Motorcycle kits

[Mike C.]

Anybody know if there is a supplier for these kits in the states? The shipping for Japan is way too much.

 

[Daddyfink]

Actually, the Dollar is currently quite strong against the Yen, so now would be the time to grab stuff like that from japan. 

[Dpate]

I know plaza japan shipping is pretty high to the states about $67 fedex shipping on $110 worth of kits and the like.  I love plaza japan though there awesome. 

[Bill Eh?]

Mike, I believe that those particular Tamiya motorcycle kits are long out of production. They would most likely only be available from private sellers, through eBay or Facebook Marketplace. Since they are out of production, they will most likely command a high price.

[Mike C.]

10 minutes ago, Bill Eh? said:

Mike, I believe that those particular Tamiya motorcycle kits are long out of production. They would most likely only be available from private sellers, through eBay or Facebook Marketplace. Since they are out of production, they will most likely command a high price.

I was thinking that but I was hoping there was still hope.

[Bill Eh?]

If you're not in a rush, the best option might be to find one/them on a contest vendor's table, or at a swap meet.. Right now I'm personally anticipating the return of the NNL East in 2023! There are always many amazing vendors that I will gladly give my $$$ to. LOL

[stitchdup]

The shipping from japan might seem expensive but when you add the price of the kit and shipping you'll still be making a decent saving from buying local on japanese brands.

[Dpate]

51 minutes ago, stitchdup said:

The shipping from japan might seem expensive but when you add the price of the kit and shipping you'll still be making a decent saving from buying local on japanese brands.

This! I've bought $20 kits that they charge like $70 for in the states.  Reason i don't do to many local shops.  Rip offs like micro mark the rip off specialists.

[Mike C.]

Some of the auctions I have found on Ebay have free shipping to the U.S. from Japan but I'm wondering if there is some fine print or something that I'm not seeing. 

[Bill Eh?]

I have purchased from a few Japanese vendors on eBay, and never had a problem. I have even lucked in on some with free shipping. They have been legitimate. Free shipping usually means they are charging more, for the same kit, as some of their competitors. Mind you, free shipping means that it is going to be sent the cheapest (read slowest) way possible. If you aren't in a hurry, that doesn't matter. The longest I have ever waited was 19 weeks, for purchase from Hobby Search. They are a relatively big-name, non-eBay seller. I had given up on the order, but was pleasantly surprised in the end. one thing that has been consistent in all of my purchases from Japan is how well they have been packed.

[Mike C.]

40 minutes ago, Bill Eh? said:

I have purchased from a few Japanese vendors on eBay, and never had a problem. I have even lucked in on some with free shipping. They have been legitimate. Free shipping usually means they are charging more, for the same kit, as some of their competitors. Mind you, free shipping means that it is going to be sent the cheapest (read slowest) way possible. If you aren't in a hurry, that doesn't matter. The longest I have ever waited was 19 weeks, for purchase from Hobby Search. They are a relatively big-name, non-eBay seller. I had given up on the order, but was pleasantly surprised in the end. one thing that has been consistent in all of my purchases from Japan is how well they have been packed.

Not in any big hurry. You should see all if the projects I have before I ever would get to these. ?

[Bill Eh?]

You're in a good position right now, as far as projects go. I do hope you come across one of those Tamiya kits in the future. Many years ago, I spent time building the KTM kit with a nephew. Don't know about the other two, but the KTM kit is awesome.

[Mike C.]

These bikes are all from the era when I was riding.

[Dpate]

7 hours ago, Mike C. said:

Some of the auctions I have found on Ebay have free shipping to the U.S. from Japan but I'm wondering if there is some fine print or something that I'm not seeing. 

Na some do have free shipping.  I've seen some with $3 shipping lol.  I remember ordering the Meng BMW bike off ebay from china and it took probably bout 3 or so weeks to come in.