Not a true "versus" really, more of a best of both worlds!

Sticking my ha'pworth in on a query has prompted me to post this.

I'm guessing that Partzilla is probably one of the go to sites for those in the US, and a cracking site it is too. There is a site in Holland called CMSNL and a few of us on this side of the Atlantic go there to get parts.

I think that, by and large, Partzilla has more complete records than CMSNL. However, one advantage that CMSNL has over Partzilla is that they often show coloured photos of a part, even if it is not in stock. This can be a great help when either sourcing or trying to id parts.

Did you know you get a collectable poster with orders from CMSNL?
I didn't untill i read it some place and i looked at my next to last order. Honda Black bomber.
I personally use CMSNL because the postage is good. £14.99 for anything up to 500Euro then it's free.
You have to watch some stuff in the "Genuine screw department". I ordered screws with captive washers for the air box lid on my DT 3. The ones that came were non genuine and the washers were just 6mm washers and they dont fit in the recesses on top of the lid. Bit naughty that.

Great thread! Yes! Both are good resources...

Partzilla does have some photos too... mostly for "in stock" items... www.partzilla.com/product/yamaha/8J9-81940-10-00

And the Partzilla "show what other model parts list this part number shows up on" feature can be very helpful at times if used with common sense and a little knowledge... For example, there is no "magic piston" that fits both a 125 and 175... but it's also helpful to know that the 1990's US RT180 and US RT100 share quite a few parts with the late 1970's to 1981 DT175 and DT100...

Yes, the "this part is used on.........." function of both sites is great.

It's a real shame that no site shows the same info for UK/European models pre about 1980. Those of us over here who like our Yamaha air cooled RDs struggle sometimes, as there can be quite a difference between the US and UK bikes.

It's quite strange though that to an extent Suzuki have caught on to this and have a vintage parts section through Robinsons in Canterbury.
Fowlers on the other hand ,who are an excellent parts source and excellent service where Yamaha are concearned don't do vintage at all.