As an avid motorcycle enthusiast you may already know the difference between aftermarket motorcycle parts and OEM parts, but a complete understanding of both will help you in making your decision when it comes time to purchase.

OEM stands for Original Equipment Manufacturer.
OEM refers to the company who originally manufactured the product. For example, OEM motorcycle parts are generally made available by all the major manufacturers. Honda motorcycle parts, Kawasaki motorcycle parts, Suzuki motorcycle parts, and Yamaha motorcycle parts are designed as original replacements for the ones on the brand of motorcycles they represent.

Aftermarket Motorcycle Parts are labeled and branded by companies other than the original manufacturer.
Just about any part made for your motorcycle that does not bear the brand of the original motorcycle manufacturer can be considered an aftermarket motorcycle part for your bike. These can include items like brakes from companies like EBC motorcycle parts, gauges from Dakota Digital motorcycle parts, and seats from corporations like Drag Specialties motorcycle parts. But there are many similar products like aftermarket brake parts like Goodridge motorcycle parts, performance air intake items from KN aftermarket motorcycle parts and chrome accessories like the huge selection of custom bolt-on items from Kuryakyn motorcycle parts. Long-lasting drive train producst can be purchased from RK motorcycle parts, low-cost aftermarket replacement items from Shindy aftermarket motorcycle parts, controls from ASV motorcycle parts and electrical items from Yuasa motorcycle batteries. These are just a few of the 100's of the companies offering aftermarket motorcycle parts for bikes like yours.

So which should you buy, OEM parts or aftermarket motorcycle parts?

Let's examine the inner-workings of the industry. Understanding the differences and similarities will help you make the wise decision.

What keeps the aftermarket motorcycle parts companies in business?

1) Consumer demand for parts that are less expensive than OEM parts is probably the number one reason that aftermarket motorcycle parts are so popular today. An OEM replacement part is generally more expensive for several reasons:

2) The second reason that aftermarket motorcycle exhaust and other parts are so popular today stems from riders' demands for lighter, more efficient, better quality, higher performance, better looking motorcycle parts. Many parts companies capitalize on consumers desire to 'stand out' by providing custom aftermarket motorcycle parts that let riders create their own unique looking cycle.

3) The third reason that aftermarket motorcycle parts sellers are needed in today's market stems from the recently active Chinese import market. Many of the motorcycle brands produced in China do not have a strong product support department, meaning that replacement parts for the models they produce may not be available at all. This is where the aftermarket motorcycle performance parts manufacturers come in handy.

How does the quality of parts compare between aftermarket motorcycle parts companies and manufacturers parts?

OEM part quality is very good, and of course the manufacturer is there to back up the product if it's found to be inferior. The quality of parts is greatly affected by the factory in which it is produced. Common knowledge today tells us that many products are made in factories overseas. These factories may or may not be owned by the manufacturer, and may or may not make motorcycle parts and accessories exclusively for that manufacturer. In actuality, many aftermarket motorcycle parts are made by the same companies that make OEM parts. Now this could suggest like or similar qualities of aftermarket parts to OEM parts in those cases. On the other hand, some aftermarket motorcycle parts are produced by lower quality production facilities and quality differences definitely exist.The bottom line to assure that you get a good quality aftermarket motorcycle part is to use caution when choosing the vendor from which to purchase your parts. A great seller will allow you to return a part if you believe the quality is inferior and the best seller will even buy it back from you after you've used it. Now that's a LifeReturns™ Guarantee!