Harley-Davidson Threatens to Void Warranties

So you want to upgrade or have your motorcycle serviced, but you’re worried about your bike’s new vehicle warranty, right?  But the dealer uses scare tactics to try to keep you from taking your business outside the dealership.  By promoting the myth that aftermarket equipment automatically voids warranties, dealers actively attempt to create bogus roadblocks to independent shops and aftermarket parts. They want to keep all the business in-house.  How many of times have we heard the dealership employees or management say that if you change the exhaust (just as an example) that it would void the bike’s warranty?  Then in the next breath, they tell us that if you have it done at the dealer, they will “let it slide.”  Let me explain some facts about this to eliminate some of the dealership smoke and mirrors.  And read it through because this information is supported by FEDERAL LAW!  A dealer must prove that aftermarket equipment caused the need for repairs before they can deny warranty coverage on that basis. What’s more, dealers cannot void your warranty themselves, only the manufacturer can.  Dealers can only make suggestions to the manufacturer.  Dealers cannot refuse to perform warranty services unless and until the manufacturer makes a ruling on it.  To challenge a dealer’s claim about voiding warranties, ask them to put it in writing. If they refuse to give you a written statement, this is a violation of Federal law. The Federal Trade Commission , which administers the Magnuson-Moss Act, monitors compliance with warranty issues. Direct your dealer complaints to the FTC at (202) 326-3128.  Therefore, under the Magnuson-Moss Act, aftermarket equipment which improves performance does not void a vehicle manufacturer’s original warranty.