What is a motorcycle warranty, and why should you care? It’s a manufacturer’s safeguard, repairing or replacing parts on your bike that fail under warranty terms. In this article, we’ll clarify different warranty types, what they cover, and tips for selecting one that matches your riding lifestyle. Learn how to ensure peace of mind on every ride without getting bogged down in the unexpected expenses of motorcycle maintenance and repair.
Key Takeaways
- A motorcycle warranty encompasses coverage by the manufacturer against defects, with extended service contracts offering additional protection after the original warranty ends.
- Motorcycle warranties provide different levels of coverage, including comprehensive plans covering an array of components to specific warranties for certain motorcycle parts, and factors such as maintenance and use of genuine parts can affect warranty validity.
- When considering a warranty for a used motorcycle, third-party warranties are available, and purchasing from a reputable dealer can ensure quality and adherence to warranty terms.
Defining Motorcycle Warranty
A motorcycle warranty is a promise by the manufacturer that they will stand by their product. If something goes wrong due to a manufacturing defect, they will cover the cost of repair or replacement. This is a standard that manufacturers offer warranties on new motorcycles. But what happens when the manufacturer’s warranty period ends? That’s where an extended warranty, also known as an extended service contract, steps in.
Extended warranties can supplement or succeed the manufacturer’s warranty, providing additional coverage options purchased separately. Every motorcycle owner should familiarize themselves with these two types of warranties to make informed decisions about protecting their investment.
Manufacturer’s Warranty
When buying a new motorcycle, it typically includes a manufacturer’s warranty for added peace of mind. This can help cover any unexpected issues that may arise. This warranty typically covers the repair or replacement of various components due to material and workmanship defects under normal use conditions. For instance, MV Agusta offers a comprehensive 4-year manufacturer’s warranty that includes all mechanical, bodywork, and electronic parts of new motorcycles. Even better? It has no mileage limit, offering coverage no matter how extensively the motorcycle is ridden. Few manufacturers’ warranties match this level of coverage.
Extended Service Contract
You can purchase an extended service contract as an extra layer of protection to extend the duration or scope of coverage beyond the original manufacturer’s warranty. These contracts can significantly reduce labor costs, which can be quite expensive, and often offer lower deductibles, especially when servicing is done at the purchasing dealership.
Some, like the Yamaha Extended Service (Y.E.S.) plan, do not have mileage or hour limits, providing thorough coverage regardless of usage. And the best part? Commonly, these contracts feature nationwide coverage, facilitating repairs at various locations across the country.
Types of Motorcycle Warranties
Motorcycle warranties often come in three plan types:
- Platinum: covers most mechanical, electrical, and electronic components, with fewer exclusions
- Gold: covers most mechanical, electrical, and electronic components
- Silver: aimed at older or higher mileage motorcycles, covers a preset list of parts against failure
Warranties, no matter the plan type, typically cover mechanical component and electrical components’ failures due to manufacturing defects, including vital parts like the engine and gearbox.
Comprehensive Warranty
A comprehensive motorcycle warranty coverage includes:
- Coverage for a broad array of motorcycle components
- Exclusion of parts that typically experience wear and tear
- Terms that can extend several years beyond the original manufacturer’s warranty period.
Certain comprehensive warranty plans, such as Yamaha’s Y.E.S., even include no deductibles, ensuring owners are not out-of-pocket for covered repairs. This type of coverage can be especially beneficial for riders who frequent rough terrains or off-road conditions due to the potential for greater wear on parts.
Powertrain Warranty
A powertrain warranty typically covers essential components such as:
- the engine
- gearbox
- electrical system
- shaft drive unit
This type of warranty is often included in the manufacturer’s warranty and focuses on the parts of the motorcycle that generate power and make it move.
Ensuring the heart and soul of your bike remain in top condition makes this aspect of coverage vital.
Specific Component Warranty
Stepping away from the broad coverage options, we find specific component warranties. These add-ons are catered to specific components, such as electrical systems or brake pads. This type of coverage is ideal for riders who have particular concerns about certain parts of their motorcycle, allowing them to augment their warranty coverage to suit their individual needs.
Factors Affecting Warranty Coverage
While warranties act as a safety net for motorcycle owners, one must comprehend that certain actions and situations could compromise your warranty coverage. Some of these actions include:
- Neglecting the periodic maintenance specified by the manufacturer
- Using non-genuine parts or fluids not approved by the manufacturer
- Performing modifications that are not approved by the manufacturer
It is important to be aware of these factors and avoid them to ensure that your warranty coverage remains intact.
Proper Maintenance
Keeping your motorcycle warranty valid hinges on proper maintenance. Regular maintenance tasks such as oil changes, tire rotations, and fluid checks are not only critical for keeping your motorcycle running smoothly but also for maintaining your warranty. Neglecting these tasks can lead to warranty claims being denied, as it implies owner negligence.
Moreover, regular maintenance extends your motorcycle’s lifespan, beneficial for frequently ridden and high-mileage bikes.
Authorized Dealer Repairs
It is paramount to get your motorcycle repairs and adjustments done by the manufacturer’s authorized dealers. While dealerships cannot legally make a warranty contingent on having all services performed by them, they may request proof of proper maintenance if a warranty claim is filed.
The Federal Trade Commission mandates that warranties explicitly state using third-party parts or repairs does not void the motorcycle warranty. But in cases of emergency repairs where an authorized dealer is not accessible, the warranty may still be honored after manufacturer approval, provided that the repairs are appropriate.
Exclusions and Limitations
Understanding what your motorcycle warranty does not cover is just as important. Typically, warranties exclude coverage for specific types of failures and situations such as:
- normal wear and tear
- incidental expenses during a claim
- damage from racing or abnormal use
- events outside the control of the owner or manufacturer like natural disasters
Despite these exclusions, the FTC mandates that warranties must not be voided solely for using third-party services or parts.
Benefits of Motorcycle Warranty
A motorcycle warranty’s benefits extend beyond merely covering repair costs. It offers a range of benefits that make it a worthwhile investment for any motorcycle owner, including:
- Financial relief for costly repairs
- Peace of mind in case of a breakdown
- Roadside assistance in emergency situations
- Increased resale value
The benefits of a motorcycle warranty are many and varied.
Peace of Mind
One of the most significant benefits of having a warranty is the peace of mind it provides. With a warranty, you can ride your motorcycle without worrying about potential repair costs. It allows you to budget for potential repairs, preventing unpredictable financial strains.
Extended warranties provide coverage for expensive repairs, crucial for riders not skilled in performing their own motorcycle maintenance. And for owners of older motorcycles, an extended service contract can extend their peace of mind by offering continued coverage beyond the manufacturer’s warranty period.
Roadside Assistance
Another significant benefit of motorcycle warranties is the inclusion of roadside assistance. This feature offers help with issues like:
- breakdowns
- flat tires
- 24/7 emergency calls
- towing
- flat tire repair
- battery jumps
- fluid delivery for operational recovery after a breakdown
The convenience of features such as mobile app integration and comprehensive travel coverage can enhance the value of roadside assistance plans for frequent riders.
Resale Value
Finally, a motorcycle warranty can enhance the resale value of your bike. A transferable bike’s warranty provides assurance to future buyers that they will also benefit from coverage.
Motorcycles, especially modern motorcycles like Harley Davidson, with warranty coverage are often perceived by potential buyers as well-maintained, which can contribute positively to their resale value.
Selecting the Right Motorcycle Warranty
There isn’t a one-size-fits-all process to select the right motorcycle warranty. It involves evaluating your riding habits, comparing different warranty plans, and reading reviews and testimonials from other riders. By taking the time to consider these factors, you can select a warranty that best fits your needs and provides the most benefits.
Assess Your Riding Habits
Evaluating your riding habits is the initial step to choosing the right motorcycle warranty. Do you frequently travel long distances? Do you ride in harsh weather conditions? Do you often ride off-road? The answers to these questions will help determine the level of coverage and roadside assistance you need.
For example, riders who travel often or ride long distances may find roadside assistance plans more valuable due to the increased risk of needing assistance.
Compare Warranty Plans
After evaluating your riding habits, proceed to compare different warranty plans. Consider the extent of coverage provided, including which components are covered and for how long. The cost of the plan is another important factor to consider, ensuring it fits within your budget while offering adequate protection.
Also, take note of the term length of the warranty plans, which often last only one year, affecting the duration of coverage.
Read Reviews and Testimonials
Lastly, invest some time in reading reviews and testimonials about various warranty plans. These can provide valuable insights into the reliability and quality of coverage offered by warranty providers. Negative reviews can reveal potential issues with a warranty provider’s services, while positive ones can highlight the ease of doing business with a warranty provider, such as responsive customer service and straightforward claims processes.
Motorcycle Warranty for Used Motorcycles
What if you’re buying a used motorcycle? Can you still get a warranty? The answer is yes. Third-party providers can provide warranty coverage for used motorcycles, potentially offering comprehensive extended service plans covering a wide range of components.
Extended warranties for used motorcycles, such as an extended motorcycle warranty, are particularly important as they offer continued coverage beyond the original manufacturer’s warranty, which is particularly important for used bikes that are more likely to need repairs.
Purchasing from a Reputable Dealer
When purchasing a used motorcycle, it’s important to choose a reputable dealer that provides warranty coverage. These dealerships provide:
- A guarantee of quality and performance
- Inspection, tuning, and maintenance of each bike before sale
- Access to accredited repair facilities for high-quality repairs that comply with warranty terms.
Plus, dealers typically streamline the warranty claim process for used motorcycles, providing a more convenient experience for customers in the event of a necessary repair covered by the warranty.
Extended Service Contract for Used Motorcycles
Owners wishing to safeguard against future repair costs can opt for extended service contracts for used motorcycles for additional protection. These contracts offer flexible payment plans, making managing the cost of an extended service contract for a used motorcycle more accessible.
By investing in an extended service contract, you can ensure that you’re covered for any unexpected repair bills that may arise in the future.
Summary
To wrap up, understanding motorcycle warranties is essential for every motorcycle owner. A warranty not only provides financial relief in case of unexpected repairs but also gives peace of mind, roadside assistance, and can even boost the resale value of your motorcycle. Whether it’s a manufacturer’s warranty or an extended service contract, a comprehensive warranty or a specific component warranty, selecting the right warranty involves evaluating your riding habits, comparing different plans, and reading reviews and testimonials. And remember, even if you’re buying a used motorcycle, you can still get a warranty through third-party providers.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does a motorcycle warranty work?
A motorcycle warranty covers most failures not due to wear and tear but does not cover items that naturally wear and need replacement, such as brake pads. It’s crucial to review the policy details to understand the coverage.
What does warranty on a bike cover?
A bike warranty covers defects resulting from the manufacturing process, but does not cover damages caused by accidents or negligence. It is provided directly by the manufacturer, not by the insurer.
What’s the difference between a manufacturer’s warranty and an extended service contract?
The main difference between a manufacturer’s warranty and an extended service contract is that the manufacturer’s warranty comes with the product, while an extended service contract can be purchased separately to extend the coverage.
What factors can affect my motorcycle warranty coverage?
Neglecting periodic maintenance, using non-genuine parts or fluids, and unauthorized modifications can affect your motorcycle warranty coverage. It’s important to adhere to the manufacturer’s guidelines to maintain your warranty.
What are the benefits of having a motorcycle warranty?
Having a motorcycle warranty offers financial relief, peace of mind, roadside assistance, and potential resale value enhancement. Consider these benefits when deciding whether to invest in a warranty.
