Used parts: what to buy and what to avoid

A used part can save your budget or cost you your health. The difference is whether it is responsible for safety.

• Buy used body parts without worry: plastics, fairings, mirrors, footpegs, levers without cracks, seats, and headlights with no moisture inside.
• Take mechanical parts like sprockets, clutch plates or engine covers only after inspection: look for scoring, signs of overheating and worn teeth.
• Brake pads, hoses, tyres, chains and timing belts should only be bought new: you can't see their age or history.
• Brake discs, calipers, and suspension, frame, fork and swingarm parts can be bought used only after checking for bending, cracks, leaks and signs of repair. If in doubt, skip it.
• Before buying, match the part number and production year to your bike, since look-alike parts often don't fit.
• After fitting, have critical parts checked at a workshop, especially brakes and suspension.