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[2soaper]

Have a buddy that purchased the a new bike not long ago and he was told at the time that if he made any changes to the motor that were not Harley parts the warranty was null and void.  He was looking at replacing the stock exhaust and going to V&H tuner.  Is this true?

[Phreakyz]

...And you can't do any work yourself.   Must be taken to a certified repair facility for all work and maintenance.  If the shop is not a Harley Dealer they have to call in prior to doing the work.   At least that is how it was explained to me.

[2soaper]

Doesn't seem enforceable to me or at least its another reason to perhaps look for perhaps an Indian. Maybe they're doing the same thing now I haven't checked.

[deldago]

...And you can't do any work yourself.   Must be taken to a certified repair facility for all work and maintenance.  If the shop is not a Harley Dealer they have to call in prior to doing the work.   At least that is how it was explained to me.

For warranty work yes but for maintenance if they require it be done at the dealership or their fluids must be used they have to supply them free. As long as you keep records and use fluids that meet their specs they will loose every time in court.

[grc]

Doesn't seem enforceable to me or at least its another reason to perhaps look for perhaps an Indian. Maybe they're doing the same thing now I haven't checked.

It's absolutely enforceable, because it isn't a manufacturer's warranty.  It's a product not unlike the various ESP products you may be familiar with, and they can put any kind of restrictions in their contracts they want, just like the ESP does.  I'm going to guess there are many more gotcha's in the full contract, including any fine print.  Make sure if you decide you want to try it to get a copy of the full and complete agreement, and read it carefully.

The manufactuer's warranty you get from H-D is regulated by federal law and you do have certain rights.  All the other stuff offered by dealers is similar to an insurance policy, and like insurance policies they only have to cover what they specifically state they will cover, and they can refuse to pay if you violate any of the terms of the contract.

Jerry

[2soaper]

Here's a link to a article and conversation (PODCAST) regarding this whole topic and few others. Starts the conversation around the 25min mark if you care to skip....   

[KGB]

Here's a link to a article and conversation (PODCAST) regarding this whole topic and few others. Starts the conversation around the 25min mark if you care to skip....

Link 

[ultrafxr]

For warranty work yes but for maintenance if they require it be done at the dealership or their fluids must be used they have to supply them free. As long as you keep records and use fluids that meet their specs they will loose every time in court.

Going to court might be feasible if you can take it to Small Claims court.  However the dollar limit for small claims in some states in pretty low:

https://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/small-claims-suits-how-much-30031.html

If you have to go full blown lawsuit with an attorney well you'll be fronting the cost of that and even if you win there is no guarantee that you'll be awarded costs for your legal expenses.  For the little guy this does not make much sense imo . . . and the moco knows that and counts on it.

[2soaper]

Sorry forgot the link:  https://www.lawabidingbiker.com/125/

[skratch]

the 2 year new vehicle warranty is in effect and is covered by the magnusson moss act.  insofar as you can do your own maintenance, you can use whatever fluids you choose (as long as they meet required specs), etc.

but the warranty for life programs are very different.  because they are not true 'warranties' but as jerry said, insurance programs, they are not covered by the mm act.  they can put just about any kind of restriction in there that they want and still be legal.  usually the big 'gotchas' with these programs are that you must have all your work done at the dealer, and, in a lot of cases, the specific dealer that you bought the bike from.

skip a service, have it done elsewhere, do it yourself, etc. and you've just lost your 'for life'....

[rayson56]

I was offered this for free when i purchased my current bike from the dealer. When I asked my salesman (who I've known for decades) about it he just looked at me and smiled and said "you still do your own maintenance right? And maybe plan for some upgrades later?" I replied yes and he winked and said "it's not for you."
With that said, I still read up on it because it IS a real offer but it just isn't for me.....
If you can live by the letter of the contract it could be a good deal for you. If you are not that person that has EVERY required maintenance item done when it's required (which is more than the factory even recommends) by a pre authorized dealer with authorized parts and materials ONLY, then good on ya. Otherwise if that offer of a free lifetime warranty got you in the door to consider spending some of your hard earned cash there as opposed to with the competition, well there advertising did it's job.

Good luck

[Phreakyz]

For warranty work yes but for maintenance if they require it be done at the dealership or their fluids must be used they have to supply them free. As long as you keep records and use fluids that meet their specs they will loose every time in court.

The good news is that I did request a full copy of the warranty so I am able to share!    This also applies to Indians.

[Phreakyz]

And next -    The good stuff is highlighted...

[Phreakyz]

To me, it's worthless.  My bike is like my wife - Only I touch it!

[grc]

Ask yourself this question:

If they don't charge me for the coverage and I don't pay a deductible, how do they make enough money to stay in business?

If the dealership is paying them to participate in this program, what is their incentive to do so?  Do they jack up the maintenance prices enough to cover their costs, or jack up the price of the vehicle?

There is no such thing as a free lunch folks.  You are either paying for this through high maintenance charges, or in the purchase price of the bike.  And considering all the high cost engine failures Harley has been having for many years now, this company has to be making some serious profits in order to be able to pay for those repairs.  There is much more that needs to be known about how this thing actually works.

Jerry