G oog le BadWeB | Login/out | Topics | Search | Custodians | Register | Edit Profile


Buell Motorcycle Forum » XBoard » Buell XBoard Archives » Archive through July 01, 2008 » Does exhaust void warranty? « Previous Next »

Author Message
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Jeffroj
Posted on Thursday, June 26, 2008 - 08:16 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

For all of you that have put on a drummer/special ops, do you have to swap back to the original/untouched can when you take your bike in for service or problems under warranty? Will this void my warranty in any way? Also, what about the race can, since it is a buell product.
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Bads1
Posted on Thursday, June 26, 2008 - 08:20 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

That is al dependent upon how your servicing dealership feel's they deal with it. Most dealers don't have issues but a few do. If yours doesn't talk to another that will.
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Firebolt32
Posted on Thursday, June 26, 2008 - 09:00 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Bads1 pretty much . I run a Race Can and have no problems with the dealership.
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Buelltroll
Posted on Thursday, June 26, 2008 - 09:19 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Short answer is YES
But it pretty much depends on how much YOUR stealer ship likes buells.
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Bads1
Posted on Thursday, June 26, 2008 - 09:22 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Bads1
Posted on Thursday, June 26, 2008 - 09:34 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Confusing??? Ummmm ok
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Paint_shaker
Posted on Thursday, June 26, 2008 - 10:49 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

An aftermarket pipe should not void your warranty, unless it causes a failure.

That being said, some dealerships won't hassle you, some will. It sucks, but it is what it is....
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Retrittion
Posted on Thursday, June 26, 2008 - 11:08 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Umm, no it doesn't automatically void your warranty according to the law.

Last I checked (5 weeks-ish) the part must be proven to be the direct cause of the malfunction for it to keep you from getting a warranty repair. If a H-D shop claims otherwise you need to get them to explain why they are claiming it and then ask for second opinions from those who would know (say Badwebers) as well as asking another dealership. You also might want to ask them why they service the warranties of the commonly aftermarket modified H-D bikes they work on every day. These laws are there to keep manufacturers from requiring people to use only OEM parts and thus squeezing out other manufacturers. Otherwise you would not even be able to use non-OEM head light bulbs without violating warranties.

As an example I had a dealership guy tell me I caused the threads to separate from the housing on my right mirror by "over-torquing" them. I calmly explained that the threads came off with the bolt when I removed them. I decided I like my new setup (bolts and nuts straight through) so I didn't get into a throwdown about it to get a warranty replacement but I would have had to put my foot down with them otherwise you will get pushed around. Ask questions, then ask more questions -- don't take a tech's word for it that it's not covered. When in doubt call Buell Customer Support.

It is too bad that customization is not being as supported by BMC and its parent HDI as it is with HDMC bikes.

Yes, it is and -- I mean if we wanted to have bikes that we could bling up we would get a metric. We bought the bikes to have something different but I think you still have a lot of corporate types at HDI that don't really get this (yet? one can hope).
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Bads1
Posted on Thursday, June 26, 2008 - 11:16 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

You might want to read this then. The dealer does reserve the right.

Race Application Only

CAUTION: Engine-related Performance Parts are intended for the experienced rider only. Buell® motorcycles modified with some Buell® Pro-Series performance engine parts must not be used on public roads and in some cases may be restricted to closed course competition. Throughout this online catalog all engine related performance parts identified with the race flag symbol are intended for racing applications only and are not legal for sale or use in California on pollution-controlled vehicles. Alterations of emission related components constitutes tampering under the US EPA guidelines and can lead to substantial fines and penalties. In other words: YOU ARE A GROWN UP. ACT LIKE ONE.

WARRANTY: Installation of Buell® Pro-Series products, and similar products from other manufacturers, except some street-legal offerings installed by authorized Buell®dealers, may affect your Buell®limited vehicle warranty. See your dealer for more information.



Prices are MSRP US$. All products may not be available in all markets.
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Retrittion
Posted on Friday, June 27, 2008 - 12:21 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

They can say that but the law always supersedes company policies (though in this case they are correct since they are saying "...may effect..."). The main point I am trying to make is that there are laws that govern this stuff and that companies have to follow those laws BUT they only will if you call them on it. For the same reason you should always appeal a denial for coverage from your medical coverage TWICE because it is policy to deny a certain % of requests that meet $$$ or other flagging criteria. These policies are designed (though this will never be admitted) to discourage people and improve the bottom line -- and it works.

My main point is to make sure you question it when a company (or government) tells you can't/don't/etc. They have many reasons to give you the negative response and very few reasons to give you a positive response.

That all said, you are changing OEM equipment and it will be a risk that you should consider before deciding what you are going to do.
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Cityxslicker
Posted on Friday, June 27, 2008 - 03:40 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

The law is from the EPA, they have cracked down significantly on what you can do with the bike from the manufacture/dealer/aftermarket arena for custom exhaust.
Buell has discontinued the race pipe. Its not just Buell. Screaming Eagle parts are now only available to RACE only applications, you cant order them out of the catalogue like you used to.
And did you see the fine that the EPA levelled against Jesse @ West Coast for non compliant exhaust?!?
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Jlnance
Posted on Friday, June 27, 2008 - 08:32 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

The main point I am trying to make is that there are laws that govern this stuff and that companies have to follow those laws BUT they only will if you call them on it.

You are right. The Magnuson-Moss act prevents warranties from being voided due to the installation of after market parts, unless those parts cause the failure.

But it gets more complex. There aren't any aftermarket mufflers that it is legal to install on a Buell.

So on one hand you can appeal to the law, and on the other you are breaking it. That's not a great position to negotiate from.
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Buellinachinashop
Posted on Friday, June 27, 2008 - 08:59 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Legal by who's standards? HDI/BMC's or the "law" law's?
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Jeffroj
Posted on Friday, June 27, 2008 - 09:34 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

I think I'll just keep my stock can as a spare, just in case. But I will ask my dealer about it tomorrow, I got to go in anyways for the tps reset, its running too rich.
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Buellinachinashop
Posted on Friday, June 27, 2008 - 09:40 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Jeff,

If you place the stocker on and do a TPS, then turn around and put the aftermarket back on, odds are you'll need another TPS.
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Jaimec
Posted on Friday, June 27, 2008 - 09:51 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Fat chance getting the law to back you up if you've made an illegal modification to your street motorcycle...
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Buellinachinashop
Posted on Friday, June 27, 2008 - 10:02 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

My question is this...how does the law know that the Buell Race can (or others) isn't being used on a track? How would your dealer know?

The Buell tech at Suburban Harley/Buell in Thiensville loves the aftermarket pipes and suggests them. Said, "I love the pur of that Drummer".
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Jaimec
Posted on Friday, June 27, 2008 - 10:33 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Depends. Did you ride the bike to the dealer with the race can? Or bring it in on a trailer?

Hard to convince them that it is for "Track Only" use if the former...
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Buellinachinashop
Posted on Friday, June 27, 2008 - 10:36 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

I agree with that Jamie, peronally, I know my dealer wouldn't squack about it, but you could tape up the lights, take off the bags and put it in a truck bed if you were worried they wouldn't touch it.
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Jlnance
Posted on Friday, June 27, 2008 - 10:57 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

My question is this...how does the law know that the Buell Race can (or others) isn't being used on a track?

Does it have a license plate?
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Buellinachinashop
Posted on Friday, June 27, 2008 - 10:59 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

LP's can come off right?
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

New12r
Posted on Friday, June 27, 2008 - 12:10 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Mebbe I will see ya in the mountains! Welcome to the Buell family.
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Xbrfirebolt
Posted on Friday, June 27, 2008 - 12:43 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Racing can also void the factory warranty.
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Retrittion
Posted on Saturday, June 28, 2008 - 04:13 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Well, technically the pipe is an issue with the EPA

BUT

your compliance or non-compliance with an EPA regulation has NO bearing on the dealership and their required compliance with the law regarding warranties. The dealer can't say your pipe is illegal as a justification -- the only thing they could do is call the EPA on you I guess but I have a feeling that a shop that does that would swiftly lose business since I am willing to bet HD guys run plenty of after market stuff.

After market is still after market but the law is the law, and dealerships (both of the two and four wheel kind) will try to pull a lot of stuff if you don't call them on it.
« Previous Next »

Add Your Message Here
Post:
Bold text Italics Underline Create a hyperlink Insert a clipart image

Username: Posting Information:
This is a private posting area. Only registered users and custodians may post messages here.
Password:
Options: Post as "Anonymous" (Valid reason required. Abusers will be exposed. If unsure, ask.)
Enable HTML code in message
Automatically activate URLs in message
Action:

Topics | Last Day | Tree View | Search | User List | Help/Instructions | Rules | Program Credits Administration