Harley-Davidson’s Warranty: Learn the Pros and Cons Before You Buy | Autance

Harley-Davidson provides a two year/unlimited mileage warranty on brand-new bikes. It doesn’t matter how many miles you ride within that 24-month period; if a factory defect surfaces within that time, you’re protected from potentially expensive repairs.

The limited warranty is fairly comprehensive and covers almost everything (more on that below). However, if you’re just one month outside the scope of the warranty and something goes awry, you’re responsible for the cost of the repairs.

• Inclusions

Regardless of where you purchase your new bike, you can get warranty repairs at any authorized Harley-Davidson dealership. So, if you buy your bike in New York and it breaks down in North Carolina during a road trip, that’s not a problem. A local dealership will make all necessary warranty repairs free of charge as long as the problem is related to a defect in materials or workmanship.

Also, the factory warranty is transferable to another owner. If you decide to sell your bike within two years of ownership, the warranty will stay with the bike. This can increase the value of the motorcycle to a potential buyer.

Finally, when you purchase a brand-new Harley-Davidson, you receive a one-year membership to H.O.G. (Harley Owners Group), which provides roadside assistance. This is a good backup in the event that your bike breaks down. Certified technicians will get your bike running again or tow it to the nearest HD dealership for repairs.

Additional roadside assistance coverage is also available, but it costs extra. This includes Deluxe, Ultra, and Ultra Plus packages that provide varying levels of coverage for more than one bike as well as cars and trucks. Some even feature travel reimbursement.

What’s NOT Covered in the Harley-Davidson Warranty

While the Harley-Davidson limited warranty is fairly comprehensive, it has its limitations. It would be great if a bike manufacturer covered every possible scenario, but this isn’t the case with either HD or other companies. Read below to learn about the situations in which the HD warranty does not kick in.

• Exclusions

The limited warranty doesn’t cover repairs that are due to improper operation or maintenance or bikes that are misused, stored incorrectly, or used off-road or for competition or racing. Also excluded is damage caused by natural disasters (i.e., floods, earthquakes, and hail storms), war, riots, or acts of God.

The warranty does not cover normal maintenance services, such as oil and filter changes, tune-ups, and chain/belt adjustments. It also excludes normal wear and tear on the tires, brake pads, etc. Cosmetic damage, such as paint chips, caused by lack of proper maintenance or environmental conditions isn’t covered either.

In addition, the Harley-Davidson limited warranty does not cover aftermarket performance parts, such as an exhaust or electronic fuel injection (EFI) tuner. For example, if you or an unauthorized party installs Screaming’ Eagle parts or other components, you can void the warranty. While some service writers and mechanics will turn a blind eye to this type of customization, it’s better to play it safe and avoid modifying your bike until the warranty has expired.

The Advantages of the Harley-Davidson Warranty

The best thing about the Harley-Davidson limited warranty is that it covers most issues. If you’ve had your bike for less than two years and experience a factory-related defect involving the engine, electrical components, etc., the company will take care of the repairs, and it won’t cost you a cent.

Even better, the coverage is for unlimited mileage, so you can drive thousands of miles within that two-year time period and feel safe knowing you’re protected from potentially expensive repair bills. Another benefit is that you can transfer the warranty to another owner, which makes it more appealing to a potential buyer.

In addition, when you buy a new Harley, you receive a membership to H.O.G., which provides roadside assistance. This can be very helpful if you get a flat tire or experience mechanical issues while you’re on the road. Certified technicians will be dispatched to help you get your bike running again or to transport it to a HD dealership for repairs.

Disadvantages of the Harley-Davidson Warranty

The duration of Harley-Davidson’s limited warranty isn’t the greatest. When you buy a new car, you’re typically protected for up to three years (and as many as 10). But when you buy a new Harley, if a component fails outside of the two-year warranty period, you are 100 percent responsible for the cost, which can be high. However, most bike manufacturers only provide a two-year warranty to its consumers, so Harley-Davidson isn’t unique in this practice.

Another drawback is that there are several exclusions in the limited warranty. It doesn’t cover normal maintenance services, such as oil changes, or wear and tear, such as tires and brake pads. If your bike is destroyed in a flood or you damage it while taking part in a racing competition, you’re also out of luck.

In addition, you are required to take your bike to an authorized Harley-Davidson dealership for warranty repairs, which isn’t always convenient. Even if you love your local bike mechanic, he or she probably won’t make warranty repairs free of charge.

Finally, you may want to think twice about customizing your new bike with performance parts. You can technically void the warranty if you install an aftermarket exhaust, for example.

Takeaway Value

Harley-Davidson, like many bike manufacturers, provides a pretty standard warranty for its customers. Since defect-related issues typically occur within a short period of ownership, there’s a good chance you’ll be protected from unexpected repair costs under its coverage.

If you’re okay waiting a couple of years for the warranty to expire before you customize your bike’s pipes, then you’re good to go. Also, a warranty provides some peace of mind that you don’t get when you buy a bike without any warranty protection.