Most motorcycle owners find this question to be a difficult one 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 Honda motorcycle parts, my budget and other things. Sometimes I buy OEM, at times the aftermarket 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.As you would guess, most manufacturers do not manufacture their own vehicle parts but get other companies to do so. Normally, they have motorcycle parts designed by independent outside manufacturing 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.
OEM parts ensure that your motorcycle’s performance will not be compromised because you are using the original part.The part is not worse or better than the original motorcycle part that you want to replace.
Normally OEM parts are more expensive (in some cases MUCH more) than aftermarket parts.
Most people will tell you to go for OEM parts because they are better, new and higher quality for your motorcycle. Well sometimes it is, sometimes it is not.
In many instances, after a period of time, the manufacturer will allow the company producing the original part to start selling in their own box at considerably cheaper price, 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 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.
Make sure your guarantee period is over.In most cases, your warranty will be void if you have an aftermarket part installed in your machine and by an unauthorized mechanic.
The equivalent aftermarket Honda motorcycle parts are normally cheaper than OEM Honda motorcycle parts. Sometimes up to 70% cheaper!
Aftermarket parts can have lower, same or even 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.