Owning a motorbike allows you the freedom to enjoy the open road at your own leisure. However, the pleasures of riding a bike come hand-in-glove with the necessity to repair it when things go wrong.
A motorcycle that’s looked after well will last for more than 100,000 miles. A poorly maintained bike may drop dead after just 20,000. To make sure yours lasts a long time, you need to use the right bike parts.
But where is the best place to buy parts to carry out essential bike repairs?
In this guide, we’ll tell you everything you need to know about hunting for parts while fixing your bike.
New Vs. Used Bike Parts
The first thing you need to decide is what type of parts you’re going to buy. There are three types of bike parts, these are:
- New OEM (Original equipment manufacturer) – These are parts produced by the bike’s manufacturer
- New aftermarket – These are manufactured by a different company and are often unbranded
- Used parts – Often removed from salvaged bikes
OEM parts will cost the most, however, they will come with a full warranty and should last for tens of thousands of miles.
Aftermarket parts are often equally as good, although they may be made by a company you’ve never heard of. Typically, these will come with some kind of warranty too. This will be cheaper than OEM parts. One part may be designed to fit several bikes.
Used parts may have been ridden for quite a few miles already. A reputable salvage company will usually clean and test the part prior to shipping it. Many salvage yards offer a small warranty on parts, although this differs from breaker to breaker.
Search for a Specific Part Number
When looking for a part, it’s often best to know the part number you’re searching for. This is usually printed somewhere on the old part you’re removing from your bike.
If the part number is missing or worn off, search for the make and model number of the bike, for instance, KLX 110. It will be essential that you know the year that the bike was manufactured as parts may differ between production years.
What Qualities Should You Look for in an Online Parts Supplier?
Don’t just jump at the first supplier you find, and don’t just assume that the cheapest is your best option. You need to look for the following qualities from your online supplier:
- A strong reputation evidenced in lots of positive customer reviews
- An easy to navigate website with lots of clear photos and part information
- A clear returns process along with the warranty details
Once you’re confident you’ve found a reputable seller, all that remains is to place your order.
Where to Find the Best Bike Parts
If you enjoy riding a bike, you’ll want to keep it in the best condition. This means using the best parts. Search for companies based on reputation over price, and always check out the warranty information.
For more great tips, check out the DIY auto repair section.