Aftermarket SxS Parts vs Stock: What’s Worth Upgrading?
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If you’ve ever stood in your garage staring at your machine thinking, “Should I upgrade this or just run it stock?” — you’re not alone.
- The debate between aftermarket SxS parts and factory components is one every serious rider eventually faces. And the answer isn’t about brand loyalty… it’s about how and where you ride.
Let’s break it down the way real riders understand it.
Why OEM Parts Fail Under Aggressive Riding
Here’s the reality: OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) parts are built for the average rider.
Not the guy jumping dunes every weekend.
Not the girl rock crawling waterfalls.
Not the rider sending it through desert whoops at 60 mph.
Manufacturers design stock machines to:
- Hit a price point
- Pass general durability standards
- Appeal to the widest market possible
That means compromises.
Under aggressive riding, stock components often:
- Flex excessively
- Develop stress fractures
- Wear bushings quickly
- Bend under repeated impact loads
OEM parts aren’t junk — they’re just not engineered for extreme abuse.
Common Weak Points in Stock SxS Builds
If you’ve been riding long enough, you’ve probably seen these fail:
1. Radius Rods
Thin material + high rear suspension stress = bending.
2. Tie Rods
Steering components take a beating, especially with oversized tires.
3. Control Arms
Factory arms are often built lighter to reduce cost and weight — but they sacrifice strength.
4. Skid Plates
Stock skid systems are usually minimal and not designed for hard rock impacts.
When comparing stock vs aftermarket UTV parts, these are the components riders upgrade first — because they’re the first to break.
Advantages of Fabricated Aftermarket Parts
This is where quality fabrication changes everything.
High-end off road fabrication parts are built differently:
- Thicker DOM or high-grade steel
- CNC-cut precision plates
- Reinforced gusseting at stress points
- Full-penetration welds
- Tighter tolerances
Unlike mass-produced OEM components, fabricated aftermarket parts are designed with aggressive riding in mind.
The benefits?
- Increased structural rigidity
- Better load distribution
- Improved durability under repeated impacts
- Reduced long-term fatigue failure
The right UTV upgrades don’t just make your machine stronger — they make it more predictable under stress.
And confidence on the trail is everything.
Cost vs Longevity Comparison
This is where riders hesitate.
Yes, aftermarket SxS parts cost more upfront.
But here’s the real math:
| Stock Part | Lower Upfront Cost | Higher Failure Risk |
|---|---|---|
| Aftermarket Fabricated Part | Higher Upfront Cost | Longer Lifespan |
Breaking a stock radius rod 15 miles from camp isn’t just a parts replacement — it’s:
- Recovery time
- Possible towing costs
- Missed ride days
- Potential collateral damage
Quality aftermarket parts are an investment in uptime.
One strong part that lasts years costs less than replacing weak parts every season.
When Aftermarket Upgrades Are Essential
Not every rider needs to replace everything immediately.
But upgrades become essential when:
You Ride Aggressively
Hard landings, rock hits, high-speed desert runs.
You’ve Increased Tire Size
Bigger tires = more leverage on steering and suspension components.
You’ve Added Horsepower
More torque stresses driveline and suspension parts.
You Ride Remote Areas
Failure isn’t just inconvenient — it’s risky.
In these cases, staying stock isn’t saving money. It’s gambling.
Final Thoughts
The question isn’t “Are aftermarket SxS parts better?”
The question is:
Do you ride hard enough to need them?
For casual trail cruising, stock may hold up just fine.
For aggressive riders pushing limits, quality fabricated upgrades aren’t a luxury — they’re protection.
Choose your upgrades based on your riding style, terrain, and stress level. Build smart. Reinforce your weak points. And invest where it matters most.
Because when you’re miles from camp, strength isn’t optional.
It’s everything.