Motorcycle Parts - OEM or Aftermarket ???
This is always a difficult one to answer when shopping for
motorcycle parts and I firmly believe that each one of us must
decide what's best for our bikes AFTER carefully evaluating each
of the possibilities.
For me?
Well... it really depends on what I am looking for - just
replacement or improvement - , the availability of the part, my
budget and other things. Sometimes I buy OEM, others aftermarket
motorcycle parts.
Keep reading. You will find some views that will hopefully help
you decide the next time you shop for motorcycle parts.
What a heck are OEM parts??
OEM parts stands for Original Equipment Manufacturer parts which
not necessarily mean the OM (Original Manufacturer) actually
produced them. You know, many motorcycle and automobile
manufacturers don't manufacture each of the parts used in their
vehicles. They frequently have the parts designed and
manufactured by outside independent companies and then, install
them in their machines or put them in their own boxes to be sold
as OEM parts!
Good to know when buying OEM Motorcycle Parts:
When you buy OEM Motorcycle Parts you are buying the exact same
original part the manufacturer used to build your motorcycle,
that means:
>> Same performance as the part installed in your motorcycle
right now. The part won't be better nor worse than the original
part you want to replace.
>> Normally OEM parts a more (in some cases MUCH more) expensive
than aftermarket parts.
>> Motorcycle and car agencies clerks will normally tell you OEM
Parts are higher quality and the best option for replacements.
Is this true? Well sometimes it is, sometimes it's not.
>> Normally after a certain period of time, the manufacturer
will allow the company that originally designed/produced the
part to sell it in their own box at a considerably lower cost,
making it: an Aftermarket OEM part! :-)
>> BE CAREFUL if your bike is still in its guarantee period make
sure you use only OEM parts and have them installed by
authorized mechanics. If you don't do so, you will probably void
the guarantee.
What about Aftermarket parts??
Aftermarket parts should perform as well as OEM parts but are
produced by companies other than the original manufacturer(s).
Things to know when buying Aftermarket Motorcycle Parts:
>> MAKE SURE YOUR GUARANTEE PERIOD IS OVER. In many cases, you
can VOID your guarantee if you have an aftermarket part
installed by an unauthorized mechanic in your machine. I know I
said it before, but it's worth repeating; I happened to me! :-(
>> Equivalent aftermarket Suzuki motorcycle parts are normally
cheaper than OEM parts. Sometimes up to 70% cheaper!
>> Aftermarket parts can have lower,the same or higher quality
than the original.
>> When buying aftermarket parts make sure you are getting AT
LEAST the same quality as the OEM part. If possible try to get
some reviews about brands and performance. You can do it in the
Internet, with your favorite mechanic or with fellow riders.
>> If you are looking for high performance parts and devices,
you know the kind: carbon fiber, titanium, aerospace aluminum
parts and gizmos, well you will probably find them as
aftermarket motorcycle parts.
OEM or aftermarket motorcycle parts, sooner or later you will be
shopping for them...
Enjoy the ride!
Daniel Levy