How to know which part brands are good quality?

[Rufus357]

Hi folks - noob question

I need some parts for my bike (Bullit so retro style Chinese) and don’t want to replace like for like the low quality plastic parts. Eg front indicators, bar switches, rear shocks

There are a million options on eBay or amazon. How do I tell what is decent quality. Are there brands or online shops I should look for?

Thanks

[Nobby the Bastard]

Your best bet is to replace with standard oem stuff.
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trevor saxe-coburg-gotha:"Remember this simple rule - scooters are for men who like to feel the breeze on their huge, flapping cunt lips."
Triumph Sprint ST 1050

[kramdra]

[Riejufixing]

[NJD]

Depends how mechanically able you are, and I don't mean that as an insult.

Front indicators should just be a case of picking a type you like and messing with the wiring to work with O.E.M connectors, and perhaps changing the flasher unit to support L.E.D if not already.

Bar switches can be customised and don't have to be standard, but again would come down some time spent on wiring. There are plenty of chinese 125's around that might have something similar as opposed to a whole new aftermarket part to save time and money.

Rear shocks may be an issue, but I say that only because I'm not sure how "bolt on" they are. Spring length, for example? I imagine you've got a shock each side bolted on, but do your research before buying.

I'd go eBay over amazon, but that's only based on never seeing anything of quality on there that wasn't generic imported stuff. eBay is always my go to for second hand parts.
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[Riejufixing]

[Rufus357]

Thanks some good tips. The problem is that Some of the oem parts Are really crap so it makes sense to upgrade when replacing. There are a heck of a lot of bikes based on the same Chinese base model (pioneer xf125r) but I have yet found a consolidated view on upgrade replacement parts. I thinks there’s an opportunity for someone there ....

[NJD]

[Bhud]

I don't think there's an easy rule of thumb unless it's an original part, new or old stock. Otherwise, you can only try your best to find the best part.

Example: I bought an OEM brake master cylinder kit. The kit arrived, with no instructions. It was made by a fairly reputable company (TRK). The replacement master cylinder piston was completely different in appearance from my old one, insofar as it was shorter, it came with a longer spring, and it had an Archimedes screw section. Why was this? Not clear, but it seems it might have been a generic item designed for later models of the same bike, which was "compatible" with the older model (my bike). It was sold as OEM for my earlier model of bike. Minus the instructions and a bit of common sense in how to orient the piston, and where to place the seals, and where to place the cheap end caps, it would not have worked. It was clearly a cheaper to make and inferior item to the original Kawasaki part.

Another example: "OEM" brake seals from Ebay. No brand name. Did not fit, and there was no apparent reason for this as there was no difference in brake caliper between model years.

Where it's critical, my first choice would be the manufacturer's recommended parts stockist for component parts (for example, in the UK, Cradley Kawasaki), or a reputable parts manufacturer for a specific class of product (e.g. DID chains, Denso plugs, Ikon springs, YSS rear shocks, etc.) Second choice, Fowlers, MSP EU, or specialists (like David Silver for Honda, or Z-power for old Kawasaki, etc.) Third, higher tier OEM coming from a reputable parts supplier (e.g. the big one beginning with "W", which often lists a cheaper "OEM" alongside a more expensive "OEM").

Where it isn't critical, I take my chances. You never know with things like seat covers, mirrors or indicators if the cheapo no-name item will be any good, but at least you won't have wasted much money.