PitReplica vs. Clone?

[moonpup]

Noticed on eBay that there's a "new kid on the block" selling replacement seat covers for the GTR/GTO's. His auctions are very similar to PitReplica's. The auction's title and the pictures he provides, while not identical, could easily be confusing to someone doing a quick search.

They are both based in Thailand. His are selling for $39.90 w/free shipping and PitReplicas are $99.90 w/free shipping.

Sound too good to be true? Several have been sold and was wondering if anyone here has bought one and what their opinion of the workmanship was. Let us know if you did. 

http://www.ebay.com/itm/BRIDGESTONE-350-GTR-GTO-1969-1971-SUEDE-SEAT-COVER-STRAP-Z012-/360851359383?pt=Motorcycles_Parts_Accessories&hash=item54046ac697&vxp=mtr#ht_528wt_1125

[slawsonb]

Just wanted to point out that this is the same guy selling spoke kits for Bridgestone. I think Mr Reed has used the spokes or at least has posted about them.
...bert

[farmerdl]

I ordered one out of curiosity, wondering too if the quality would be similar.  We'll see when it gets here.  I question how good it could be at that price.  He also makes the same offer that Pit Replica does that if you send him the first cover of a particular model he will reproduce it for you for free.

dl

[moonpup]

Thanks for letting us know you have one on the way farmerdl. Please lets us know what your thoughts are on the quality if you don't mind. If they're as good as PitReplicas, I'm all for saving $50 anyday! 

[william anderson]

  hi famerall ,      yes please let us know what you think of the seat cover quality , if its worth the time , i will send them a seat cover for a taka , gp 100 , an a tmx so that we can get those made as well , thanks william

[Redrust]

I'm looking at getting one for the hurricane and the dual twin I'm building but I'm not sure if they both have the handle strap for the passenger. In the description it says he adds the strap but none of the pics show it. I will add that from comparing pics of the 175 cover he has on the add and the seat cover on mine it looks like he does a very skilled job at placement of the logo. I know that was an issue someone had with pitreplica on the 350s cover. I bet he has that deal only for covers that he doesn't have a base model to work off from.

[moonpup]

Hey Redrust, that was probably me on the issue of logo placement. He offers both the small and large font for the 350's but the placement of the small is for the GTR seats. I did contact him to see if he could make me one for the GTO that would be moved a little closer towards the front of the seat and he said it would be no problem.

Issue resolved! 

[farmerdl]

Just now got shipping notice on the GTR seat from the second ebay seller.  Notice said arrival should be in 7 to 21 days.  Will let you know when it gets here and will try to have my upholstery  critique it as I'm certain his opinion on construction will be be more accurate than mine.

dl

[farmerdl]

Just received the seat cover from the second ebay seller.  Doesn't seem to be quite as good as the PitReplica cover.  The vinyl seems to be a bit, but just a bit, thinner.  The seams look to be about as good, but the material for the top is a little too nappy and the embossed , it think that's the word I want, stitching in the suede is not too close to the original seats.  It's better than some I've seen but not nearly as close as the PitReplica covers. In my opinion the new sellers cover are maybe ok for a rider but certainly not a show bike.

DL

[moonpup]

Thank you once again DL, I'm glad I asked the question and equally glad you were able to answer it with such a detailed description! I'm sure this will help many folks here with their decision on which cover to purchase.

[ziggy stardust]

Thanks DL, I was pondering over this. It's Pitreplica for me then.

Z

[ziggy stardust]

I ordered a Pit replica seat cover two years ago for my first GTR restoration, it was excellent.

I ordered another a week ago for my second restoration and received it this morning but on opening the box I could see straight away that it was not right. The suede effect had been replaced or not finished correctly with vinyl/plastic.

I've emailed Pit replica regarding this issue and await their response.

Anyone else had this problem?

Z 

[moonpup]

ziggy.... if you get a chance, could you post a pic of what the "new" material looks like?

[ziggy stardust]

I e mailed Pit replica over the problem, they got back to me within ten minutes asking for a photo. They said they would look into it.

No further reply.

http://public.fotki.com/ZiggyStardrops/no-password/
Z

[Redrust]

You have that album password protected. Can't see the pic.

[ziggy stardust]

Please try again with the photo link.

TC at Pit replica got back to me today, seems there is a batch of GTR seat covers with the wrong material sewn in, he's going to send me another one after the Thailand new year holidays.

Z

[ziggy stardust]

Well to be honest it is a little better but still not as original in the look or feel as the one I first bought. Seems this is the way they are now for whatever reason.

The one on the right has more of a suede feel, the left more like plastic.



Z

[moonpup]

Here's another vendor in Canada that is selling seat covers for the BS 350's & 175's.

They kinda look like PitReplicas' work but who knows. If anyone decides to try them out, please get back with us and tell us what you think.

http://www.diablocycle.com/Bridgestone-350GTR-Seat-Cover.html

[CL-100]

I went to their site and put Bridgestone in the search and it also came up with replica petcocks that fit the 175/200/350.  They looked pretty decent and were only $50.

[moonpup]

They've got decals at decent prices as well.

http://www.diablocycle.com/-Bridgestone-and-Rockford/

EDIT: Just noticed their address and realized that I'd already bought some decals from them a while back in an eBay auction. Got the Oil Injection & Made in Japan decals. The oil injection decals where the bigger ones for the GTR and are of no use to me for my GTO. (my mistake, not theirs) They are also a water applied decal, which surprised me as I was expecting the stick on adhesive type.

So to wrap this up, ask plenty of questions from them before ordering.