I really believe it is this exact argument that has kept the imagined value of the British motorcycles down.
Without getting too wordy, there are enough owners of British bikes that will completely sacrifice quality in the pursuit of cheap.
This is reflected back on the imagined value, because these bikes have a perceived reputation (deserved or not) of being cobbled together by cheap skate owners.
A couple of years ago I am at a small bike show. A guy with a mid 70s Triumph is bragging about how he only replaces one piston ring on each piston.
Next time he replaces one ring and the oil controll ring, this saves him money.
I think the other bike owners were pretty shocked by this, the majority of the bikes here are certainly Harleys. These people pride themselves on sparing no cost on keeping their bikes running and looking good.
Off topic I know, but relevant to the conversation I think. There are good quality parts available for these bikes, we just have to decide if we are going to pay for them, or except whatever we get from the generic parts sellers.
Lee