Topic: Any concerns with aftermarket MC Rebuild kits?

[magconpres]

The K&L kits are about $10 less than the OEM kit for a CB400F.
Not a lot of money, but $10 hear and there adds up after a lot of purchases.

Has anyone had any issues with the K&L kits?

Thanks

[midnightrider]

I just installed a K&L kit... seems to work fine; no leaks.  I've seen them trashed on the forums occasionally though.

[mgbgt89]

I've put K&L kits on a cb900F, a cb350F, and a cb650SC. No issues on any of them. Seem to be pretty well made, but only time will tell.

[TwoTired]

K&L seems to be of better quality than the Keysters.

But, I would still use the Honda original internal metal bits rather than replacements.

You could, of course, mechanically measure each component to see if it adheres to Honda parameters/tolerances.
(But, I'd rather pay the extra $10.)

[magconpres]

Thanks.

[hoodellyhoo]

I had a bad experience with a cheap (not K&L) aftermarket MC kit. Some slag stuff from the machining process got stuck to it that I didn't notice it at first. I replaced it with a honda kit and no more problems.

[Nikkisixx]

K&L seems to be of better quality than the Keysters.

But, I would still use the Honda original internal metal bits rather than replacements.

You could, of course, mechanically measure each component to see if it adheres to Honda parameters/tolerances.
(But, I'd rather pay the extra $10.)

+1  - I know times are tough all over but I'd save my pennies and spend the extra $10. 

[midnightrider]

K&L seems to be of better quality than the Keysters.

But, I would still use the Honda original internal metal bits rather than replacements.

You could, of course, mechanically measure each component to see if it adheres to Honda parameters/tolerances.
(But, I'd rather pay the extra $10.)

+1  - I know times are tough all over but I'd save my pennies and spend the extra $10. 

Is it only $10?  I got my K&L for $22 and I always see the Honda ones for $45. 

[TwoTired]

Just a thought.  Do you think the aftermarket suppliers won't raise their prices when Honda stops offering parts/kits?

When makers realize their products don't sell, don't they usually stop producing?  I'd wager that more parts for these old machines would become available again, if there was enough demand for them.

Just saying...

[Nikkisixx]

Is it only $10?  I got my K&L for $22 and I always see the Honda ones for $45. 

Midnight, you're right the price for a Honda kit is twice as much. 
BUT $45 bones for an OEM rebuild kit is reasonable IMHO.   

[CB500_k2]

I got a MC rebuild kit on eBay, don't remember the manufacturer but was not OEM.  The rubber seals on the piston failed immediately.  Honda stands behind the quality of their parts.  It is sad to drip brake fluid on your tank. 

[skiri251]

It's not a M/C but caliper rebuild kit for GL1100 but my recent experince.

I bought genuine Honda seals for the front, they were fine.

I bought aftermarket (maybe K&L, not sure, it said made in Japan) for the rear.
Seals were too small and had a hard time installing the pistons. Ended up breaking one seal.