This question comes up on nearly every part on a Can-Am, and the honest answer is: it depends on what the part actually does, not a blanket rule either way.
Where OEM is the safer default
For fitment-critical, safety-relevant components — brakes, steering, suspension mounting points — OEM parts are built to the exact factory tolerance and are the lower-risk choice. A pad or rotor that’s slightly off in dimension can seat unevenly or wear unpredictably.
Where aftermarket makes sense
Wear items with well-documented specs — air filters, some belts, general hardware — are reasonable places to consider a quality aftermarket option, provided the manufacturer publishes a fitment chart for your exact model and year rather than a vague “universal fit” claim.
Questions to ask before choosing aftermarket
- Does the listing specify your exact model, year and trim — not just the model family?
- Is this a part where a small dimensional difference matters (braking, steering) or one where it mostly doesn’t (a mirror, a light housing)?
- Does the price difference reflect a genuinely different manufacturing process, or is it a sign of unknown quality control?
The middle ground
Plenty of owners run OEM on brakes and suspension while using aftermarket filters, skid plates or lighting. That split isn’t inconsistent — it’s matching the part to how much fitment precision actually matters for that component.
For a step-by-step on confirming your exact model and trim before ordering either way, see our parts buying guide.