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

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. SUPPORT US AND SHOP IN THE OFFICIAL LAW ABIDING BIKER STORE 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: No meaningful warranty No replacement parts No safety testing No customer service Once it fails, you're on your own CHECK OUT OUR HUNDREDS OF FREE HELPFUL VIDEOS ON OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL AND SUBSCRIBE! 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 NEW FREE VIDEO RELEASED: Vance & Hines V02 Air Intake Install & Overview for Harley-Davidson Motorcycles S&S Cam Kit Installation on Harley-Davidson Milwaukee-Eight | Full Guide Sponsor-Ciro 3D CLICK HERE! Innovative products for Harley-Davidson & Goldwing Affordable chrome, lighting, and comfort products Ciro 3D has a passion for design and innovation Sponsor-Butt Buffer CLICK HERE Want to ride longer? Tired of a sore and achy ass? Then fix it with a high-quality Butt Buffer seat cushion? New Patron: Fred Wheeler of Mobile, Alabama 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. If you appreciate the content we put out and want to make sure it keeps on coming your way then become a Patron too! There are benefits and there is no risk. Thanks to the following bikers for supporting us via a flat donation : Joseph Horner of Bolivar, Missouri Kenneth Hall of Maryville, Tennessee Paul Estoppey of Wallbach Switzerland HELP SUPPORT US! JOIN THE BIKER REVOLUTION! #BikerRevolution #LawAbidingBiker #Bikaholics #RyanUrlacher 🛒 SHOP IN THE LAW ABIDING BIKER STORE 🛒 https://shop.lawabidingbiker.com 😎 BECOME A MEMBER AND GET BENEFITS 😎 https://www.patreon.com/lawabidingbiker 📹 GET PREMIUM MOTORCYCLE TUTORIAL VIDEOS 📹 https://www.lawabidingbiker.com/buyvideos 🎬 WATCH OUR MOTORCYCLE DOCUMENTARY FILMS HERE🎬 https://www.lawabidingbiker.com/motorcycle-documentary-films 💰LEAVE A FLAT DONATION 💰 https://www.lawabidingbiker.com/donate 📱SHOP AMAZON RECOMMENDED PRODUCTS 📱 https://www.amazon.com/shop/ryanurlacher 📺 SUBSCRIBE TO OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL 📺 https://goo.gl/EtxUnW 🎙CHECK OUT THE WEEKLY PODCAST 🎙 https://www.lawabidingbiker.com/app ⓕ FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK ⓕ https://www.facebook.com/lawabidingbiker 🐦 FOLLOW US ON TWITTER 🐦 https://twitter.com/LawAbidingBiker 📷 FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM 📷 https://www.instagram.com/LawAbidingBiker 🙈 FOLLOW US ON TIKTOK 🙈 https://www.tiktok.com/@lawabidingbiker