I am presently choosing a tuner for my FLSTSE3, would it be right to assume that with the comments listed that all tuners void the HD warranty?
The simple answer is yes, modifications to the stock engine management system by whatever means and using whatever device and software package can void your emission and powertrain warranty. And it's not up to the dealer to make that determination, although they can heavily influence any warranty decision by how they talk to H-D. The warranty is from H-D, not the dealer. So anything the local dealer tells you about "if you have us do it we won't void the warranty" is just BS, they don't have that authority (unless they plan to pay for repairs out of their own pockets, which I doubt). Anyone who agrees to let a dealer do mods based on such a BS statement needs to get the dealer principle, not the hired help, to put it in writing to make it legally enforceable. Once again, it's highly unlikely they will do that, but if you insist it sure will cut through all the BS pretty quickly.
If warranty is really that important to anyone, they need to think about this sort of thing before they let their dealership sell them a bunch of mods along with the BS. A simple pipe and tune is
usually a safe bet, but all bets are off when you let them sell you any internal mods. And with all the reports over the past couple years of both Harley and the ESP folks denying warranty or ESP coverage due to mods, they obviously aren't looking the other way as much as they have in the past.
If someone really wants to avoid the possible hassle, then do not use an SEPST but instead use a TTS or PV that allows you to reinstall the stock map (assuming you followed directions and saved it) before taking the bike in for service or repairs. The SEPST doesn't offer that capability, and as soon as the dealership hooks the bike up to their computer the fact you have an unauthorized calibration installed will be recorded and Harley has access to that information.
Jerry