LAB-415-The Truth About Cheap Knock-off Motorcycle Parts With Guest Ken Madden of Ciro

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Lurch and I are joined by Ken Madden from Ciro and we talk about counterfeit and knock off motorcycle products.   Ken is a Senior Product Designer at Ciro and he just happens to also be a Patreon supporter of Law Abiding Biker.  Ken, along with Ciro and other motorcycle parts innovators and creators are being ripped off.  Overseas companies that do not respect patents are recreating inferior version of the hard work others put in.  Knockoff motorcycle products may look like a bargain up front, but they come with some serious downsides that riders often don’t realize until it’s too late.

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1. Lower Quality Materials

Knockoffs typically use cheaper metals, plastics, and electronics. That means parts can crack, fade, corrode, or fail much faster than name-brand components.

2. Poor Fitment & Compatibility

These products often aren’t engineered to OEM tolerances. Expect problems like:

• Misaligned holes
• Rattling or vibrating
• Parts that require modification to fit
• Components that interfere with other accessories

3. Reduced Safety

• This is the biggest risk. Knockoff:
• Helmets may not meet DOT/ECE standards
• Brake parts may not withstand heat
• Lighting may fail or deliver low visibility
• Structural parts can break under stress
• A small failure at 70 mph can become a major problem.

4. No Warranty, Support, or Testing

Reputable motorcycle brands invest in R&D, testing, and customer support. Knockoffs typically offer:

1. No meaningful warranty
2. No replacement parts
3. No safety testing
4. No customer service
5. Once it fails, you’re on your own

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5. Shorter Lifespan (Costing More Over Time)

Cheap parts often wear out quickly, so riders end up replacing them multiple times. The “savings” disappear fast.

6. Potential Damage to Your Bike

• Poorly made accessories can:
• Stress mounting points
• Scratch paint
• Cause electrical issues
• Throw off suspension or geometry

Saving $50 on a part can cause hundreds in damage.

7. Resale & Reliability Hit

Buyers can spot cheap accessories. Knockoffs on a bike can:

• Lower resale value
• Make the bike look poorly maintained
• Raise concerns about what other shortcuts were taken

8. Ethical & Legal Issues

Many knockoffs:

• Copy patented designs
• Copy brand logos
• Are made in unregulated factories
• Hurt legitimate manufacturers

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Bottom Line

Knockoff motorcycle parts may save money up front, but the risks—in safety, reliability, and long-term cost—usually make them a bad investment. Quality aftermarket or OEM parts nearly always pay off in durability and peace of mind.

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