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When to Buy...


Motorcycles

When to Buy...

Maricon Williams
May 16, 2006

How do we identify when to buy aftermarket motorcycle parts and when not to?

This is a difficult question. But to boot, we are the ones who will decide when shopping for motorcycle parts. Thus, we must know how to choose cleverly. We have to do it after evaluating each of the possibilities available.

The rule of thumb though is: if you are looking for a replacement or improvement part, first you consider the availability of the motorcycle parts. Second consideration is your budget. Finally, you can consider other aspects about the purchase.

Some riders are confused and perplexed in deciding whether to buy OEM or aftermarket motorcycle parts. 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.

The latter are usually resorted to if used as replacement parts 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 such as carbon fiber, titanium, aerospace aluminum parts and gizmos, can be had as aftermarket motorcycle parts. Another valuable observation I got was that equivalent aftermarket Suzuki motorcycle parts are cheaper than OEM parts. In addition, they can slash down the price to 70% compared to OEM price.

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 probing up to date reviews about brands and performance. You can find some in the Internet. Moreover, you can consult your trusted mechanics and seasoned riders.

Please visit Aftermarket Motorcycle Parts site at http://www.aftermarketmotorcyclepartsnow.com/AftermarketMotorcycleParts.html for comments and inquiries regarding this article.




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