Choosing Replacement Harley Davidson Parts

Most bike owners at some time will find it necessary to carry out repairs after a failure or modifications to personalize a model. There are a few things to take into account when looking for Harley Davidson parts and some care is needed when buying. Many of these items can be quite costly and a little time spent comparing prices can be beneficial.

Most parts can be found on the shelves of main dealerships or parts stores even for classic or vintage bikes. Everything from a small electrical component to larger items such as complete motors, wheels and suspension systems are normally stocked. If the part in question is being fitted due to a breakdown it is always preferable to use an original factory part rather than a cheaper alternative.

Many online retailers also sell replacements for these motorcycles and most will be shipped next day for an additional fee. Often these items will be cheaper than buying from a store but bear in mind that after adding the courier cost this is not always the case. Most couriers will charge by the weight of the package and the heavier it is the more it will cost.

Second hand yards can also be a useful place to visit when sourcing replacement parts for a motorcycle. Buying pre used items can often save a substantial amount of money as long as they have been inspected and are of the correct spec. It is always advisable when buying parts from these yards to take along the old ones so that comparisons can be made to ensure they match up.

When buying new parts for customization of a motorbike there are infinite options and a good custom bike can be worth a lot more than a stock model. Additions such as a handmade seat, air brushed steel and engraved exhausts can improve the look of a model significantly. Hand stitched luggage and leather bags are also very popular among bikers to make their model a true one off.

Before customizing a bike there a couple of things to take into account beforehand which can prevent costly mistakes. Many clubs and shows will not allow a bike to be entered into competition if it is not a standard model so checks should be made first. Also if using aftermarket parts any warrantees on the bike may be affected so it is a god idea to speak with a dealer first to avoid this.

If things such as the brake system, suspension or motor are being sourced it is good practice to consult a qualified engineer for advice. With older bikes the knowledge of a professional can be invaluable and can save any costly errors. If any repairs are to be done by a technician then many will prefer to source the parts for the owner and often this is the better route to follow.

When the replacement components have been sourced and paid for it is a good idea to retain the old ones if they can still be used. When the bike is sold on to a new owner or part exchanged for another vehicle they can be refitted or given to the buyer. This is also the case with any parts removed and replaced with customized items as a large number of owners will want a stock bike as opposed to a modified one.