OEM
- Zombie Master
- Posts: 8821
- Joined: Sun Aug 22, 2010 12:21 am
- Location: Vancouver Island BC Canada
OEM
After all these years of fettling, the one thing I keep learning is that OEM parts are almost always better, and that goes for any brand of motorcycle. Take brake pads: I have seen some improved performance with aftermarket pads, but then increased rotor wear. I understand that the OEM doesn't necessarily make service parts, but they may have a say on specification. I just got OEM pads for my KTM and they are made by Toshiba. Who knew?
Any and all disclaimers may apply
Re: OEM
In general, I tend to agree, but not always.
If you are rebuilding the engine of an R90, piston ring technology has moved on quite a bit since the early to mid 70's.
I'd get more modern 3-piece oil rings.
There are better shocks available than OEM. Sometimes better springs as well.
Oil filters, I tend to go OEM unless I find a vendor who I believe may have been the supplier. I have no problem using the Mahle filters on my BMWs. Much better than the HiFLo's. I use MANN filters in my wife's Audi, but OEM Honda filters for my Odyssey and Civic.
If you bike has a chain, newer chain technology (O-ring or X-ring) are much better than the original non-sealed chains of the past, and metal technology has moved on as well.
You don't always get what you pay for, but you seldom get more.
If you are rebuilding the engine of an R90, piston ring technology has moved on quite a bit since the early to mid 70's.
I'd get more modern 3-piece oil rings.
There are better shocks available than OEM. Sometimes better springs as well.
Oil filters, I tend to go OEM unless I find a vendor who I believe may have been the supplier. I have no problem using the Mahle filters on my BMWs. Much better than the HiFLo's. I use MANN filters in my wife's Audi, but OEM Honda filters for my Odyssey and Civic.
If you bike has a chain, newer chain technology (O-ring or X-ring) are much better than the original non-sealed chains of the past, and metal technology has moved on as well.
You don't always get what you pay for, but you seldom get more.
Re: OEM
What do I know about OEM vs. aftermarket parts?
1 - A Bosch spark plug in a BMW box costs a lot more than a Bosch spark plug in a Bosch box.
2 - A Corbin seat is always better than a OEM seat.
hmmm, I think that's all
1 - A Bosch spark plug in a BMW box costs a lot more than a Bosch spark plug in a Bosch box.
2 - A Corbin seat is always better than a OEM seat.
hmmm, I think that's all
Mechanic from Hell
"I remember every raging second of it...
My bike was on fire, the road was on fire, and I was on fire.
It was the best ride ever!"
"I remember every raging second of it...
My bike was on fire, the road was on fire, and I was on fire.
It was the best ride ever!"
Re: OEM
Yep. But it can be an adventure walking in to the VW parts store and asking for a W6DC. Even if the guy behind the counter is in his 60s and has been doing the job for 40 years. "Oh, they've gone to a different numbering system." When he finally found the right thing, I showed him "W6DC" on the plug itself.
Call me Mel. Some years ago- never mind how long precisely- having little or no money in my purse, and nothing particular to interest me at home, I thought I would ride about a little and see the other parts of the world.