MORE often than not, you get what you pay for. Buy phony stuff and be ready to end with poor quality. Now picture getting such shoddy—if not shady—deals with motorcycles.

Little wonder then that the four biggest Japanese motorcycle makers (which means they are the biggest on the planet, too) that have manufacturing and sales operations in the country—Honda Phils. Inc., Kawasaki Motors Phils., Suzuki Phils. and Yamaha Motor Phils.—have recently banded together to launch a campaign against motorcycle models that sport badges of dubious origins or are poorly constructed clones of those built by the four Japanese makers. According to them, these questionable motorbikes, as seemingly cheap to buy as they may be, are compromised in safety and quality. The companies stressed that those traits can only be offered by original models, hence their campaign’s “You Deserve Only The Original” pitch.

The “Big Four” said that when it comes to motorcycles, safety on the road and reliability are major concerns that must be addressed, and which should be taken seriously by Filipino motorcyclists by way of choosing original Japanese-designed bikes and parts. The four manufacturers assured consumers that their models stick to high quality standards and are products of extensive research and development, strict quality control and thorough product testing, the results of the efforts showing even before each bike reaches dealership floors.

Speaking of which, Honda, Kawasaki, Suzuki and Yamaha said that people are guaranteed to get their original models if these are bought at the brands’ authorized dealerships. At the advocacy campaign’s launch event, the companies displayed each one’s most popular model—Honda Wave, Kawasaki Fury, Suzuki Raider and Yamaha Mio—to point out differences that identify original models from motorcycles that are merely “inspired.”

What buyers are also assured of if they opt for any of the Big Four bikes is access to competent after-sales service that’s available at authorized dealerships, as well as the genuine parts required, the Japanese bike makers said, which added that providing service and parts is their way of showing commitment to safety. The companies noted that they also offer safety-riding programs and recreational activities.

Riding, after all, is still about fun. It does not make sense to spoil it with cloned bikes.