Pros and Cons of OEM Motorcycle Parts

If you’re replacing parts on your motorcycle for a repair or routine maintenance, sometimes you’re faced with a choice between OEM and aftermarket parts. 

In many cases, aftermarket parts might cost less than genuine components. So why choose OEM motorcycle parts if there are more affordable aftermarket alternatives? Let’s take a look at some pros and cons of OEM parts.

What are OEM Parts?

OEM is short for Original Equipment Manufacturer. These parts are made by motorcycle manufacturers like Honda, Yamaha, Kawasaki and Suzuki. In a nutshell, they’re the original manufacturer’s factory made components used for building their machines.

Pros of OEM Parts

First and foremost, OEM parts are a guaranteed match. The compatibility between original parts and your motorcycle’s model are a sure thing. When you buy OEM parts from an authorized dealer, you know those parts are going to fit and perform exactly like the original components. 

Second, because they come from the original manufacturer, they’re generally backed by a warranty in case the part fails. Also, most motorcycle manufacturers require OEM parts be used for any repairs in order to honor their warranty. 

Cons of OEM Parts

OEM motorcycle parts are guaranteed to fit, the warranty is good, and they’re authentic. So why not always choose the genuine article? Well, some people are turned off by the price. OEM parts often cost a good deal more than aftermarket parts, even if they’re the same thing but with different branding.

Some people will only buy from the original manufacturer, even if it’s a used OEM part versus a brand-new aftermarket part. However, availability for OEM parts can also be an issue, as the original may be in shorter supply than its aftermarket equivalents. 

Another thing to consider is that OEM doesn’t necessarily mean better quality. Even original factory parts can come with manufacturing defects. And in some instances, the aftermarket part might actually be of higher quality or a performance upgrade from the original. An aftermarket part can exceed the quality of the original when the manufacturer improves on the original design. 

You really can’t go wrong with OEM parts. However, if you have an older motorcycle, sometimes original replacement parts are discontinued and no longer available anywhere for that model. In that case, you may have no choice but to rely on aftermarket parts.