Yellow Jacket
11-26-2007, 06:17 PM
Rules for part replacement:
1) A bent part can never be satisfactorily straightened on your bike. Removing the part and correctly straightening it guarantees it will no longer fit correctly. A brand new part will have to be bent to fit the bike. Expect to swear and bleed.
2) Parts cost at least twice as much as you think they will. OEM parts, which you think should be readily in stock at your dealer rarely are, but obscure parts are available NOW. Aftermarket parts may cost less, unless you consider the time it takes to find out who makes them, who offers them at a price you are willing to pay and how long you'll wait to get them. Expect to swear and pay.
3) Any part that is in stock and priced at what you are willing to pay will invariably turn out to be the wrong part once you get it home. Conversely, taking the old part with you to the dealer to compare ensures the part you need will have to be ordered. Since you can't compare the part until it comes in, an incorrect part will be ordered and arrive quickly. After comparison, the correct part will be ordered, only to discover it's backordered and will be delayed. Special orders are not returnable or subject to a restocking fee. Expect to swear and wait.
4) Damage caused by the failure of the part is usually minimal. Damage caused by replacing the damaged part is typically catastrophic, inconvenient or results in great expense or delay. Expect to swear and search for small missing pieces or ponder over leftovers.
1) A bent part can never be satisfactorily straightened on your bike. Removing the part and correctly straightening it guarantees it will no longer fit correctly. A brand new part will have to be bent to fit the bike. Expect to swear and bleed.
2) Parts cost at least twice as much as you think they will. OEM parts, which you think should be readily in stock at your dealer rarely are, but obscure parts are available NOW. Aftermarket parts may cost less, unless you consider the time it takes to find out who makes them, who offers them at a price you are willing to pay and how long you'll wait to get them. Expect to swear and pay.
3) Any part that is in stock and priced at what you are willing to pay will invariably turn out to be the wrong part once you get it home. Conversely, taking the old part with you to the dealer to compare ensures the part you need will have to be ordered. Since you can't compare the part until it comes in, an incorrect part will be ordered and arrive quickly. After comparison, the correct part will be ordered, only to discover it's backordered and will be delayed. Special orders are not returnable or subject to a restocking fee. Expect to swear and wait.
4) Damage caused by the failure of the part is usually minimal. Damage caused by replacing the damaged part is typically catastrophic, inconvenient or results in great expense or delay. Expect to swear and search for small missing pieces or ponder over leftovers.