Premium parts like Öhlins and K-Tech suspension, Akrapovic and Two Brothers exhausts, and carbon fiber wheels can cost a fortune new. Bought used, they're one of the best value upgrades you can make, as long as you know what to inspect. Here's what we look at, and what you should too.
Suspension: Öhlins shocks and K-Tech cartridges
High-end suspension is built to be serviced and rebuilt, which makes it a good used buy. What matters is condition and service history.
- Shaft condition. The shock shaft or fork tubes should be smooth, with no pitting, scratches or rust where the seals ride.
- Leaks. Oil around the seals or on the body means it needs a service before use.
- Adjusters. Clickers for preload, compression and rebound should turn and click cleanly through their range.
- Service history. Even good used suspension benefits from a fresh service and setup for your weight. Budget for it and you'll get a far better result than stock.
In stock now: Öhlins TTX rear shock for the 2015-2018 Aprilia RSV4 and K-Tech DDS front fork cartridges and steering stabilizer for the 2009-2016 GSX-R1000.
Exhausts: slip-ons and full systems
Exhausts are one of the safest used buys: there's little to wear out, and a used slip-on costs a fraction of new.
- Fitment by year. Slip-ons are usually specific to a model generation. Match the year range and check whether you need a link pipe or a mid-pipe.
- Dents and cracks. Small cosmetic marks are normal. Check for cracked welds or crushed inlets.
- Mounting hardware. Make sure the hanger bracket and springs or clamps are included, or that you have them.
- Packing. Older silencers may need repacking to bring them back to their original sound.
In stock now: Akrapovic slip-on for the 2010-2014 BMW S1000RR, Two Brothers Black Series slip-on for the 2011-2015 ZX-10R, and Mircon exhaust system for the Ducati 748 / 916 / 996. See them all in Exhaust Systems.
Carbon fiber wheels
Carbon wheels transform how a sportbike steers and accelerates, and a used set can save you thousands. Because a damaged wheel is a safety issue, inspect them carefully.
- Impact damage. Look closely at the rim edges for chips, cracks or delamination, especially where a pothole or curb would hit.
- Hubs and bearings. Check that the hubs, bearing seats and sprocket carrier are clean and undamaged.
- Clear, detailed photos. Only buy from a seller who shows every part of the rim up close.
- Professional inspection. If you're running them hard on track, have a carbon specialist inspect them before you mount tires.
In stock now for the BMW S1000RR: BST 5-spoke carbon fiber wheel set and Rotobox Boost carbon wheel set. Browse Wheels & Brakes for more.
Buy with confidence
Every part we sell is photographed as-is from the actual item, ships within 1 business day, and comes with a 30-day return policy. Questions about a specific part? Send us a message and we'll send extra photos or check fitment against your bike.