Like most motorized vehicles, there will be instances when replacement parts are going to be needed. Scooter parts break down and malfunction just like anything else and care should be taken as to where you buy them. There are many places to obtain parts, but when it comes to safety, caution should be used as to where you purchase these parts. If you are not careful you could buy parts that should have been scrapped rather than resold and there are a lot of people that will sell you defective ones but tell you they’re new. It helps to know what you’re looking for especially when dealing with used dealers. It’s not that all used parts dealers on sneaky and underhanded, but caution should be used when dealing with them and sometimes the best way to do that is by researching or word of mouth in order to find a dealer that is reputable.

Buying new scooter parts is always a safe way to go as they have been shipped straight from the manufacturers. You know that the odds of getting a defective or damaged part are slim as opposed to buying them used and on the rare occasion that one is found to be damaged or defective, there is usually a warranty to have that part either fixed or replaced depending on the problem. There will also be times where you won’t be able to find a particular part at a used parts dealer and the only way to purchase that part would be to order it brand new and this situation occurs more times than one would think. Another consideration is of course, the cost of parts. When you’re are seeking to buy new replacement parts, you will no doubt find better prices and rebate deals to help save you money. The downside to buying new replacements is that on occasion a dealer will be out of stock on an item and will have to order it special. The wait for it to come in is indeterminate and in some cases, you could wait weeks for confirmation that it arrived.

As stated earlier, caution should be taken when dealing with used parts dealers and a good amount of research or looking around for a reputable dealer can save you a lot of time and aggravation. The benefit of buying used replacement parts is that in most cases, the parts are cheaper. One of the downsides however, is that unlike new scooter parts, one that is bought used is not likely to come with any warranty. So if you get it home and it turns out to be defective, you may not be able to get your money back but instead be able to trade it in for another part.

We are asked this question all the time but unfortunately there is no easy answer. There are so many options to choose between, depending upon which model of bike you are riding. Hard luggage is a must for many of our customers; the obvious advantages are the security that it provides and the fact that it is waterproof. Also, so quick and easy to take on and off, no fiddling about with straps when you are using hard luggage! The disadvantage can be the initial outlay if you are on a budget.

Popular makes of hard luggage include Givi, Hepco & Becker and Krauser, all of which manufacture racks/fitting kits specific to bike model. When you are looking to put hard luggage on your bike, the first point to consider is “does anyone make a rack for my bike?” Once you have established this, you will have more of an idea of the options available to you. Owners of popular bikes such as the Honda Blackbird or the Suzuki Bandit will find they have a wide choice, whereas if you have a sports bike such as the GSXR, your options will be much more limited.

Many racks are now quick-release, such as the SW-Motech racks, these are fitted to the bike with 3 or 4 fitting points which are permanent, but unobtrusive. The luggage racks can then be easily put on/taken off within minutes, using quick-release bolts.

Of course many riders do not want to put hard luggage on their bike, as they do not want the look of their pride and joy spoilt by racks. This is where soft luggage comes in, and the choice here is vast from a simple tank bag to a set of throw-over panniers and a large tail pack. One of the problems with soft luggage is that it is rarely completely waterproof. The zips are usually the area of vulnerability but more and more manufacturers are combating this problem with covered zips. There is also now a wide range of waterproof bags, such as the Helen 2 Wheels range which is very versatile and can be fitted to most makes of motorbike.

Another option for sports bikes is the Ventura range of soft luggage, which is mounted on a rear rack so easy to put on and take off. When you are not using your luggage, the rack can be easily replaced with a simple grab rail.

Aluminium luggage is another alternative which has become very popular, particularly with BMWs/adventure bikes. Most of the hard luggage manufacturers have a version of this style of luggage, which is extremely tough and durable.

If you own a cruiser motorcycle, such as a Harley, you will be looking for something completely different. There is a vast array of cruiser luggage available, whether you are looking for leather panniers, Cissy bar bags, tool rolls, and rack bags. Leather panniers can be either throw-over or fitted onto a chrome tubular rack, which will be specifically designed for your model of bike. Cissy bar bags come in all shapes and sizes. Most of this luggage is manufactured in America but is available in the UK.