OEM (Hondaline) saddlebag rails vs Cheap knockoffs (Ebay) saddlebag rails

[Knights2theEnd]

I found someone selling Hondaline OEM saddlebag rails for $650. From what I see, they look exactly the same as the cheap ebay ones. How can I tell the difference between the two? I can get the cheap ebay ones for $400. Is the $250 increase in price worth it for the OEM Hondaline saddlebag rails?

[bill-jr]

I couldnt tell the difference been happy with my knockoffs for many years

[flsix]

Apply a good wax before you install either and it will help keep the eventual rust at bay.

[Knights2theEnd]

So there is no way of knowing the difference because they are exactly the same? Same diameter, no markings, same everything? So the person selling the hondaline OEM saddlebag rails for $650 could very well be selling $400 ebay ones?

[Willow]

So there is no way of knowing the difference because they are exactly the same? Same diameter, no markings, same everything? So the person selling the hondaline OEM saddlebag rails for $650 could very well be selling $400 ebay ones?

It is pretty well as you say.  A few of the aftermarket rails don't fit well at the back but they can be made to work.  You really can't tell until you try them.

[HayHauler]

So there is no way of knowing the difference because they are exactly the same? Same diameter, no markings, same everything? So the person selling the hondaline OEM saddlebag rails for $650 could very well be selling $400 ebay ones?

It is pretty well as you say.  A few of the aftermarket rails don't fit well at the back but they can be made to work.  You really can't tell until you try them.

The OEM rails have small white teflon plugs in small holes on the upper shock mounts.  The aftermarket ones do not.  That is the only way to tell if I remember correctly.
I have an OEM set that are scratched on the bottom side where you cannot see it unless you are laying down under the bike.

Hay 
Jimmyt

[Jess from VA]

I have an OEM set that are scratched on the bottom side where you cannot see it unless you are laying down under the bike.

Mine too, on the side I took a bit of a slide on (saved the paint and bag though).  And the saddlebag mounts on that side are a bit sprung as a result too.  Easy to get off, and a PITA to get back on.  It was a long time after the slide that I first pulled that bag off and I was wondering why I was having so much trouble getting it back on.  Then I remembered.