$5 clutch fibers/plates

[Normk]

This is not correct as in many cases one will pull parts from OEM boxes and find that the original make has changed over time. In many cases even the appearance of the part has changed.

Hoping that this is not becoming an argument as my intent is only to discuss what I consider to be a myth. I have been involved in the automotive repair trade since 1960 and began repairing 2-stroke go kart engines around 1963. My first motorcycle in 1965 was a Suzuki 80cc, K11 (?I think?). I hold both Canadian Interprovincial Journeyman Automotive Mechanic and Journeyman Parts certifications so have some exposure to both sides of the repair industry. Even someone as unobservant as I often am is able to notice some things in that time.

A great example is that of the small frame Nippon Densu alternators used on Honda ST1100, ST1300, Suzuki Bandit, etc. Parts are readily available for these little guys through aftermarket because Honda does not make these alternators. Honda will not even supply most of the parts, presumably because there would be insufficient sales volume. Same part, far less money out of the real OEM boxes from Nippon Densu. One can also buy good quality parts for these alternators from other makers.

Check brake calipers on many vehicles for replacements and the jobber will ask what make are those installed. Why? This is because the auto maker used one of several suppliers who actually made the parts.

The Stant thermostat found as factory installed in your typical automobile is not as good quality as a better one which they will sell in the aftermarket.

Another aspect of parts selection is that of pattern failure. In many cases some issue in terms of lifespan, failure rate, or performance arises. Aftermarket makers often provide an improvement in order to addres issues but OEM tends not to provide such options. Given that this is mainly an automotive/truck option because of the tiny motorcycle market scale, but it still is true.

It's fun to be challenged in some of these areas and hope no one is upset.

willie is correct..
OEM does not mix and match others parts in there own box.
they may not make the part but its not like going to autozone either.

[Nessism]

Norm,
We are talking about GS Suzuki parts here. The parts rarely change, other than some cosmetic parts. Parts may change more on other bike and auto applications, but not much on our bikes.

[Normk]

I understand that but in the case of generic parts such as bearings, seals, wiring, electrical, brakes, etc. the OEM makes little to no sense.

Alternator stators and VRR are popular replacements from the aftermarket because of cost and quality. Non-OEM fork seals have solved many issues.

Quality versus cost is the only reasonable criteria unless one dresses like a cast member from Mad Max and rides another type of bike.

Best of the season, all. Suzie needs some excercise tomorrow.

[willie]

FWIW, Norm, I agree with most of what you stated since my last post. I didn't mean to imply that OEM was necessarily better than aftermarket. I was just responding to your comment re: not knowing for sure what you're getting when you buy OEM. Having reread that comment though. I see that I misinterpreted what you wrote. I for one, always try to improve upon quality when I replace parts or designs. If I know that an aftermarket item is better, I'll go with it (ie. I've never used an OEM Suzuki R/R and won't). All in all though, I think I was correct in my response that buying OEM ensures the quality of the part will be to the manufacturer's spec regardless of whether or not it could've been improved upon. Enjoy that ride, good buddy.
Willie

[Nessism]

I understand that but in the case of generic parts such as bearings, seals, wiring, electrical, brakes, etc. the OEM makes little to no sense.

Alternator stators and VRR are popular replacements from the aftermarket because of cost and quality. Non-OEM fork seals have solved many issues.

Quality versus cost is the only reasonable criteria unless one dresses like a cast member from Mad Max and rides another type of bike.

Best of the season, all. Suzie needs some excercise tomorrow.

Bearings: Suzuki used high quality Japanese bearings on the GS bikes. You will NOT find better bearings in the aftermarket unless you are willing to spend serious money (crazy money). Most popular aftermarket motorcycle wheel bearings are Chinese crap (like All Ball's bearing kits).

Brake system parts: OE Suzuki caliper seals and master cylinder kits are superior to aftermarket brake system parts you will find available for a GS. K&L brake kit parts are pure crap. On two different occasions I spent countless hours troubleshooting only to realize the brand new K&L parts were causing a problem.

Seals: Aftermarket gasket kits SUCK!!! The most popular aftermarket kits, Athena & Veshra, have a very poor track record with our members here. I know for a fact that Athena uses inferior gasket material that can't take the clamp loads for the base gasket. Regarding rubber seals, there are very few common sized seals on a GS so hunting down high quality aftermarket equivalents has limited advantage.

Stator's and R/R's: Many common low cost stators (made in China) are not so great - the electrical insulation on the leads cracks easily and the stators themselves are not very robust. Ricks makes a nice stator, but they are not cheap. OE Suzuki stators are higher quality than all but Ricks in my view. As far as R/R's are concern, the best aftermarket units (Compufire) are good, but not cheap. The best substitute R/R as far as value is concern is a Japanese FET type, as used OEM on various other more modern bikes.

I could go on but I think you get the idea. Yes, there are good aftermarket parts in the world, but they hold limited advantage for us GS owners, and painting with a broad brush saying aftermarket holds many advantages over OE on our bikes is an overstatement.

[koolaid_kid]

I will jump in AFA valve cover gaskets. I had 2 (two) aftermarket gaskets fail on me on the road. The first was during a Fennimore rally and left me putting form-a-gasket on my bike at 6 am. The second was its replacement and I started oiling the road just in front of bwringer's office. In both cases the gasket I removed was brittle and broke at the slightest touch. I am now running a Suzuki-branded gasket and have had no further problems.

I have a consumer products background, and our company would regularly buy products with our brand name on them. We called them sourced products. The main difference was that the sourced products had to pass our specifications, as others have stated. While I am certain my Suzuki-branded gaskets are sourced, I am also certain they were required to pass certain tests or specs. I know for a fact they have outlasted the aftermarket gaskets I used previously.

I also have an aftermarket stator and a Honda R/R, so I am not tied to the Suzuki brand. Rather, I try to do my homework and get the best possible part each time.

[Normk]

Some very good information is coming out regarding specific brands and other considerations which is part of what I hoped when posting. Again, it was not my intent to argue but rather to address the myth that what comes in OEM parts boxes is necessarily better. To re-state, the fact that it is in an OEM box does not guarantee superior quality.

The mention of originally fitted bearings fits my experience as the fitted Japanese bearings such as NTN are top quality but replacements are not necessarily of this level. One can often simply read the maker's name on the part shipped in OEM boxes. Ditto seals.

I agree that the very inexpensive gasket and seal kits often do not contain the desired quality of product but the aftermarket seals produced by National Rubber, Chicago Rawhide and other names are top drawer and can often be obtained through local bearing supply houses and automotive jobbers at lower cost than from the dealer.

Another area is that of fasteners because there are so many higher quality choices as well as much crap out there. Like other parts one needs to use judgement as the fact that something is advertised as, or will physically locate into the required position, does not indicate that it is suitable.

Good thread but think we've beaten that subject sufficiently. Hopefully others will post specfic product information with regards brands proven to be quality or lacking there of....can't leave that as my Grade 3 teacher would rap my knuckles for dangling a participle. "for which quality is lacking."

What now? What's your favorite myth? I think that I'll start a thread as exploring that subject should be very useful to some members.

[UncleMike]

For what it's worth, I found this all very interesting.

[john82q]

One factor missing from the debate, and thats dolleros, "bang for buck" or "cost effectiveness" if you like.

Americans, all 312,812,904 of them, dont know how good the've got it.

Because theres so many of them theres a market size that gives buying power, so they can go to any dealer and expect to pay a reasonable price, and get good service to boot. (if they dont then for sure theres options)

Unlike some of us where the same part can cost 3 or many more times as much. Sure we can shop on line but unless you enjoy waiting 3 months or more, any saving is seriously erroded by air freight. What are you going to do when it arrives if its somehow wrong? (no matter whose fault.)

So consider that if I can buy locally a aftermarket part that is (almost)as good as OEM lasts at least 2/3 as long, but costs only 1/6 as much its a done deal.

Specfic example clutch plates, $30 each at local dealer, not in stock, expect to wait 2-3 days, oh and dont forget to nag them a few times so they actually bother order it...