Considering Motorcycle Aftermarket Parts
Whether you are a long-time motorcycle owner or just recently purchased a sport bike, you know that you are required to perform general maintenance on occasion. Naturally, it’s always a wise decision to purchase parts from the bike manufacturer, but depending on what you need, there may be some motorcycle aftermarket parts available that are similar in quality if not superior, at a fraction of the price.
If you are a novice to motorcycle maintenance it may seem like a daunting task to figure out what street bike parts you should be purchasing that offers you the maximum value without sacrificing craftsmanship. Or if you have a street bike, there are sport bike parts to worry about. But things are not all that difficult as they may appear to be.
Below is a short list of important maintenance tips you will need handy when it’s time to replace your existing motorcycle parts with high-quality aftermarket products.
- Brake lines. Make sure they are made of stainless steel–do not waste money on rubber lines which are prone to expansion under duress. The last thing you need while on the road is faulty brakes, so choosing the right lines is extremely important. Also, make sure that the inner hose of the lines is made of Teflon.
- Air filters. Stick with high-flow cotton filtration systems. These types of air filters can supposedly be washed and reused every 50,000 miles or so, but you’re better off replacing the filter instead of trying to clean it. Make sure the replacement filter you choose will not decrease the bike’s mid-range performance.
- Oil filters. The filtering component of most motorcycle oil filters is paper-constructed. Now you can find some that are made out of a combination of materials like fiberglass and paper. What you want to pay attention to is the micron size of particles can be filtered out. Obviously, the higher the protection against fine-micron particles, the better the filter is.
- Engine oil. You’re probably better off with synthetic rather than petroleum-based oils since the viscosity level is not prone change under stress from heat or cold. Look for 15W 40 oils, and avoid ones that are marked as “energy conserving” since there is a possibility of clutch slipping during the life of the oil. And to be on the safe side, change your motorcycle oil every 1,200 to 2,000 miles.
The above list is by no means exhaustive, but these motorcycle maintenance tips are definitely something you should keep in mind.
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