Overview factory warranty This is what the manufacturers promise
Some manufacturers offer guarantees over and above the statutory warranty. At least in terms of duration. An overview of the warranty periods of the major motorcycle manufacturers.
If the new bike suddenly has a damage, although it was only driven normally, it is extremely annoying. Fortunately there is a guarantee. Or the warranty? Or is that the same?
Warranty and guarantee
No. Warranty is not the same as guarantee. Even though these two terms are often used synonymously, they are clearly distinguishable from each other.
Warranty
The warranty, also called liability for material defects, is regulated by law and must be granted by every seller to the customer. Accordingly, the warranty claim can only be asserted against the seller, i.e. not against another dealer of the same brand, for example.
For new motorcycles, the legally required warranty period is two years. During these two years, the seller is liable for all defects that can be proven to have already existed at the time the contract was concluded. From the sixth month on, the buyer must prove that the defect already existed at that time.
Warranty
Warranty, on the other hand, is a voluntary promise by a guarantor that a thing will retain certain characteristics over a specified period of time. Sounds very abstract at first. The warranty agreement between the buyer and – watch out – the manufacturer therefore contains a precise description of which services can be claimed under which conditions. If the manufacturer does not acknowledge the defect, the customer can assert his legal claims against the seller.
For motorcycles, the warranty usually covers pretty much all parts. Especially the engine, the transmission and the electrical system are often warranty cases. Wear parts are usually not included in the warranty. Warranty periods are common in the motorcycle industry, which hardly exceed the period of the legal warranty.
For example, Ducati’s warranty policy states: "The warranty is void if the motorcycle is repaired or serviced by others, as well as if non-original spare parts are installed. In addition, the warranty does not cover damage caused by accidents, overloading, misuse or negligence."Similar wording can also be found in the declarations of other manufacturers. When buying a new motorcycle, it is therefore advisable to inform yourself about the warranty conditions in order to avoid (possibly unpleasant) surprises. ATTENTION: warranty periods usually apply only to street and not to competition motorcycles.
By the way, the bike does not have to have been serviced at the dealership to be eligible for a warranty claim.
These are the standard warranty periods of the manufacturers
All well-known brands offer customers a manufacturer’s warranty. For some, a further extension of the warranty period is also possible for an additional charge. By default, manufacturers grant the following warranty periods (as of 08/2019):
- Honda: 2 years
- Yamaha: 2 years
- Kawasaki: 2 years
- Suzuki: 2 years
- BMW: 3 years (so-called 2+1 warranty)
- KTM: 2 years
- Husqvarna: 2 years
- Triumph: 4 years
- Ducati: 2 years
- MV Agusta: 3 years
- Aprilia: 2 years
- Moto Guzzi: 2 years
- Harley-Davidson: 4 years
- Indian: Scout and FTR 2 years, all other models 5 years
Warranty extensions are almost always possible. About conditions inform the dealers.
Conclusion
For cars, manufacturer warranties of up to seven years are not uncommon. However, many loopholes are then also found in the warranty agreements, through which the manufacturers can then often escape liability in the event of a claim. It’s still a shame that warranty periods on motorcycles are significantly shorter.