Buying "bolts and wiring" and other stuff in the UK

[MikeinSaudi]

Hi guys,

I have had a good look and can't find a similar thread anywhere... but forgive me if this has been asked before.

So, where do you guys in the UK buy your stuff?

I am starting a project build on a '78 GS550. I work out in Saudi Arabia and will be getting home at the end of Feb to start the re-build of the bike. Bought it from a trusted source but delays in shipping mean the i have not seen the bike yet. Pretty sure i will need/want to replace bolts and definitely have a go at the wiring so i was wondering where to buy basic stuff like that.

Obviously there is Halfrauds but i would like to avoid them if possible.

Any advice gratefully received guys.

Mike

[Agemax]

For nuts and bolts just go to your local fasteners store, or ebay. plenty of choice on there for OEM stuff or upgrade to stainless steel fasteners.
For any wiring needs try vehiclewiringproducts.com
If you need any OEM suzuki parts, try Robinsons foundry, they do a lot of the old Suzuki parts at reasonable prices.

[MikeinSaudi]

Thanks Agemax, appreciate the reply

[Brendan W]

Avoid Halfords if at all possible. Suzuki used a range of different strength bolts and screws. You will see numbers on the head. For a high strength application get high strength bolts obviously. If it's shiny it could be galvanised and not the best. Be careful of side case screw length. Check the fiche and get them the proper length. Original screws are JIS and a phillips tool will quickly mess them up if they are stuck. Many replace them with hex key stainless socket head cap screws.
Wiring, stick with automotive and get a good crimping tool with proper connectors. Avoid the bullet type.

[MikeinSaudi]

Thanks Brendan,

Looks like sound advice and i appreciate the guidance.

i bought some JIS screwdrivers in preparation of getting home at the end of the month have been thinking about pre-ordering some stuff so that it is waiting for me when i get home so that i can crack on as i will only be there for a couple of weeks before returning to work.

[allojohn]

I've found Wemoto to be a good UK OEM and after market supplier.

[MikeinSaudi]

Thanks John

[Grimly]

Auto Electrical Supplies for wiring, lighting, etc.

https://www.autoelectricsupplies.co.uk/

Woolies for trim bits. Mostly classic cars, but the odd thing from there comes in handy.

https://www.woolies-trim.co.uk/

A fave of mine is Mid-Ulster Rotating Electrics
Got all sorts of odd and hard to find parts from the car and tractor world that find application on bikes.

https://www.rotatingelectrics.co.uk/

Nuts and bolts are mostly from my local stockists, unless it's something odd or special, then it's ebay or a more specialised supplier wherever I can find them.

Bearings and seals

https://simplybearings.co.uk/shop/

They stock Viton O-rings sized for the carb-to-head fitment and also a range of good quality fork seals.

[MikeinSaudi]

Thanks Grimly,

Much appreciated particularly taking the time to include the links, really helpful.

[MikeinSaudi]

A thought occurred to me....

I am sure a friend of mine told me years ago that he had got a bike-specific pack of bolts for his bike - albeit it was more of a crotch-rocket and the bolts were lighter in weight. Stupid really as he, like most of us, was seriously overweight rather than the bike.

Does anybody (supplier) do that sort of thing for our bikes?

[steveb922]

If you search 'gs550 engine bolts', you'll find several suppliers.

Some other interesting stuff here: https://classicbikefasteners.co.uk/collections/gs550

These guys do some handy wiring accessories: https://kojaycat.co.uk/epages/950000...457/Categories

[MikeinSaudi]

If you search 'gs550 engine bolts', you'll find several suppliers.

Some other interesting stuff here: https://classicbikefasteners.co.uk/collections/gs550

These guys do some handy wiring accessories: https://kojaycat.co.uk/epages/950000...457/Categories

Thank you so much Steveb, really helpful again.

[erki52]

Afternoon. Shameless plug coming up:-

If you want nuts / bolts / screws / bearings then call me at Cofast 01752 344321 (ask for Eric). or email eric@cofast.co.uk

Mention you're on the forum and i will ensure you get the special biker deal.

In my experience with customers working on modern Japanese bikes, classic Triumphs and old Vincents avoid any site that has classi anything as the web address. They usually charge ££'s for bolts I sell for pennies.

Can't promise to have everything on the shelf but we still sell proper 'English' stuff as well as UNC,UNF etc.

[MikeinSaudi]

Mention you're on the forum and i will ensure you get the special biker deal.

In my experience with customers working on modern Japanese bikes, classic Triumphs and old Vincents avoid any site that has classi anything as the web address. They usually charge ££'s for bolts I sell for pennies.
.

Erik, i appreciate the shameless plug and as i live way out in the country i don't have a "local fittings store" as a number of guys have very helpfully recommended. Could you drop me a PM with a view to having some hex bolts available when i get out of the sand pit at the end of the month.

thanks again mate

[Grimly]

My metric bolts are ususally sourced from the local farm supply store, and while they don't stock the more Japanese bike-oriented metric fine stuff, their range of standard metric is fairly decent quality. 8.8 grade is perfectly adequate for holding accessories on, and if I need something fine or high-tensile the engineering supplier of rarer bolts is 15 miles away.
You'd be surprised who stocks what in the countryside - even small places might hide a tractor dealer who has stuff you never thought of.