Genuine BMW parts vs aftermarket

[Peter Bowles]

So a little scouting around for parts to tidy up and get running my 75/7 is already getting my head a spinnin. For example, genuine BMW steering bearings $120/pair, aftermarket or generic $40-$50 / pair.

My mc is a mongrel anyway so certainly not trying to 'restore', but am interested to know whether I'm being penny wise and pound foolish with after market stuff. Any thoughts out there about where I can use a aftermarket stuff and where I should always use genuine parts would be very interesting to hear.

[Deleted User 287]

Any bearing house will be able to supply you with the bearings you need for the steering head and swingarm.

Others will be able to supply the dimensions.

[Deleted User 287]

Motobins has non-OEM bearings.

$12.75 AUD each for the steering head (part # 25100).
Don't forget the dust shield - # 25110 $2.98 AUD.

Swingarm bearings - part # 25200 - $14.92 AUD each
Swingarm bearing grease seals (2) - part # 44500 - $5.50 AUD ea.

http://www.motobins.co.uk/bmw-parts.php ... lve%20Twin

Their website is a little different than most, but you should get the hang of it quickly.
They offer many aftermarket options.

They also have a handy currency converter at the bottom of the page for your convenience.

[Major Softie]

It's really way too big a list to try to tell you everything that you should or shouldn't use OEM parts for.

IN GENERAL: if you want a concours show winner, the answer is that virtually everything must be factory, and if you just want a decent running rider, nothing has to be.

(But even the Concours D'elegance wouldn't care who made your steering head bearings . . . or, at least, wouldn't notice).

[kutter]

Hello,

You do realise that a lot of parts (Bearings, seals universals etc) are not made by the
manufacturer. They only supply the packet and pricing.
A universal for a Holden is a lot cheaper than the same part for Volvo (example only)
Its not what it costs but what it fits.

[SteveD]

Take your used bearings to the local supplier. They're generally much cheaper. The final drive bearings are another question though.
Use oem oil filters. Stories about collapse of some copies.
Use oem cables. Venhill are rubbish.
Motobins has sold cheap paper air filters in the past. They're ok, just the labelling is upside down. I haven't looked lately as I'm [whisper]using a K&N[/whisper]
BMW brake pads last forever. I haven't bought them for years though, choosing others.
SS brake hose v oem rubber is a good choice.
After market shocks will usually be rebuildable and often better, depending on what.
Non oem regulators are the go, rotors from EME are goos value, diode boards from Thunderchild or Mot. Electrik are also very good and cheaper alternatives.

There's more....

[Rob Frankham]

Be a bit careful with aftermarket bearings. Some of the cheaper aftermarket parts, which may be sourced from Eastern Europe and the Far East, are of questionable quality in terms of material and accuracy of manufacture.

The problem is that some parts from these areas are as good as those sourced in Western Europe or the US. Unless you know the reputation of the manufacturer, you are better off sticking with one of the better known makes. You will still get your bits considerably cheaper than via the BMW supply network and you will at least be fairly sure the parts are fit for purpose.

As a general rule, you get what you pay for and if something seems to good to be true, it normally is.

Rob

[dougie]

I have used some after-market parts from Motobins. They refer to them as "pattern".
Have had no problems with those parts at all. Longevity is still an unknown, but the price difference adds up to real savings, especially on bigger or multiple item orders.
So far I have their "pattern" clutch disc and pressure spring, oil pressure switch, fork seals, and I use their oil filter kit.

[vanzen]

...Some of the cheaper aftermarket parts, which may be sourced from Eastern Europe and the Far East, are of questionable quality in terms of material and accuracy of manufacture.
The problem is that some parts from these areas are as good as those sourced in Western Europe or the US. Unless you know the reputation of the manufacturer, you are better off sticking with one of the better known makes.

Rob introduces a valid consideration even as I will attempt to clarify ...
The issue of most critical importance when choosing a bearing (or any other part)
will not be the country of it's manufacture
but rather the reputation and integrity of that company who's name appears on the part.
Ultimately and realistically, design specifics, engineering, production methods,
and indeed an established regimen of quality control standards and requirements
will be both prescribed by – and the responsibility of – that company.
By putting their brand / name on a product or it's package,
the company assumes ownership, either tacitly or explicitly,
as a guarantee of it's quality of manufacture, applicability, and suitability for use.
This will be why we are comfortable buying parts marked with "BMW".
We have learned to trust their judgement.

You get what you pay for ?
Sometimes the price we might be willing to pay for that "trust" will be grossly inflated.

[the quinner]

...Some of the cheaper aftermarket parts, which may be sourced from Eastern Europe and the Far East, are of questionable quality in terms of material and accuracy of manufacture.
The problem is that some parts from these areas are as good as those sourced in Western Europe or the US. Unless you know the reputation of the manufacturer, you are better off sticking with one of the better known makes.

Rob introduces a valid consideration even as I will attempt to clarify ...
The issue of most critical importance when choosing a bearing (or any other part)
will not be the country of it's manufacture
but rather the reputation and integrity of that company who's name appears on the part.
Ultimately and realistically, design specifics, engineering, production methods,
and indeed an established regimen of quality control standards and requirements
will be both prescribed by – and the responsibility of – that company.
By putting their brand / name on a product or it's package,
the company assumes ownership, either tacitly or explicitly,
as a guarantee of it's quality of manufacture, applicability, and suitability for use.
This will be why we are comfortable buying parts marked with "BMW".
We have learned to trust their judgement.

You get what you pay for ?
Sometimes the price we might be willing to pay for that "trust" will be grossly inflated.

Well said.

I uncrated the first "Chinese" BMWs a few years ago. Lots of crying foul about the concept...in practice, they were just as BMW as all the other BMWs. Were they perfect? No...just like all the other BMWs. Were they cool, cutting edge motorcycles? Yes...just like the other BMWs. "Foreign" workers have almost always been involved in the assembly of BMW motorcycles...does it really matter if it is in Germany or not?

What BMW does NOT do well is supply chain...they are working on that one. The parts get to be very expensive when they are transported six-fifths of the way around the world and through multiple middle men.