Doing a bit of research wouldn't kill you either. Of course forums can be useful, but there are a lot of preachers on those sites to be wary of as well. You wouldn't chance buying your bike without doing some background work, so why would buying aftermarket or replacement parts be any different? Use your resources to find out what your stock bike's specs are and what aftermarket replacements will work. You'd be surprised how many people called and said they needed parts for their "600" or "Gixxer" without a clue what year, make or model they were riding--it was as if they thought all bikes had the same generic parts.
Fear not though, all is not lost at the parts counter. Simply do your homework and know what you ride. It'll make your life easier and the salesman more efficient in getting you the right goods.
Tread Smartly
Plenty of riders head out the door on old tires, incorrectly sized rubber or even touring tires on their sportbike because they followed the parts guy's poor advice. Find out your counter worker's background--if he's exclusively a dirt rider why would he know what the best street rubber options for your bike are?
Know Your Ride
Before you make a call or pay a visit to the shop, make sure you know the basics. Sadly, there are loads of riders on the road that aren't exactly sure what they're sitting on.
Year
Make
Model
Tire sizes
Fluid capacity (how many quarts of oil does your bike hold?)
Spark plug code (many shops are notorious for giving you the wrong plugs)
Too Much Info
Telling the parts counter guy that you need a pipe for your "red Gixxer" is like addressing an envelope to Florida and hoping it'll get to your parents' place - it ain't gonna happen!
Also, though your license plate number might read something big and clever like "#1STNA," it won't help the parts guy find your oil filter any easier.
Buying Gear
The internet has streamlined many things and complicated just as many others. So while you've likely seen some dope gear in a mag or online, the only thing you can't do over the Web or looking at a mag is to try it on.
Listen to what the parts guy has to say, but ultimately you're the deciding factor. If a helmet is spinning on your head or the cuffs of a jacket are around your forearms you'll obviously know the fit is wrong. A good rule of thumb is to wear the gear in the shop for a few minutes and see how it feels.
Use common sense. Despite what anyone says, don't remove pads from a helmet to make it fit because it's the only size on sale. Don't buy dirtbike gloves for the street and don't buy a leather jacket for wet weather riding. While these scenarios sound stupid, we've seen it before.
Parts Counter Etiquette
-Don't assume employees know every thing, but don't presume they're all Neanderthals either
-Be cool! It might take some time to find your part--the computer systems and parts catalogs can be cumbersome
-Be patient! It might take a few days to get your part if it's not in stock, and bitching won't get it there any quicker