OEM vs. Aftermarket Motorcycle Parts

<h1>OEM vs. Aftermarket Motorcycle Parts</h1>Author: <a title="Jim Buchanan" href="http://www.articlesbase.com/authors/jim-buchanan/158116.htm">Jim Buchanan</a> There are a lot of differing opinions in the discussion of OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) vs. Aftermarket motorcycle parts, when deciding what you need for your bike. One opinion that is frequently stated is that OEM parts are better than aftermarket motorcycle parts. This argument stems from the fact that if the company that made the motorcycle is also making the parts then the parts must be better for the bike than something that’s made by someone else.  Of course the most important part in the choice is what you, the buyer, are most comfortable with. Here’s a quick comparison of the two types of parts. Aftermarket Motorcycle Parts In order to reproduce a part for a motorcycle, the manufacturer must first apply for the rights to produce the part. The manufacturers then operate under stringent guidelines, and need to be very precise in their design and production.   Well produced aftermarket motorcycle parts are sometimes hard to distinguish from the original parts. In fact manufacturers usually have the flexibility to actually improve on the design and quality of an original part, and aftermarket parts are generally less expensive than OEM parts. A potential problem for riders who choose to use aftermarket parts is if they are installed by a technician that isn’t certified, it may affect the warranty. OEM Motorcycle Parts An OEM part is theoretically made by the same manufacturer that produced the part for the original vehicle. However, this isn’t always the case, as auto and motorcycle manufacturers many times don’t make the parts themselves, but outsource the work to a separate company. Quality Aftermarket Parts There is a wide variety in the look and quality of aftermarket parts. The best ways for a consumer to gather information is to research manufacturers online, talk to parts dealers that they trust, read reviews, and become active in forums.   Some of the more common users of aftermarket parts are:   <ul> <li>Custom motorcycle builders often use aftermarket parts so they can put together bikes that have a unique design and look.  The wide variety of parts available makes it pretty easy for even a novice rider to take advantage of many customizable parts.</li> <li>People with bikes that are older may use aftermarket parts because the design or function of the part may be improved from the original version.</li> <li>Insurance companies frequently choose aftermarket parts to replaced damaged parts after an accident. </li> </ul>     The bottom line when deciding between an OEM and an aftermarket part for your motorcycle is to familiarize yourself with the differences between the parts, and make a good decision based on your own needs.About the Author: Jim Buchanan is a writer for Powers Edge, which has a wide range of both Honda OEM parts and Honda Aftermarket parts. For more information please visit <a target="_blank" href="http://www.powershondaparts.com">http://www.powershondaparts.com</a>Article Source: <a href="http://www.articlesbase.com/">ArticlesBase.com</a> - <a href="http://www.articlesbase.com/motorcycles-articles/oem-vs-aftermarket-motorcycle-parts-928348.html" title="OEM vs. Aftermarket Motorcycle Parts">OEM vs. Aftermarket Motorcycle Parts</a>

There are a lot of differing opinions in the discussion of OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) vs. Aftermarket motorcycle parts, when deciding what you need for your bike. One opinion that is frequently stated is that OEM parts are better than aftermarket motorcycle parts. This argument stems from the fact that if the company that made the motorcycle is also making the parts then the parts must be better for the bike than something that’s made by someone else. Of course the most important part in the choice is what you, the buyer, are most comfortable with. Here’s a quick comparison of the two types of parts.

Aftermarket Motorcycle Parts

In order to reproduce a part for a motorcycle, the manufacturer must first apply for the rights to produce the part. The manufacturers then operate under stringent guidelines, and need to be very precise in their design and production.

Well produced aftermarket motorcycle parts are sometimes hard to distinguish from the original parts. In fact manufacturers usually have the flexibility to actually improve on the design and quality of an original part, and aftermarket parts are generally less expensive than OEM parts. A potential problem for riders who choose to use aftermarket parts is if they are installed by a technician that isn’t certified, it may affect the warranty.

OEM Motorcycle Parts

An OEM part is theoretically made by the same manufacturer that produced the part for the original vehicle. However, this isn’t always the case, as auto and motorcycle manufacturers many times don’t make the parts themselves, but outsource the work to a separate company.

Quality Aftermarket Parts

There is a wide variety in the look and quality of aftermarket parts. The best ways for a consumer to gather information is to research manufacturers online, talk to parts dealers that they trust, read reviews, and become active in forums.

Some of the more common users of aftermarket parts are:

Custom motorcycle builders often use aftermarket parts so they can put together bikes that have a unique design and look. The wide variety of parts available makes it pretty easy for even a novice rider to take advantage of many customizable parts.
People with bikes that are older may use aftermarket parts because the design or function of the part may be improved from the original version.
Insurance companies frequently choose aftermarket parts to replaced damaged parts after an accident.

The bottom line when deciding between an OEM and an aftermarket part for your motorcycle is to familiarize yourself with the differences between the parts, and make a good decision based on your own needs.

Jim Buchanan is a writer for Powers Edge, which has a wide range of both Honda OEM parts and Honda Aftermarket parts. For more information please visit http://www.powershondaparts.com

Rate this Article:

0 / 5 stars - 0 vote(s)

Re-Publish

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/motorcycles-articles/oem-vs-aftermarket-motorcycle-parts-928348.html

Article Tags: Aftermarket Parts, Oem, Motorcycle

Related Articles
Related Q&A

Latest Motorcycles Articles
More from Jim Buchanan

Understanding Where You Can Buy A Mens Motorcycle Jacket

By: Matt LeClair | 01/01/2010
With the motorcyclist population on the rise in the United States, it's no wonder that the demand for the mens motorcycle jacket is also on the rise. There are many great places where you can buy a mens motorcycle jacket including your local motorcycle shop, and on the internet. Both of these options have there advantages and disadvantages so where you get yours from really depends on your personal preference.

2010-1-1drying oven

By: tbotatech | 01/01/2010
drying oven electronic analytical balance

2010-1-1Portable ph meter

By: tbotatech | 01/01/2010
Portable ph meter digital refractometer

Renting a Harley Davidson or BMW Motorcycle is Easy

By: Kasan Groupe | 31/12/2009
We all know it, motorcycles have become a prominent symbol of the open road for quite a bit of time now. Leading manufacturers BMW and Harley Davidson represent a true biker’s persona, extreme adventure. If you also want to experience the thrill of driving or riding a top of the line motorcycle but you simply don’t have the money to buy one yourself, why not rent one? That’s right you can easily rent a BMW or Harley Davirson motorcycle. Here are some tips to think about when you’re ready to rent.

Kawasaki Motorcycle Parts for the MotoGP Seasons

By: Kasan Groupe | 31/12/2009
Kawasaki is a world renown motors corporation based in Amsterdam, Netherlands that contributes to the motor sports through Kawasaki motorcycle parts, ATVs and parts, RUVs, Jet-Skis, utility vehicles and more. They area always launching new products and have expanded quite a bit since the year 2000. Kawasaki is also the name of a Japanese city one that houses many leagues and facilities that focus on motor sports. But that’s in a different article.

The Often Overlooked Important Leather Motorcycle Gear

By: Matt LeClair | 31/12/2009
When riding a motorcycle, it's important that you have all of the important safety gear like motorcycle jackets and motorcycle helmets. This gear is needed in order to be able to protect yourself fully in the event of a crash. This should be your first priority when getting ready for any motorcycle ride, but often times some of the more important pieces of leather gear are overlooked and disregarded. Some of those important leather gear items include leather chaps, and leather motorcycle boot

Leather Motorcycle Jackets And Their Uses

By: Matt LeClair | 31/12/2009
If you're a biker, then chances are you already know the importance of the motorcycle jacket and why should always wear one. If you're new to the industry and perhaps are getting ready to make your first big trip, or any trip for that matter, then you may not be as familiar with the importance of the motorcycle jacket. There are a number of functions that they serve, but three of the most important functions are comfort, protection, and convenience.

Ruckus Accessories: Wearable Digital Cameras for Sports

By: drowsports | 31/12/2009
Last year while recording a big group Ruckus ride with a digital camera it still managed to fall off and hit the ground at 45mph and was destroyed. After a fellow rider heard about the incident, he told me about Ruckus parts available for recording at high speed. That’s when I learned about the Go Pro and researched about it immediately to make sure during my next ride I have the proper Ruckus accessories.

Great Tips to Enjoy Cold Weather Riding

By: Jim Buchanan | 30/10/2009 | Motorcycles
It goes without saying that it’s even more important than usual to drive safely when the weather is cold. In bad weather conditions, in addition to the omnipresent dangers of everyday riding, there are wet and icy roads to pay attention to as well. It is imperative that certain precautions be taken in order to make the riding experience as safe as possible.

Motorcycle Insurance Factors

By: Jim Buchanan | 30/10/2009 | Motorcycles
Insurance companies are for-profit organizations - i.e. they're businesses. The one basic hard and fast rule that universally applies is that in order to stay in business, the company has to acquire more revenue than they have to spend for operating expenses. For this reason, the insurer has to be able to accurately determine the probability that the risk of providing coverage to a particular individual will not be an unprofitable transaction for the company.

ATV and Dirt Bike Riding

By: Jim Buchanan | 30/10/2009 | Motorcycles
When you're out cruising the trails on your ATV or dirk bike, it is imperative that you take great care to respect the area where you've been allowed to ride. Over the course of the last few years, negative publicity has come against riders of quads and other recreational vehicles as a result of those that did not respect the boundaries of private property.

The Benefits of ATV, Motorcycle, and Dirt Bike Maintenance

By: Jim Buchanan | 30/10/2009 | Automotive
ATVs, motorcycles and dirt bikes are in a lot of ways like cars and trucks; the more diligent you are in your efforts to maintain and pamper your bike the more life you will get out of it. A properly maintained bike will provide years of enjoyment and retain its resale value in the event you decide to part ways with it.

What to Consider when Buying a Motorcycle Helmet

By: Jim Buchanan | 30/10/2009 | Motorcycles
When shopping for a new helmet, you should consider one that is painted in bright color(s) which can be seen easily by other drivers, even at night. Car and truck drivers often have difficulty seeing bike riders, especially if their ride is a quieter type of motorcycle like a sport-bike. A brightly colored helmet can make the rider’s presence stand out and decrease the chance of a collision.

Tips for a Motorcycle Vacation

By: Jim Buchanan | 25/06/2009 | Motorcycles
Summer time is here and going full swing, so that means you must have a vacation coming up. This article shares some tips to make your summer motorcycle vacation a safe, relaxing, and fun time.

Packing Tips for Motorcycle Trips

By: Jim Buchanan | 25/06/2009 | Motorcycles
Most people who ride motorcycles, from enthusiasts to occasional riders, have at one time or another thought about getting away for a long road trip. For such a trip, planning is a very important part of the preparation. In this article we’ll talk about what to pack on your bike.