Warranty issues

[tfdeputydawg]

Our HD dealer installs aftermarket exhaust systems all the time. No warrant issues at their shop.

Correct my dealer doesn't care about a muffler change !!!!

I'm sure that is true for both of you!

However, just so all who read this thread know:

Get your hands on a Harley parts/accessory catalog and read the warranty clarification that is displayed, several times, in the one I have.

In part it states:

Warranty will be voided unless HD/SE accessories approved for street use are used and must be installed by certified HD techs in a Authorized Harley Davidson Dealership. That's not the exact wording but, close.

I have always wondered how dealers can sell/install non-approved parts?

I have always been concerned about letting a dealer or doing the modification yourself, cause "it's still covered" at that dealer. Then you go on a trip and have a failure while 1000 miles from home. That dealer may not be the one who ignores the non-approved mod or accessory?

This same discussion has been going on in several threads on another board for some time.

The general consensus there is:

1. Depends on the dealer you go to

2. If the factory rep gets involved and can blame the mod or non-approved part for the failure-your warranty claim will be denied.

3. Even the bike manufacturer gives different responses on warranty coverage

[jim peacock]

A lot depends on what kind of changes have been made and weather a factory rep. gets involved.
I know a fellow that had a new eltra guilde classic that had the engine in it that they had oiling problems with,had two engines go.
He had put a trailer hitch on it,the dealer told him to take it off because if the factory rep. seen it he would void the warrenty.
At that time with that motor the factory rep. had to see the bike before the work could be done.

[msocko3]

The service manager makes a big difference in how certain changes the the customer may make on their own will be received. A good service manager will be the customers advocate when it comes to warranty work and dealing with the factory rep. If you get a stinker for a service manager look out its going to be a bumpy ride. My dad found out what lame service manager we had at the dealer we used to do business with, the guy dropped a dime on us for installing the SE255 cams which caused the factory rep to refuse to look at an issue my dad was having and to place a flag on the power train warranty. The little worm was playing a game of CYA because his Master Parts Changers in the back lacked troubleshooting skills. In the end it took another Harley dealers service dept to diagnose a bad O2 sensor and repair it under warranty.

[tfdeputydawg]

Having worked for GM for 40yrs, with part of that time spent as a field representative, I can tell you this.
A service manager or any other employee of any dealership is a representative of the vehicle manufacturer for the vehicles that dealership sells.
Therefore if that service manager falsely files a warranty claim, he/she is committing theft.
Some years ago there were a number of GM dealers in the East that were filing false warranty claims. When caught the GM franchises were pulled, the owners were prosecuted and several of the dealerships closed.
Also, once is vehicle is flagged for a canceled warranty, that vehicles VIN will show no warranty coverage, whatever dealer tries to submit a claim on it.
Ever notice a service writer when you take your vehicle in for work. One of the first things they do is copy the VIN and start entering info in their computer. They know almost instantly if that vehicles warranty has been canceled.

[msocko3]

Having worked for GM for 40yrs, with part of that time spent as a field representative, I can tell you this.
A service manager or any other employee of any dealership is a representative of the vehicle manufacturer for the vehicles that dealership sells.
Therefore if that service manager falsely files a warranty claim, he/she is committing theft.
Some years ago there were a number of GM dealers in the East that were filing false warranty claims. When caught the GM franchises were pulled, the owners were prosecuted and several of the dealerships closed.
Also, once is vehicle is flagged for a canceled warranty, that vehicles VIN will show no warranty coverage, whatever dealer tries to submit a claim on it.
Ever notice a service writer when you take your vehicle in for work. One of the first things they do is copy the VIN and start entering info in their computer. They know almost instantly if that vehicles warranty has been canceled.

When Harley places a flag on a part of the warranty the majority of the time it informs the servicing dealer all claims are to be approved in advance by Harley before any repairs can be performed on a flagged part. In the case of my dad he has a flag on his power train which requires all warranty work to be approved on a case by case basis. If he has something wrong with his stereo there is no prior approval necessary before repairs can be made under warranty.

[tfdeputydawg]

Thanks for the info. I am curious as to why your dad has a flag for the cams mentioned?
They are street legal for 2 different Harley motors.
Were they not installed in one of those motors( '07-later street-legal 103 Stage II Kits and the 110 Stage I Kits.)?
Or were they not installed at a Harley dealer by a Harley tech?

[msocko3]

Thanks for the info. I am curious as to why your dad has a flag for the cams mentioned?
They are street legal for 2 different Harley motors.
Were they not installed in one of those motors( '07-later street-legal 103 Stage II Kits and the 110 Stage I Kits.)?
Or were they not installed at a Harley dealer by a Harley tech?

His warranty was flagged because he didn't allow the parts changers at the dealer to install the cams. Technically they could get pissy about any bolt on items that are not installed by the dealer,