Motorcycle peoples. Aftermarket or OEM for accessories?

[lokiju]

I'm picking up a Honda OEM sissy bar for my '04 Shadown Sabre and was thinking about getting aftermarket Cobra until the guy at the parts place said he would recommend against it because he's seen a big difference in build quality between the Honda OEM an Cobra aftermarket.

Price difference isn't very much so I opted for the Honda OEM.

But led me to wonder, what does everyone on here think about it?

Do you do only OEM or only aftermarket or a mix?

:beer:

 

[BoberFett]

Aftermarket. OEM is almost always overpriced.

 

[ValValline]

It really depends on what you are getting. In general OEM parts will fit better (color match better) and if installed by the dealer maintain the factory warranty. They are also generally more expensive.

Personally I use a mix. On my SV650S I had to go after market to get taller clip-ons, and used OEM brake and clutch lines from the SV650 (non faired) model, because they were longer.

 

[hanoverphist]

Originally posted by: BoberFett
Aftermarket. OEM is almost always overpriced.

hear that. i replaced the diaphragms in all 4 carbs one year, 100 buck OEm 24 bucks aftermarket. which ones you think i got? after looking at both side by each, i couldnt tell a difference, and the aftermarket ones are still in there 10 years later. some things i go OEM tho, depends on the price and availability of the aftermarket versions. so im a "pick n choose" kind of guy i guess


edit: just read the post about "fit better" and youre right. you really need to look at the holes and pins of the aftermarket stuff, not all of them will fit exactly.

 

[Hannover]

Research each piece and make your own judgment. I have a mixture of OEM and "aftermarket" accessories on both of my bikes.

Also, OEMs will contract with 3rd parties for private label items... The Suzuki sissy bar thats on my Volusia was made by Jardine. The Suzuki windshield was made by National Cycle.

Get on a brand or model specific forum to find out about quality issues.

Personally, the Suzuki OEM accessories that I've bought have had really crappy chrome. My luggage rack (Suzuki/Jardine) is pitted and the Suzuki saddlebag guards have lost ~25% of their chrome.

Kawasaki accessories seems to be a bit higher quality.

 

[lokiju]

I figured I'd go with a mixed approach but my uncle who has a Honda also swears up and down to get OEM only, but he's got the money to throw at it also.

 

[dsfunk]

Depends on the part. Some aftermarket parts can be better than OEM parts.