to supply parts for all of them. Plus, as you know, aftermarket parts are much cheaper than genuine, most guys look at pricing when buying parts so Honda would not be able to be competitive.

Don't get me wrong, I want them to manufacture parts for my Hondas [I have six] but to manufacture parts for bikes that are 45+ years old may not be likely.

I have a classic car, a 1970 Chevy.  When I need a part, I dont even bother going to or calling the dealer, I know they wont have parts for it.  Just like for our Hondas, there is a large aftermarket business that supplies parts.