All maintenance guides
4 min read · updated 2026-10-14
Genuine vs duplicate parts: how to tell
Duplicate parts are common and often look the same. On brakes, chains and filters, a fake can cost far more than it saves.
Steps
- Buy from the brand's authorised dealer or a parts shop they list. Ask for a receipt.
- Check the box: clean printing, the brand's logo, a part number, and a hologram or seal if the brand uses one.
- Compare with the old part: weight, finish, markings and fit. Fakes are often lighter and rougher.
- Engine oil: the cap seal must be intact and the bottle print sharp. Buy from a known shop.
- Be wary when the price is far below what others charge.
Common mistakes
- Saving money on brake pads, brake fluid, chains, tyres or oil filters. These are safety and engine-life parts.
- Letting the shop fit a part you never saw in its box.
When to go to a mechanic
- Ask the mechanic to show you the new part in its packaging before fitting it.
- A new part that fails or wears out unusually fast. It may be a duplicate; take it back with the receipt.
This is general guidance for typical commuter motorcycles. Your owner's manual is the final word on pressures, intervals and oil grades for your bike. If you are unsure, ask a trusted mechanic.