MOTORCYCLE GIFTS AND OEM

So when you see motorcycle parts or accessories that say “OEM,” is that an abbreviation for “Outrageously Expensive Merchandise“?

Could be.

But in most cases it means “Original Equipment Manufacturer.”

Although as a bit of a twist, it doesn’t necessarily mean that the parts or accessories are actually manufactured by your favorite motorcycle brand.  A company that purchases products or components from another company and resells them with their own name or logo on them in an OEM.  As an example, Harley makes a motorcycle out of many parts and components, hence, Harley is the OEM for that motorcycle.  But a manufacturer (Harley Davidson or otherwise) may buy some of those parts from specialized manufacturers to build their bikes.  Of course users then may modify or add parts to the machine of their choice. The added parts could be OEM or after-market.

For example, if you buy a part for your bike that says “Harley” on it, you’ve purchased an OEM part. But if you buy another part that is made for your Harley, but doesn’t say Harley on it, that would not be an OEM part. Guess which one is more expensive? Yep, the “Harley” part. Guess which one is better? Well, that’s not a clear cut answer. There are plenty of after-market parts (non OEM) that are “better” than OEM parts (and cost less), but that’s not the case with ALL after-market parts.

Confused? Well, that’ why many folks will buy OEM parts: it’s simpler. Even if it may not be the best part you can get, and even if it may be more expensive than comparable non-OEM parts. But there’s a lot to be said for simplicity.

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