Gday all, I wrote to Honda in Australia and asked three straightforward and what I thought were simple questions.
1/ Why am i being asked to pay more than double the price for aftermarket products compared to the U.S. and Europe ?

2/ why do I not have the option or choice to buy the Deluxe version in Australia.

3/ why am I having paint issues with a new bike ?

Here is the response:
Dear Roger,

We refer to your recent communication regarding the questions regarding your F6B and would like to thank you for taking the time to contact us.

Unfortunately, it is not always possible to obtain all of the models produced by our factories worldwide. There are a number of factors involved in determining our model line-up, such as production costs, product availability, exchange rates and modification requirements for our market etc. This includes accessories.

We also review feedback from our future and existing customer base and also market trends obtained from our dealer network.

We can advise that Honda uses clear coat on some paints with metallic, flake and pearl finish to enhance lustre of the colour. Usually, non-metallic blacks and reds are deemed to have a better looking finish without clear coat.

For routine or normal paint care, Honda recommends high quality wash products and waxes or detailing products that are free of abrasive polishing compounds. Regular application of high quality wax will provide a protective coating, minimizing paint scratching and scuffing. All painted surfaces, whether clear coated or not, collect dust and dirt. Swirl marks and scratches are created when the surface is not cleaned prior to the application of the finishing polish. It may also happen when rough cloth is used on a dry paint surface.

If the paint has small scratches or swirl marks, they can be rubbed out with a finishing polish containing mild compounds, such as 3M Perfect-it Machine Polish. This commercially available product has shown great results in removing the haze and small scratches that appear during normal usage. After small scratches are removed, a mild polishing product such as Honda Glare should be used to attain the final gloss. Applying these products to recently un-crated units with minor paint blemishes could eliminate the unnecessary replacement of body panels and prevent sales delays.

Paint on the polishing cloth is normal and is caused by the type of polish being used. Some waxes and all finishing polishes, especially those made for removing fine scratches, swirls and other imperfections will remove some paint.

Products recommended by Honda, Please ensure you follow the usage instructions listed on the product.
Honda Glare Ultra Wash P/N 08732-GLR-002
Honda Glare Professional Polish P/N 08731-GLR-001
Hondagloss Liquid Polish and Sealant P/N 08C25-A081S
Spray Cleaner and Polish P/N 08732-SCP00
3M Products www.3M.com Perfect-it Machine Polish (3M P/N 06064)

Feel free to contact us again should you have any further questions.

Regards,

Stephen Lee

Customer Relations
Honda Australia Motorcycles and Power Equipment

At no point does the reply email say anything like I'm sorry you may have paint issues how can we help to resolve it ?
It also advises me that I should have applied Honda Glare but that it should be done before the bike is sold,am I reading that correctly ?
There is no justification for the incredible price hikes applied here , $500 for a service manual ! Although I was told it had a lot of pages!
If you want me to buy aftermarket items then stop charging so much that I have no incentive to walk back into the shop once I have purchased the bike.
I expect to pay more here in Australia that's just the way it is , ok maybe 15% to 25% but not 100% +.
Thanks for letting me rant guys
Roger