I orderd some body moulding plastic parts last year. They took over 3 months to deliver from Japan, wich tells me that Honda has orderd or manufactured them again.
Why? Because, if they had them in Stock in Japan, the part would have arrived within a few weeks. But if Honda Japan orders Parts from the subcontractor again, this can take several months.
Am i right?

 

I usually see a few responses:

Out of stock with unknown lead time
Out of stock, back order <estimated date>
Discontinued

If it's discontinued, then it's prob for good. I might be wrong, but just sharing what I've come across so far.

One example is steering racks.. 2+ years back there were none left in Japan. Now they are available again.

 

I have found a few "discontinued" items available after searching a number of parts online sites. There are a number of big Honda dealers that maintain an online part site and sell at below retail prices. There was one in my local town that sold me some stuff (rotors, pads and filters) at a great price but had to have it shipped. They would not allow local pickup. It was still a good price. I checked last month but they no longer operate as such. One that I have picked up some odd pieces (rear axle cups) is Bkk: BKHondaparts.com . As I recall they are out of Chicago.