Thanks for the detailed write-up however after more than 10 years of working hands-on on my mostly Japanese rides, I know when I see a part first hand whether it is a cheap knock-off or the real deal
Regarding the rest of the things you told about how market stuff works, I have to agree with you on this. Because I have heard the same stories about Suzuki & Toyota from my cousin who is into import-export business. It's sort of a rip-off gang. All these warehouse guys sitting at 3S rip-off centers know each other and usually call each other for rate inquiry. They seem to be a well organized gang who know how to bite off your head when you enter in their vicinity. I have asked Mumtaz motors on phone today to get this part imported for me and they've given me a week's time as their air shipment is ready to be dispatched in a couple of days. For some shopkeepers it is absolutely true what you said above, but i've done my homework on these guys. They are legit. Some of their cargo comes directly by air and they are Suzuki authorized dealers as well. Also have other aftermarket Japanese alternative parts ready; For example, I had to buy new coils for my car as one of them was failing to produce spark once engine turned hot. Original ones were priced at 15K each at 4 Suzuki 3S outlets, and I wasn't surprised because earlier I was quoted 9K per piece for front shocks when the actual company price was 5K. Guess how I found that? The stupid guy went to talk to the food boy to bring him 2 burgers and I took a sneak peek at his monitor, and there was the price tag
and I got them for 5K a piece later on. Okay so back to the coils, the same were priced at 11K at Mumtaz motors per piece. Also, I saw a Japanese alternative brand named YEC and they were also available. Their price was only 4.5K a piece. Since I was on a tight budget at that time, I bought that one and they are working wonderfully well. I'm not being their salesman
Just telling everyone out here what I have experienced so far with these 3S boys.