Motorcycle Parts - OEM or Aftermarket ?
By Daniel Levy
This is always a difficult one to answer when shopping for motorcycle parts and I firmly believe that each one of us must decide what’s best for our bikes AFTER carefully evaluating each of the possibilities.
For me?
Well… it really depends on what I am looking for - just replacement or improvement - , the availability of the part, my budget and other things. Sometimes I buy OEM, others aftermarket motorcycle parts.
Keep reading. You will find some views that will hopefully help you decide the next time you shop for motorcycle parts.
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What a heck are OEM parts??
OEM parts stands for Original Equipment Manufacturer parts which not necessarily mean the OM (Original Manufacturer) actually produced them. You know, many motorcycle and automobile manufacturers don’t manufacture each of the parts used in their vehicles. They frequently have the parts designed and manufactured by outside independent companies and then, install them in their machines or put them in their own boxes to be sold as OEM parts!
Good to know when buying OEM Motorcycle Parts:
When you buy OEM Motorcycle Parts you are buying the exact same original part the manufacturer used to build your motorcycle, that means:
>> Same performance as the part installed in your motorcycle right now. The part won’t be better nor worse than the original part you want to replace.
>> Normally OEM parts a more (in some cases MUCH more) expensive than aftermarket parts.
>> Motorcycle and car agencies clerks will normally tell you OEM Parts are higher quality and the best option for replacements. Is this true? Well sometimes it is, sometimes it’s not.
>> Normally after a certain period of time, the manufacturer will allow the company that originally designed/produced the part to sell it in their own box at a considerably lower cost, making it: an Aftermarket OEM part! 
>> BE CAREFUL if your bike is still in its guarantee period make sure you use only OEM parts and have them installed by authorized mechanics. If you don’t do so, you will probably void the guarantee.
Aftermarket and OEM Parts for Harley Davidson, Indian, and Metric Motorcycles
What about Aftermarket parts??
Aftermarket parts should perform as well as OEM parts but are produced by companies other than the original manufacturer(s).
Things to know when buying Aftermarket Motorcycle Parts:
>> MAKE SURE YOUR GUARANTEE PERIOD IS OVER. In many cases, you can VOID your guarantee if you have an aftermarket part installed by an unauthorized mechanic in your machine. I know I said it before, but it’s worth repeating; I happened to me! 
>> Equivalent aftermarket Suzuki motorcycle parts are normally cheaper than OEM parts. Sometimes up to 70% cheaper!
>> Aftermarket parts can have lower,the same or higher quality than the original.
>> When buying aftermarket parts make sure you are getting AT LEAST the same quality as the OEM part. If possible try to get some reviews about brands and performance. You can do it in the Internet, with your favorite mechanic or with fellow riders.
>> If you are looking for high performance parts and devices, you know the kind: carbon fiber, titanium, aerospace aluminum parts and gizmos, well you will probably find them as aftermarket motorcycle parts.
OEM or aftermarket motorcycle parts, sooner or later you will be shopping for them…
Enjoy the ride!
Daniel Levy
Daniel Levy is the owner and contributing writer of http://www.Japanese-Motorcycles-Only.com . He loves motorcycles and Web development. For more great info visit http://www.japanese-motorcycles-only.com/
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Daytona Beach Bike Week kicks off on March 2, 2007. In honor of this and the arrival of Spring (hope it gets here soon!) ChopperStickers.com is offering a %5 off coupon on any purchase of $5 or more.
Just use the coupon code: BIKEWEEK07 for 5% off your order.
Coupon Expires March 30, 2007
Biker Helmet Stickers and Motorcycle Decals
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Coupon Expires 2/22/07
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It has been a cold week here in South Eastern VA, but it could be worse - hope you guys up in the Northeast are hanging in there. Spring will be here soon just hold on.
Here are a couple of great looking biker babes to help keep the blood flowing.
Theses hotties are from over at Renegade Classics. Check them out for some more great shots of theses babes and a few others.
Just got a couple of new Got Ink? Tattoo Related Stickers in.
We have a couple more new sticker designs to add over the next day or so. Make sure you check back.
Have a great weekend! Stay warm and hang in there for spring.
Take Care - Ride FREE
Biker Helmet Stickers @ ChopperStickers.com
How To Build A Chopper Frame Vol 1. is a step-by-step guide that shows you the inside secrets, tips, and techniques you need to know to succeed at building a custom chopper frame.
Discover how professional builders and engineers create custom chopper frames from scratch. Gain the knowledge you need to speak intelligently about how a chopper frame is built.
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With this chopper frame guide, you’ll quickly learn:
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This guide covers all this and much, much more. You’ll get detailed picutres of the frame which will help you as you build your chopper frame.
If you are even thinking about building a chopper or chopper frame, you’ll want this guide. Having this guide will quickly show you the ropes, but goes much further - to provide you with the real secrets of building a chopper frame that you will be proud of.
How to Build a Chopper Frame
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The guys over at EmpireCovers.com sent me one of their VIP Motorcycle Covers and asked me to check it out. Now just so you guys know I do not use a cover, I have a garage and besides that my bike hardly sets still long enough to be covered. I know there are a lot of folks out there that either do not have a garage or store their bike over the winter, the VIP cover would be a great product for you folks.Even though I do not personally use a cover on my bike I would recommend the Empire Covers VIP Motorcycle Cover to anyone looking for a cover to protect or store their bike.
The VIP Motorcycle Cover is designed to protect your bike from moisture, dust, and the sun. The manufacturer states that the cover will fit every mass-produced motorcycle up to 1500cc. It fit my Heritage with 20″ apehangers just fine with room to spare.
The VIP Motorcycle Cover In It’s Storage Bag
The cover is a 2 piece cover that completely covers your bike from top to bottom. The lower cover is made from a heavy rubberized material and the top cover is a heavy duty polyester which is lined to protect your bikes finish.
When folded the VIP motorcycle cover measures about 16″x11″x5″ and weighs approximately 8 lbs.
About the only thing that I can say negative is that the cover did not come with any instructions so it did take me a bit to figure the thing out the first time I used it. After that it did not take anytime to cover my bike.
Since the cover did not come with any instructions I was not sure if you could use the cover on a motorcycle while the engine and exhuast was hot so I a dropped a note to Empire Covers Customer Service and they said that the cover was designed so that it could be installed on a hot bike. Just so you know I did not try this, and I would recommend that you wait for your bike to cool at least some before installing this cover or any cover. Covering a hot engine can lead to condensation inside the cover which kind of defeats the purpose.
Here are the basics to setting up the Empire Covers VIP Motorcycle Cover:First you layout the bottom cover. There is a label on it so you know which part is the inside and and which end is the front.
One detail that I definitely liked about the cover was the reenforced area for the kickstand on the bottom cover. You may not be able to see it real well in the picture, but it is there.
Next you use the straps to secure the bottom cover to the bike around the front wheel, over the seat and tank, and around the rear wheel.
The cover has lines to snug the cover up on the front and rear of the bike.
Once the bottom cover is secure installing the top cover is done in much the same way that you install a regular motorcycle cover. Just drape the cover over the bike. The top cover is also labeled so that you know which end is which.
The top cover then attaches to the bottom cover with several quick release straps.
Once the top and bottom covers are straped together there is a cord at the front and rear of the top cover to snug it down so that the cover fits securely.
Here is the cover installed - Oops I left the highway peg sticking out.
The top cover can also be used independently of the bottom cover for a quick way to cover your bike.
If you are looking for a high quality and affordable cover for your bike I recommend the VIP Motorcycle Cover from Empire Covers.
Empire Covers has been in business for over 20 years and also carries covers for just about any ATV, tractor, SUV, car, or truck.Take Care - Ride FREEHersey
The Virginia Biker Network
http://www.vabiker.net/
If you are in the market for some riding leathers check out Fox Creek Leather.
Fox Creek Leather is a family owned, family run leather manufacturer and retailer located in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia.
They carry a huge line of motorcycle leathers including riding jackets, gloves, vests, chaps, saddle bags, tool bags, and more. Their leather is high quality stuff and most of their products are manufactured by them right here in the good ol’ USA.
If you are looking for a new leather jacket, vest, or nice set of leather gloves check them out. I personally wear several pieces of Fox Creek Leather gear when the weather gets cool. Great stuff and you cannot beat their customer service. All of their leathers are also covered by a lifetime guarantee - now that is kick ass.
Stop by and check them out.
Spring is nearly here and in just a couple of weeks thousands of bikers, riders, and wannabes will be headed south to Daytona Beach Florida for Bike Week. Bike Week 2007 officially starts on March 2 and runs until March 11. To find out a bit more you can visit the Official Daytona Bike Week Website here.
Bike Week in Daytona is a great time. Thousands of motorcycles, hundreds of BEAUTIFUL women, beer, parties, burn outs, bands - basically just a lot of fun. If you are heading down there have a great time and becareful.
To celebrate Bike Week and the coming of Spring we are offering a ChopperStickers.com Coupon.
Just use the code BIKEWEEK07 and save 5% on you purchase of $5.00 or more. To use this coupon just add the items you want to your shopping cart and before checkout enter the coupon code BIKEWEEK07 in your cart before you check out. This coupon expires March 30, 2007.
Take Care - Ride FREE
ChopperStickers.com Biker Helmet Stickers
