Buying a motorcycle is certainly a major decision, particularly for those who have never owned a motorcycle before. It requires research, time, and energy to invest in choosing the right bike. However, just because the motorcycle has been purchased does not mean that there are not even more things to buy. Even a brand new motorcycle will eventually need repairs, and that means purchasing parts.
While it is possible to take the bike to a mechanic that will purchase the parts wholesale, it will be much more cost effective to learn how to fix the bike at home. One of the first steps in learning to repair motorcycles at home is learning to purchase the right kinds of motorcycle parts, whether that means ordering them from the bike’s manufacturer or tracking down less expensive options. Motorcycle parts of all types are widely available from dealers, online speciality shops, and from Safexbikes Motorcycle Superstore.
Types of Motorcycle Parts
Although motorcycles are quite small in comparison to cars, trucks, or sport utility vehicles, they still have many different parts. When shopping for motorcycle parts, there are three important types and nearly every part for sale will fall into one of these categories. These three types of motorcycle parts are original equipment manufacturer, or OEM motorcycle parts, aftermarket motorcycle parts, and used motorcycle parts. The type of parts that will be right for any repair job will depend on which part it is that needs replacing, as each type has its own advantages and disadvantages.
OEM Motorcycles Parts
Most stores and sites that sell motorcycle parts will refer to “OEM motorcycle parts.” The acronym “OEM” stands for “original equipment manufacturer.” What this means is that OEM parts are made by the same manufacturer as the motorcycle for which they are intended. For instance, OEM Honda motorcycle parts are made by Honda, or by the same company that Honda uses to manufacture its motorcycles in the factory. Purchasing OEM motorcycle parts is the equivalent of purchasing an exact replacement for whatever part it is that needs replacing. The term OEM is only used to refer to brand new parts, which may or may not be covered under some type of warranty.
OEM Motorcycle Parts Advantages
The advantage of purchasing OEM motorcycle parts is that they are virtually guaranteed to fit perfectly on the bike. This is because they will be the same as the parts that came with the bike originally. In general, OEM motorcycle parts are also more reliable and tend to last longer that other options. However, it is important to keep in mind that OEM motorcycle parts are generally the most expensive option available for replacement motorcycle parts. For straight repairs that are not a matter of improving the bike or adding more features, OEM motorcycle parts are usually the safest choice.
OEM Motorcycle Parts Disadvantages
Perhaps the largest disadvantage that comes with using OEM parts for a motorcycle is that they are more expensive. This cost differential is the case almost without exception. Furthermore, it can be more difficult to track down OEM parts, since they are generally only sold by the motorcycle’s dealer, by other authorized dealers, or online. Other types of parts may be more widely available at retail outlets at lower prices.
Aftermarket Motorcycle Parts
Unlike OEM parts, which are made by the bike’s original manufacturer or an authorized part supplier, aftermarket motorcycle parts are made by a third party. The nature of aftermarket parts is such that the third party is not authorized by or in any way connected with the manufacturer of the bike, but it does use the company’s specifications to make parts that will fit the motorcycles made by that company.
Aftermarket Motorcycle Parts Advantages
Because there are many different companies that make aftermarket motorcycle parts, it is difficult to fairly assess all aftermarket parts. Some parts may be genuinely cost effective because they are less expensive and more durable. Before purchasing any aftermarket motorcycle parts, it is a good idea to research the brand. Some brands may be the least expensive option, but may have a reputation for failing quickly so be sure to investigate their history. Other aftermarket parts may be nearly as good or even better as OEM parts, but still cost less. Aftermarket motorcycle parts are also widely available at any parts retailer and online, so they can be much easier to find, which is certainly an advantage.
Aftermarket Motorcycle Parts Disadvantages
Because there is such a large number of third party companies that make aftermarket motorcycle parts, it can be difficult to know which brand is the correct one to buy. The additional time that it takes to figure this out, plus the risk of purchasing the wrong brand and having to replace the part again, is a huge disadvantage for aftermarket motorcycle parts.
Aftermarket Motorcycle Fairings
One common type of motorcycle accessory that is bought as an aftermarket item is a motorcycle fairing. A motorcycle fairing is a type of shell that is attached to a motorcycle’s frame with the main purpose of reducing air resistance. Motorcycle fairings are particularly popular among those riders that race motorcycles, as the reduction in drag can make a big different. Because this accessory has a very specific purpose and may not even be available from a motorcycle’s original manufacturer, aftermarket motorcycle fairings are quite common. To purchase an aftermarket motorcycle fairing, be sure that it suits the model of motorcycle that needs it. Some of the most commonly found motorcycle fairings include Suzuki motorcycle fairings and Yamaha motorcycle fairings.
Used Motorcycles Parts
In some instances, the best option will be neither OEM motorcycle parts or aftermarket motorcycle parts. Instead, there are certain cases where used motorcycle parts may be the best choice. Used motorcycle parts can refer to OEM parts that have been taken from a motorcycle that is no longer operable, or they may be aftermarket parts. In either case, these will most likely be the most cost effective option for motorcycle repair. Still, keep in mind that there is no warranty or other guarantee that comes along with used motorcycle parts. When purchasing used motorcycle parts, it is certainly a case of buyer beware.
Used Motorcycle Accessories
While it can be risky to purchase motorcycle parts for engine repair or something like used motorcycle brakes, buying used motorcycle accessories can be a great way to add personality to a bike while investing less money in the process. For example, a used motorcycle seat or used motorcycle saddlebags should not affect the safety of a motorcycle, but can still be important and fun additions. Furthermore, there are plenty of used motorcycle accessories that are still in very good condition and may have not even been used at all. Certainly consider used motorcycle accessories when shopping.
How to Buy Motorcycles Parts on Safexbikes Motorcycle Superstore
Buying motorcycle parts on Safexbikes Motorcycle Superstore can be an easy way to find the best parts, no matter what type, at reasonable prices. On Safexbikes Motorcycle Superstore, you can browse through motorcycle parts from thousands of dealers around India, without leaving home or calling around to different dealers, mechanics, or salvage yards.
In order to find the motorcycle parts that will suit your bike, simply type your search terms into the box on any page of Safexbikes Motorcycle Superstore. You can look for something like “OEM motorcycle tail lights” or something more specific like “aftermarket motorcycle brakes.” When you get to the search results page, you will be able to filter using price, brand, and other descriptors.
Asking Questions of Safexbikes Sellers
Once you have found the parts that you want to purchase, be sure that you do not have any questions for the seller before you complete your transaction. For instance, some motorcycle parts can be quite heavy, which means you may want to clarify the terms of shipping, which you can do by contacting the seller through the Safexbikes interface. When your questions have been answered, you can complete your purchase with confidence.
Conclusion
Owning a motorcycle for the first time, or even the tenth time, can be a thrilling experience. However, nothing can put a damper on that excitement faster than having to repair your motorcycle. Luckily, the Internet has opened up many new ways to learn to repair a motorcycle without taking it to an expensive mechanic. Still, it is necessary to begin any repair with the right motorcycle parts. While there are hundreds of motorcycle parts available, there are only three main types from which to choose: OEM motorcycle parts, aftermarket motorcycle parts, and used motorcycle parts.
Which one any mechanic or rider will choose depends on the repairs to be made as well as the individual’s preference. Buying motorcycle parts can seem like an overwhelming endeavor, especially to someone who has never done so before. However, with a bit of research, it is more than possible to find all the necessary information to make an informed choice and buy the perfect motorcycle parts to suit any rider’s needs.