I am jonsing for one of the Aluminum Diamond Plate ones myself. Mine is one of the stock steel ones. The drive shaft is different so it does not need the extra bearing set. Its really not like a staton at all except in looks.
When I find my digital Camera I will do some more pics, as far as dependability goes I have had one of the manual drive type's from DE every time they have made a engine or in the case of an upgrade to the non engine part of the system I have ordered the new upgrade and attached it myself. This kit I have had sine the shuttle blew up on re entry when ever that was. I bought it 1 month before then. No bearing issues on this kit or my first US Engine one, the "49'r" that replaced that engine, Italion Connection, [Wow was that fast but as easy to start as an old Ferrari.], and now my Mitsubishi Encore. So that is 4 kits since 92 and last I heard everyone who bought or was gifted my old ones was happy with them.
I belive Rob when he tells me about Bike messangers in NYC who use them and after years of daily use with the clutch model finally have to send them in for a free clutch replacement. Thats a sweet deal.