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Original Equipment Manufactures (OEM) parts do not necessarily mean Original Manufacturer (OM) parts. Riders might have noticed that many motorcycle manufacturers do not manufacture every part of their motorcycle. They usually have the motorcycle parts designed and manufactured by other independent companies.
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Aftermarket motorcycle part is usually resorted to if it will be used as a replacement part or if you want to customize your bike. Before purchasing you must first make sure that your guarantee period is over.
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When you are buying aftermarket motorcycle parts, be sure you are getting at least the same quality as that of its OEM counterparts. You can do this by searching for current reviews about brands and performance.
How do we know when to buy aftermarket motorcycle parts and when not to? If you are looking for a replacement or improvement part, consider the availability of the motorcycle parts, your budget and other aspects about the purchase. Some riders are confused in deciding whether to buy OEM or aftermarket motorcycle parts.
What’s the Difference Between Original Equipment Manufacturers and Original Manufacturer?
First, we have to know the difference between the two. Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM) parts do not necessarily mean Original Manufacturer (OM) parts. Riders might have noticed that many motorcycle manufacturers do not manufacture every part of their motorcycle. They usually have the motorcycle parts designed and manufactured by other independent companies. However, these motorcycle manufacturers install them in their machines or put them in their own packaging to be sold as OEM motorcycle parts. Aftermarket motorcycle parts on the other hand, are replacement parts that can perform as well as OEM parts. In addition, they can be of equal, higher, or lesser quality with OEM parts. They are produced by companies other than the original manufacturer.
What to Consider Before Purchasing Aftermarket Motorcycle Part?
Aftermarket motorcycle part is usually resorted to if it will be used as a replacement part or if you want to customize your bike. What are the things that you must consider before purchasing the same? First, make sure that your guarantee period is over. There are states that render your guarantee void if you have an aftermarket motorcycle part installed by an unauthorized mechanic. Based on my observations, high performance parts and devices can be had as aftermarket motorcycle parts such as:
- Carbon fiber
- Titanium
- Aerospace aluminum parts
- Gizmos
- Exhaust
- Foot controls
- Lighting
It is also important to consider that equivalent aftermarket Suzuki motorcycle parts are cheaper than OEM parts. In addition, they can slash down the price to around 70% compared to OEM price.
When is a Good Time to Purchase Aftermarket Parts?
If you have a brand-new model, then aftermarket parts are typically unavailable. Anytime after a few years of having it, you can see a large amount of parts open up for you. If the bike remains unchanged for a long period of time, then the parts availability goes down slowly as stock goes down too. It is also important to know exactly what parts fit your bike and if they those parts can work hand and hand with one another because not all motorcycle parts are universal. Sometimes returning parts is not always possible and can be a hassle for most depending on the unique situation.
What Happens if I Purchase Fake Motorcycle Parts?
When dealing with motorcycle parts it can be tricky distinguishing the difference between if it is real or fake. To help avoid this costly mistake, consider the following:
- Check the quality and the pricing, the materials might look like a cheaper plastic and metal. If it feels to good to be true oftentimes it is fake.
- Examine the packaging, if it is considered to be fake there may be misspelling on the package with no original stickers or labels on it.
- Check the parts included inside, legitimate kits should include screws, nuts, and bolts. Even if it is just missing one it is likely that it is fake.
When you are buying aftermarket motorcycle parts, be sure you are getting at least the same quality as that of its OEM counterparts. You can do this by searching for current reviews about brands and performance. You can find some on the internet. Moreover, you can consult your trusted mechanics and seasoned ride.
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