Hi, just sharing my experiences of buying from India via eBay. Not aiming to be malicious, just honest in case anyone else is thinking of doing the same.
I've bought three significant items that way in the past year, significant to me being over £150 each.
First item, set of WM20 pannier frame and pannier racks. Came when expected, pretty much as expected. A bit rough compared to an original but OK unless scrutinised. Conclusion, fair enough.
Second item, pair of Triumph 3HW Mudguard's. Tracking number given came up as invalid. Item never arrived. Full refund received after last date of possible delivery. Conclusion, item never sent, waste of time.
Third item (and the reason for this posting) Pre war B20 petrol tank. Despatch stated as being in 1 to 7 days. Marked as despatched two weeks after payment, tracking number stated item booked but not given to courier until 5 weeks after payment, despite several messages sent to enquiry what is going on which received which received implausible replies as the reason for delay (problems with computers and paperwork).
DHL took only 4 days to get the tank to me once it was given to them and it arrived two days before the end of the specified delivery period.
Happy customer? - No.
The tank is not correct for a B20. The main issue is that it is too tall by just under two inches. Fitting it means the flat (supposedly horizontal) lower tank edge slopes down to the front by that distance.
Do they want it back - no. All the dimensions on the tank are as per the limited details shown on the eBay listing hence no grounds for a return.
In case you are thinking of buying a B20 tank as shown on eBay from India, here's my thoughts as to the exact situation -
All the B20 tanks shown on eBay have the same picture and despite different prices and sellers are all from the same supplier. In this case the seller was "dealsvintage".
They are not available off the shelf for immediate despatch, they are made to order. Nothing wrong with that but the listing doesn't say that. Expect delays.
Workmanship will be generally OK, if a bit rough, but it will not be the same as an original B20 tank. Original cap, hand gearchange parts and rear fixing bolts won't go straight on. Biggest issue to me though is the incorrect shape. It can be fixed with a hacksaw, hammer and welding torch, but for the price I paid I wouldn't expect to need to do that.
Caveat emptor, as ever.
Rupert.
That is a real shame, the Indians certainly know how to make some real rubbish. Having said that I have bought four petrol tanks two Gold Star and two A10s. I had problem with one Gold Star tank which I got for a friend. He wasn't happy with the fact that you could see nickel showing in a few places. I contacted the seller who sent another tank which was fine. He told be to keep the old one. This is now on my Shooting star where it has been since 2009 with no problems. Having been to India and seen how they make things I must admit I am surprised anything fits.
Agreed, I know some happy customers of Indian made tanks which is why I thought I'd take the risk
In general it seems to be pot luck re quality, but with this tank it's basically not correct for the model it's supposed to fit and the (sole?) source isn't interested in that situation.
Rupert.
All you can do is give them a negative feedback. They appear not to like that. Tank not fit for purpose.
I shall indeed do that...
When I purchased my latest bike, a B33, it was being checked over by a friendly expert & he identified the tank as being of Indian origin, his take was that it was slightly more bulbous than the original but the real giveaway was that the welding was of a far superior quality than that on the tank that left the factory back in 1958!