One of the best parts about buying and riding an ATV is the fact that you can customize it to your liking. These vehicles are highly customizable, allowing for many different modifications.

So whether you like to race with your ATV, look for the best ATV trails, or get things done around your property, you can outfit it for nearly anything.

But there's a right way to upgrade your ATV and a wrong way. The right way is to invest in OEM parts, as opposed to purchasing third-party aftermarket parts. Most riders would agree that OEM accessories and parts for your ATV are going to perform much better than aftermarket ATV parts.

But what exactly is the difference, and why are OEM motorcycle parts, ATV parts, and UTV parts and accessories the better option? Keep reading below to find out now, so you don't waste money on lower-quality gear. 

OEM vs Aftermarket

When shopping for ATV and dirtbike parts and accessories, you have two main options. The safe and smart route is by buying OEM. OEM stands for Original Equipment Manufacturer. 

So if you have a Yamaha ATV, OEM means you are buying parts and accessories from Yamaha.

Aftermarket parts, on the other hand, are from third-party companies. They are those who don't manufacture vehicles themselves but instead only develop parts and accessories.

They are generally made to fit a wide variety of vehicles. They aren't specific to certain models and manufacturers. However, this isn't always the best option. Here's why. 

Same Quality as Your Vehicle

When you choose OEM parts, you're getting products created by the same company that made your vehicle. They are made in the same facility, using the same high-quality materials, under the same workmanship standards.

So if you trust the quality of your ATV, then purchasing parts from the same company makes the most sense.

Aftermarket parts, on the other hand, don't have to be the same quality. Oftentimes, these are cheaper. This might be because they might be made with cheaper, lower-quality materials. 

They also might not go through rigorous testing and inspections that OEM parts have to go through. Though OEM parts might be more expensive, the cost is always worth it, as it guarantees higher quality.

Made to Fit Specific Vehicles

All ATVs are unique. They used different parts and components to make them work in different ways. As a result, parts are not one size fits all.

When you shop OEM, you can buy replacement parts and new accessories that are specifically manufactured to fit your specific model of ATV.

So if you are driving a Polaris RZR, you should be purchasing Polaris RZR parts and accessories, made by Polaris, to ensure the proper fit. Or if you are driving a Can-Am, you want to buy Can-Am parts and accessories. 

Otherwise, when purchasing generic aftermarket parts, you might have to purchase extra hardware to create a custom mounting solution to make the part fit. This might decrease performance, and it might make your vehicle unsafe. 

Higher Performance

When a part is designed and manufactured for a specific model, it's going to provide maximum ATV performance. Oftentimes, aftermarket parts need to be forced to fit a specific application.

Under these circumstances, there's no way that your ATV is going to perform the way that it should. Aftermarket parts are known to decrease performance and efficiency as compared to OEM parts. 

Longer-Lasting

Because aftermarket parts are usually forced to fit certain applications or have to be jimmy-rigged in order to work, they experience greater wear and tear. They are known to fail much quicker than OEM parts. Plus, they can cause wear and tear on the other parts around them, causing even greater damage to your vehicle. 

This means you'll be replacing components more often. So while you think you are saving money by purchasing the cheaper parts, you are actually spending more in the long run on additional replacements and repairs. Save money by buying right the first time. 

Guaranteed to Work

Because OEM parts are created by the manufacturer, they are guaranteed to work with your vehicle. If you can't get it to work, then you can likely get a refund or replacement to ensure your vehicle gets what it needs.

On top of that, OEM parts usually come with a manufacturer warranty, as long as it's installed on the correct vehicle. So you can drive around with peace of mind knowing that if anything happens, you can get it fixed or replaced. 

Easier to Purchase

When you need to replace a specific part on your ATV, it can be difficult when purchasing an aftermarket part. You usually need to be educated on the mechanics of ATVs and how to size parts. 

But when you purchase OEM parts, you don't need to know the details or sizes of the parts you need. You just need to know what model and year your ATV is and buy the corresponding part. It's much less of a headache for those who aren't experienced in automotive repairs. 

Shop OEM Parts at United Motorsports

The best place to purchase OEM parts is your local, licensed ATV dealer. Here, you'll be able to find the largest selection of OEM ATV parts and side by side accessories. And you can get them professionally installed. 

Here at United Motorsports, we carry OEM parts for all of the top brands, including Polaris, Can-Am, Honda, Yamaha, and others. And we operate four dealerships across central Kentucky in Lexington, Middlesboro, Pikeville, and Richmond. 

We are your one-stop shop for anything motorsports-related, from new ATV, UTV, or boat purchases, along with a full-service repair and customization shop and retail store. 

Can't Visit in Store? Shop United Motorsports Online

Looking for OEM parts, but can't visit one of our Kentucky locations? You can shop our online store to find the specific part or accessory you need to keep your ATV charging forward.

You can shop online by part number, manufacturer, or keyword to find any high-quality OEM part that you need today.