Bargain front mudguard.

[stevewharton]

Just saw a new repro' front mudguard for my kettle on eBay, £184 + P&P from a US company based in Vietnam.
So "that's cheap" I thought and decided to have a look at their feedback, and found lots of these mudguards have been sold to very happy and satisfied kettle owners in the UK.
The price also had a "make an offer" option, so I offered £150 (Alan would be proud ) and it was accepted. Just waiting for it to be delivered now and I'll let everyone know how good it is when it gets here.
Writing this reminded me though about a clearance sale that a long gone local Suzuki dealer had in the 1990's. They had all their old stock on display outside the shop with a sign saying "everything must go, 50 pence per item".
So I had a good look and couldn't believe my eyes when I saw a new rear mudguard for a kettle, which I quickly grabbed for the said 50p.
There was nothing wrong with the one on my kettle so I sold it on to a fella at the Stafford show for £10, a profit of 1000 percent, I think. But if I'd kept it in the attic for 20 odd years I could sell it now for 20 times that much Hindsight eh?

[Alan H]

Pity you didn't ask me first Steve. I've a couple of 'near enough' front 'guards in the stash. One is from a CB450 Honda, but I reckon most people wouldn't know!

[stevewharton]

Hi Al, got to keep it genuine in case a purist gets offended
Seriously though mines not too bad, a dodgy spot under the front stay and some surface rust spots here and there, make a new one for £150 too good to miss, and it's a birthday prezzie for this coming Thursday.
(Same age as you again

[stevewharton]

IMG_20241010_111111.jpg (127.04 KiB) Viewed 65 times

There you go, arrived on the 8th October, very fast delivery from Vietnam with no import duty to pay.
Very pleased with the quality, chrome finish and the weight, which is the same as the original.
Not sure how much an original Suzuki NOS guard would cost (if you could find one) but considerably more than the £150 I paid for this one.
So if you're looking for a replacement, I'd highly recommend this company. Find on ebay,
HOAN VAN Service Trading Co Ltd.
Advertised at £184 but with a "make an offer" option.
Cheers, Steve W.

[stevewharton]

Just a thought before I fit this new mudguard, is there a recommended way of protecting the underside from corrosion?
I've toyed with the idea of underseal, grease, oil, WD-40, or fit as is, any definite suggestions?

P.S. is everyone hibernating on here?

[badgereng]

I mask off all the shiny bits then spray the underside with a couple of coats of clear rattle can lacquer

[barney01]

I undersealed mine 20 years ago and they're still good. Quick wipe every time the wheel is off.

[Alan H]

I did all the undersides/hidden parts of 'guards & stays on my 550s with silver Hammerite smooth.

[stevewharton]

Thanks for the suggestions everyone, plenty of options there, I did wonder though what Suzuki did, probably nothing I guess

[itsnotateapot]

Cod Liver Oil.