This becomes one of the most difficult questions to answer when shopping for motorcycle parts. It is up to each one of use to decide what is best for our own motorcycles and what parts we buy for our motorcycles.
A lot depends on the availability of the part from a aftermarket motorcycle parts, my budget and other things. Sometimes I buy OEM, at times the Honda motorcycle parts is a better choice.
What are OEM parts?
OEM parts stands for Original Equipment Manufacturer parts which not necessarily mean the OM (Original Manufacturer) actually produced them.Most motorcycle and car manufacturers do not manufacture their own parts used in
their vehicles. The usually have motorcycle parts designed by independent manufacturers outside their companies. Then, they install them in their machines or put them in their own boxes to be sold as OEM parts.
When to buy an OEM Motorcycle Parts?
You buy an OEM Motorcycle Parts when you are buying the exact same original part the manufacturer use to build your motorcycle.
I will use OEM parts if I want the same performance for my motorcycle. The part is not better or worse than the original part that you want to replace.
Aftermarket parts are mostly cheaper and sometimes much cheaper than OEM parts.
Most people will tell you to go for OEM parts because they are better, new and higher quality for your motorcycle. Well, you can say that sometimes it is, and sometimes it is not.
In fact, most manufacturers will allow original company that produced the part to sell (after a certain period of time) the OEM part in their own box as Aftermarket parts and at a much cheaper price.
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 it, you will most 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.
Ensure that your warranty period is over before deciding on aftermarket parts. In many cases, you can void your guarantee if you have an aftermarket part installed by an unauthorized mechanic in your machine.
The equivalent aftermarket Honda motorcycle parts are normally cheaper than OEM Honda motorcycle parts. You would be surprised that you can get even 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. Try to find out more about the brands and performance first. You can do it in the Internet, with your favorite mechanic or with fellow riders.
If you are thinking of upgrading your motorcycle’s performance from the original specs, these customization comes only from aftermarket motorcycle parts.
OEM or aftermarket motorcycle parts, sooner or later you will be shopping for them.