> As a novice in this whole field, I am astounded by the how much a
> modern computerized welding factory like Honda or Mazda is forced to
> charge for a frame or sub frame part in a car.
This not a fair measure of manufacturing cost. Car makers today are making PRACTICALLY NOTHING on OEM sales of automobiles. Spare parts however are marked up 150%, 250%, 350% to make up for the measly profits on the original equipment. This has spawned a whole industry of "clone" parts makers, and insurance companies the demand "clone" parts, and great consternation and hand-wringing on the part of car makers.
It's a lucky thing that most bike makers do not manufacture custom and unique parts required to operate the bikes.
- Don Gillies
San Diego, CA