R1200GS Accessories imported from China, Cheap or Rubbish - and Dave confesses as to his absence.

[@Ian6041]

Hi I just bought Chinese expedition long skid plate did not say Touratech on eBay for $324 Canadian when I got it it says Touratech on it . It’s the same as a friends at half the price he paided .And fit perfectly no twisting no modifying fit absolutely perfect.

[@josolari6264]

Nice to see you guys, and the new pooch, gorgeous. You never know may see you up on our turf, the Ponderosa. Look forward to your next video, Take care Jo

[@martynleyfield2941]

Hi great video amazing difference in price what is going on 😱 do you have a link please 🤔

[@mototakahe836]

Thank you for the fitting guide,lol. I have watched all these before but.......... I do hope that you and your group are all ok. Stay safe and healthy.

[@waynecompton7612]

Thank you for the video Andrew and your lumberjack friend. Take care 😎👍🇬🇧.

[@MillfieldWheels]

What about import duty etc I've been stung for custom clearance charges a few times

[@andybcole]

Ian Batterham never had to pay it in the UK - I believe they cover it.

[@andrewtofts7884]

Thanks Andy, a really insightful and interesting topic; and Dave in his dungarees with all his very well organised spares drawers was a bonus😃😃👍👍

[@deanshaw5166]

Hi, and thanks for the videos. I reluctantly tried some cheap Chinese accessories after receiving a couple of poorly finished TT products. Unfortunately the experiment has had poor results. because of the price I went to town a bit and ordered a number of items at the same time. Firstly I bought the tool box that fits under the port side pannier rack (2017 BMW R1200GSA). It only has two mounts rather than three, so not stable in the rough, and fits too close, so will cause scratching damage - not recommended, but will look at spot welding another bracket to it. Secondly I bought the screen film cover, but it doesn't allow for the bend in the display down the right side, so doesn't stick properly (have just cut that end off, so partly works). Thirdly I tried a side stand switch cover, but it has no spacer to hold it off the switch so will cause more damage to the switch than it saves, and the tail end is a sharp edge to be cable tied to the frame, which again will cause scratching and induce rust into the frame - no way. Fourth was an ABS sensor cover (not really needed but what the hell) - I could reshape and powdercoat it I suppose, or throw it in the bin. Fifth are the header covers, look alright but not tried to fit them yet. I do have a few TT and Wunderlich bits, but the prices are still hard to swallow. What I have done though is bought a few bits from South Africa - better pricing, quality products. I think made by people who actually ride bikes. Motorradical and GoGravel are the ones I've tried so far. Bought headlight protector, radiator guards, and a proper side stand switch. Much happier with those purchases. They now have dealers in Australia, where I live (just wrong side of the country, but we're used to that in WA). Cheers.

[@samsara3694]

The bmw frame guards are 33.91p a pair, so 16.95 a side! They're actually quite different to the ones you've fitted, which are more angular and have a silver rather than black centre piece.

[@andybcole]

samsara there are lots of different options, I liked the ones I chose. Love to know where you got that quote - our garage quoted £85!

[@samsara3694]

ah, my apologies, I hold my hands up - that was the price of my rad guards. The protectors were indeed 85 quid! Soz = enjoy your vids!

[@robgutteridge1649]

Hi Andy, that's very interesting as I was looking to get the Wunderlich GoPro mount for the front of my GSA. Do you have the real McCoy on yours or is it a Chinese version? Are you still planning on travelling to Garmisch in July as I'm planning to go.

[@andybcole]

Rob Gutteridge real one on mine paid about £60 for it :-( yes still going to Garmisch - see you there!

[@jasong4388]

Hi Andy/Dave...... Just done the Chinese thing. Rear hugger, air intake covers & rad guards for 2016 triple black. A Certain fella who's quite nippy would of charged around £280.00 for that little lot. Got all that off flea bay for £120.00. Just think the savings are to good to ignore. Like you, if the original gear was sensibly priced, then the far East wouldn't be needed. Best mod for the GS is still the Hilltop re map at Hinkley just down the road from you guys. Wow wow. Highly recommended. Transforms the GS. Love the vids... whats this years euro tour??

[@andybcole]

Tell me more about the remap - new one on me...?

[@keithanderson784]

Have a look at Teapotone's channel, he has a video from when visited with his GS. His friend also took his S1000RR 200+ bhp at the back wheel!!!

[@crooksnchase]

Do they have anything for the CRF250l?

[@ericstephenson3607]

Aliexpress have gsa screens on their website, wondering what you're thoughts are on them as I'm I interested in the tinted version. £230 from bmw £40 from Aliexpress.

[@andybcole]

Can’t comment as I haven’t bought one - buyer beware (caveat emptor) would be my view. My personal opinion on this is I wouldn’t rely on anything from AliExpress that could compromise rider safety.

[@ericstephenson3607]

@@andybcole yea cheers Andy fair comment 👍

[@swampysadventures554]

Hi Andy, interesting as always, What company did you use as many Chinese on eBay and I don’t wanna get stung for import duty?

[@andybcole]

stewart Davison I don’t use eBay - I used AliExpress which has been OK so far but I am not giving out endorsements!

[@gnarlybadger690]

Interesting video Andy, just got a GS myself so I’ll have to check some of these parts out

[@eternallearner8185]

So where do you think Touratech/Wunderlich items are made?????

[@andybcole]

eternal learner China mostly I expect, it’s more about the outrageous markup they then put on top!

[@redditroom2981]

Andy, would you be able to ask dave where he got the plans for the 72" belt sander, I'm looking to build one for myself?

[@andybcole]

The maestro of all things belt sander is apparently looking it up now and will post the link here....

[@dtruman15]

Hi Lee. Have a look at youtube under Jeremy Schmidt! he as a video's all about the belt sander and other items to go with it, you can obtain plans from him. As you may know, anyway this is a great bit of kit. I am just halfway with completing this project, hoping it will be better than the first one I made years ago. Regards Dave,

[@redditroom2981]

Excellent, thank you for the reply gents, I'll have a look now.

[@redditroom2981]

That grinder is some serious kit, who did you use to buy the materials for the build?

[@dtruman15]

Hi Lee, I was very lucky I have had my metal workshop for about 35 years and metal has come my way over the years, I think the best is to look online for a metal supplier near where you live. a lot of this belt sander is fabrication work but you will need a metalwork lathe for the wheels or buy them in. Regards Dave. PS. The plans come with a cutting list for the metal required.

[@ThegWindsor]

Hi Andy thanks for this video always good to see if the cheaper add ons work over time I will ask one think you have not done a video about your touring kit as in jackets and the like . I know Dave has his klim jacket but is it as good as yours lol

[@andybcole]

ThegWindsor now there’s an idea for next weekend...

[@ThegWindsor]

Lol or on your trip down to Wales for the weekend I was hoping to get there but my GSA fuel strip is coming out as it stopped working on the way for an MOT

[@AceMBP]

Some good and some bad with Chinese parts for my F800gs. Rear fender, headlight protector and radiator guard was a win. Windscreen extender was pure junk.

[@kyndrydspyryt3867]

Did you put a magnet on the headlight guard?

[@andybcole]

Just tried it and much to my surprise if I'm honest, no reaction so stainless steel...

[@kyndrydspyryt3867]

andybcole Nice!

[@BlueRidgeMarine]

Hi Andy, like your videos, great work. Can you ask Dave where he buys the German style coverall from? I'm looking for that style for my work. Thank you.

[@andybcole]

BlueRidgeMarine I’ll try but I bet it is at least twenty years old and probably from Aldi :-)

[@chrisboardman1013]

Any links to the websites would be appreciated

[@andybcole]

Just use AliExpress...

[@chrisboardman1013]

Thanks very much, looks like some good prices

[@oldmanridesomr1645]

I've recently had the same dilemma. Bought original​ for the head protection and fender extender but a Chinese copy for the mudsling

[@paultaylor6766]

Where did you buy them from?

[@andybcole]

Asthall Adventurer AliExpress

[@paultaylor6766]

Big thumbs up. Hold on chaps I'm going in!!

[@neilb4297]

Interesting vid Dave but other than adding weight to the bike I struggle to see the point of all the accessories.

[@andybcole]

Plopracer mainly for mild protection and personalisation but I have to agree!

[@chrisredfield3240]

I've seen people arguing of a few kg's between different bikes. Then adding crash bars and everything for off road use. Soon offsets the lithium battery and slip on exhaust.

[@petergrant9667]

What is manufactured in Europe?

[@andybcole]

Peter Grant there are several such as Touratech, Hornig, wunderlich all producing quality stuff but at a premium price.

[@d.Cog420]

Pretty much buying stolen products but it's too expensive/time consuming/pointless for BMW or Touratech to prosecute. Would love to know how they hold up over time.

[@genuinecomments4008]

You could swap the headlight guard 5 times at least for one touratech one if it didn’t last.

[@lsalavarrieta]

And exist the machineart cylinder guard! You must do a compare review between the original and the Chinese!

[@andybcole]

Bike has gone now - riding a V85TT!

[@Bazza47]

How about the linkys mate? BTW can you tell Dave's neighbour with the red Fiesta his car needs a T cut and polish

[@andybcole]

adrianbarrie13 AliExpress

[@andybcole]

Dave lives in a very run down neighbourhood :-)

[@captainpugwashrides3799]

Is Dave from Walsall? My sister in law came from great Barr and the culdecac looks like that area. I’ve just bought my first Bmw gs adventure triple black. Love the videos you produce. I’d love to tag a long a trip one day. Mileage no issue for me. Thanks. Andy sparrow

[@andybcole]

Not Walsall, Solihull but it all looks the same around here!

[@jonathandorward]

Have always wondered about the chinese stuff !! Thanks for the video.

[@stallebrass]

Completely agree mate. I have a bunch of Chinese knock offs on my GSA LC too and they're identical in every way. I'd have bought from the branded places too too if they'd been even half the price.

[@steveharrison8457]

Why buy it in,couldn’t Dave make all that stuff in his workshop, it would give him something to do in the winter!

[@dtruman15]

Hi Steve, Yes I think so! will have a go. thanks for your comments, Dave.

[@andybcole]

He only makes tools for his own workshop (seriously!) - running joke - he's making his third belt sander I think!

[@basmatikartoffenadventuret6131]

nice one!

[@terenceokeeffesmotorcyclestuff]

The factories in China don't have to meet the stringent European pollution regulations and can chuck as much crap in the air/water as they like to keep manufacturing costs down, that pollution will eventually find its way here so we are all paying for buying Chinese stuff in the long run. God knows what workers rights are in many places, would you like those same rights for European workers? You are self importing when you buy from China so there is no distributor required to make sure anything is CE marked and no requirement by that Chinese company to comply with any product liability insurance like BMW, Touratech etc. It is the way of the world unfortunately, money talks. Taking this to the extreme this is how kids get electrocuted and killed with substandard Nintendo chargers - with no comeback whatsoever on the company that made them. I am not saying all Chinese stuff is rubbish, far from it, but have a think.

[@yimingli9128]

man, i think you should have some basic understandings on economy regarding why people trade instead of make all things by themselves. what you've pointed out is truth, but its partial truth, and possibly much less significant.

[@terenceokeeffesmotorcyclestuff]

Yiming Li - I have an MBA thanks and am the wrong side of 50, I’ve been around. A KZbin comment conveys a tiny sentiment, this ain’t the place for a thesis.

[@yimingli9128]

good, then plz don't even start the thesis. its not the place

[@terenceokeeffesmotorcyclestuff]

Yiming Li - ?????

[@BackroadMotorcycleAdventures]

Added to that, I believe it is important to remember the cost of the making the original design. A lot of hours go into figuring out shape and size, fitment, etc, that you don't have to invest in if you just copy someone else's work. As you point out, it is more than just the cost of the materials.

[@akepettersson4847]

Nope , nothing for me , the chinese stuff. On the 14th of may I’m at Touratech Nordic in Lidköping , Sweden and ”pimp up my bike” 😄.

[@mikestewart7322]

Andy, it’s a job to justify Touratech prices when you have such good alternatives from China. Gotta ask how ethical are your pockets, when do either ever get used in anger and as you say you don’t keep your bikes that long anyway. Who’s going to know, really, and does it matter. Ask Touratech why should you buy their product over these items, watch em wriggle and squirm. Love Dave’s little pup, showed it to my wife and guess what, she wants one. Nice vid you boys.👍🏻🏍

[@dtruman15]

Hi Mike, thanks for your great comments! The dog's name is Marley! Regards Dave.

[@williamzoom]

Touratech and the other manufactures spend time & money doing R & D and supporting the industry meanwhile China steals the designs, uses bargain basement materials and abuses a labor force made up mostly of children while profits help prop up a regime that kills people for speaking out against them! It's not only a question of ethics but also morals & basic human rights!

[@tomthompson7400]

ive some gs parts fitted from china , they are identical to touratech in every way ,,,, but the price

[@abazdarhon]

Don’t bother to buy from China but only light and simple parts I will never go for other stuff where quality must be in first place but such covers etc what you show on this video can be easily imported from China. It is a open market and its customer choice. I understand some rights are broken but really £30 to £17 that is only because the name

[@happyswissjoe]

1. Touratech paid for the "R&D" and blueprint 2. Touratech is a brand, needs money to pay for brand 3. It is unethical for China to copy, but it is not illegal in CN nor on Internet 4. Some things can be same from Aliexpress, but not the critical bits like guards 5. You pay for what you believe. West always believed in copyrights and ideas, China believes in cheap production and communism consumerism. Everyone benefits. 6. If West does not want to lose their copyrights, then do not use cheap China factories. Same like APPLE.

[@ianstokes5185]

Do you have a link to which site ?

[@andybcole]

Ian Stokes AliExpress but I may get flamed for sharing!

[@ianstokes5185]

andybcole it's about time nippy wunderlich and to urate all wise up and stop ripping the p!!!

[@marklewis1651]

Hi Andy, if you have room for someone to tag along I would enjoy the company. I would hope to get to TTE on Friday but would plan to leave on Saturday to enjoy the trip To North Wales. Does that fit with your plans?

[@andybcole]

Mark Lewis of course - leaving from Solihull at around 8.30am, stopping Moreton in Marsh and Cotswold Motörrad if easier. Will give some more details in a couple of weeks!

[@captainpugwashrides3799]

Alibaba is also good for Chinese shoppers but sometimes you have to buy in bulk.

[@bunnydaduk]

Good work again. I've bought the odd part from the far east and have been far from impressed with the quality. You tend to find the metal parts are of a really cheap quality metal and tend to tarnish/discolour/corrode rather quickly. That said if you have a quick turnover of bikes it may be the way to go ! remind me to buy Dave's bike and not yours. I find you get what you pay for in most walks of life ! keep up the good work

[@keno6494]

bunnydaduk I

[@allentrevena6841]

And maybe Touratech is using Chinese manufactures who then lost control to other chinese manufactures.

[@richardrich3498]

Wheels are Chinese on wc Gs Anyway

[@russelllocke7180]

We’ll, considering many Chinese companies total disregard for copyright & their governments approach of allowing same I choose not to buy their products. 80% of the worlds counterfeit products are manufactured in China. So for those individuals & companies around the world doing the right thing relating to research/design & both quality & safety are being ripped off. Product reliability & quality are, in many circumstances dubious and/or dangerous. A little research on the problems of counterfeit parts reveals all this. One other reason why I won’t purchase from China is their geopolitical bully-boy tactics of unsubstantiated trade bans against countries who dare question the PRC on various issues from human rights to the origins of Covid. Look at the trade issues between Australia & China right now. Enough of my rant. My opinion, but it is based on facts. Your money, your ethics, your choice. If interest view Fake products from China - The Real Cost of Knock offs. It shows how a reputable company, ie. Evo Tech have been impacted by this issue.

[@duanesmith5074]

And that's exactly why you guys don't have jobs in your hometown Home Country because you refuse to buy from your countrymen instead of you're trying to buy everything as cheap as possible hopefully you'll get to keep your job and your countrymen will buy from your product

[@andybcole]

Duane Smith the alternative I compared it against was German not British? We don’t make anything comparable, I wish we did as I understand your point.