At some point, your motorbike will need spare parts for certain repairs. There are two options to explore here. First, you can decide to pick OEM parts, or you can buy aftermarket spare parts as well. Both of these options have pros and cons. But which one should you choose? Well, this article breaks down each of these options to help you make an informed decision.
OEM Motorcycle Parts: The Good and the Bad
The word OEM stands for Original Equipment Manufacturer. In essence, OEM parts are those that have been manufactured by the original makers of the bike. For example, if you own a Honda motorbike, then OEM parts will be spares manufactured by Honda.
Pros and Cons of OEM Parts
There are certain benefits you will enjoy if you decide to purchase OEM parts. First, these parts deliver 100% compatibility. They are designed specifically for your bike model and as such, it is almost guaranteed they will fit right in.
Additionally, most oem motorcycle parts are backed by comprehensive warranties from the manufacturer. In case something goes wrong, you may be eligible for a replacement or even a refund in some cases. OEM parts are also authentic in a way. This gives you some peace of mind, knowing that indeed the parts you are using are recommended and backed by the manufacturer.
But there are also a few cons to note. For instance, OEM motorcycle parts come with limited availability. It may therefore hard to find what you need. Secondly, these parts are relatively expensive as well and besides, they don’t always guarantee superior quality.
Aftermarket Motorcycle Parts: Pros and Cons
As noted above, the second option available to you is the aftermarket one. In a nutshell, aftermarket parts simply refer to spares that are made and sold by third-party companies. Just as with OEM motorcycle parts, aftermarket parts also have pros and cons that you should know about.
The Pros and Cons of Aftermarket Bike Parts
The biggest advantage you get with aftermarket parts is wide availability. There are quite a number of third-party companies that build these parts and as such, it will be very easy to find the parts you need. Secondly, aftermarket parts are often relatively cheaper compared to original parts. You will also get a superb variety of parts to work with. Despite this, aftermarket parts are not backed by a warranty, and you may run into compatibility issues.