Instruction to Choose Best Parts for Your Motorcycle

by Pooja Late so cut

Are you an offroader, or an open air rider? Do you know the difference? In my practice, I see a lot of riders on the road that haven’t a clue how to keep the cost of maintaining their motorbike, and I want to do my part to help.

Do you ever wonder if owning a Motorcycle is worth it? In these tough economic times, parts and maintenance on a bike can be daunting. My experience has opened my eyes, and I want to share with you three basic principles that can keep your two-wheeler humming along perfectly.

Visit the local junkyard.

Whether you call it the boneyard, junkyard, or “Parts Recycler”, the reality is that your local salvage yard can provide a considerable number of parts at very economical prices. From wheels to antenna for your radio, your motorbike can be back in action in no time, and at bargain basement prices. Of course, you will have to be diligent, ensuring that the ones you pick up match your year and model precisely; missing a critical date or type can lead to multiple trips to get the right one. But determination, dedication, and perseverance can merit you a lot of cash in savings!

Keep the bike in the primary market.

There can be a temptation, particularly in a pinch, to choose parts made by other companies than your primary manufacturer. Let me give you some serious advice here; don’t do it. While there are some spectacular products out there, oft times they are not held to the same standard as OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer), and as such can result in even more damage to your vehicle than was already done.

If you must move to what is known as the secondary market, because your model has been discontinued, or is no longer supported by the manufacturer, make sure you do your homework. Check out the company’s reputation, watch blogs and such to ensure no negative reviews have been filed, etc. Overall, keeping to OEM will keep your wheels on the road.

Watch for your twin

While it may seem far-fetched, sometimes the best resource for replacement components for your street ride can be its clone. By that I mean you can often, particularly if you ride a particularly popular model motorcycle, find another duplicate available for sale, and pick it up for a song. Such a windfall will mean huge savings in parts replacement, and the cost of maintenance on your primary bike will plummet, since you will have ready access and an immediate match for every component, every bolt and washer.

An added benefit of this kind of ‘cannibalism’ is that the more pristine the doppelganger is, the fresher yours will look tooling down the street. The backup isn’t gather miles like a junker, the parts are all OEM, and keeping that extra around will add a level of confidence to your skill as a mechanic.

So take my advice, be smart about your research, keep up with the manufacturer repair schedule, and keep your two wheeler between the lines when you ride!

Candice Hubbard is known to blog about motorcycle riding occasionally and offers riders clever tips and techniques to help keep the cost of parts and maintenance down while keeping a bike on the road.