If you are a motorbike enthusiast and you like literally getting your hands dirty – what harm is a bit of oil? – then at some stage you’re going to be on the lookout for motorbike parts.
Searching for motorbike parts these days is as simple as searching for anything else on the internet. Use your favourite search engine, and within seconds you are presented with a long list of website to browse through at your leisure.
You will often be presented with a choice of “genuine” motorcycle parts and “OEM” motorcycle parts, and often “pattern” and “aftermarket” part. OEM stands for Original Equipment Manufacturer. But what is the difference between all these?
Those labelled as “genuine” are supplied by the manufacturer of the bike, usually through its own dealer network.
“OEM” parts are designed and manufactured by independent manufacturers. Thus, even on a new bike there will be parts made by other manufacturers, such as Tokico & Nissin for brake callipers, Nippon Denso for clocks and instruments, and many others.
“Pattern” motorbike part parts are copies of genuine or OEM parts. This may happen because the originals are no longer manufactured, but if the originals are available, you should be wary of the quality of pattern parts, though the price may be attractive.
“Aftermarket” or accessory motorcycle parts offer something above and beyond standard originals, usually to improve or customise a motorbike.
If you don’t particularly fancy getting down on your knees and getting oily, then many suppliers of motorbike parts also offer a fitting service, but then, of course, you will need to travel to the supplier, which might be tricky.
As well as motorbike parts, suppliers will also offer related items such as motorcycle clothing, helmets, intercoms or any other products you’d care to think of.
Bill James has been working in the advertising industry for over 15 years. He enjoys writing about motorbikes and pets, especially unusual pets for sale.