I was wondering if I change my own oil or take it to a mechanic does that void my warranty on my bike?

 

No, it does not.


HD can not force you to use their service dept.

The only requirement, is that the service has to be performed.
That can be done by you, or someone of your choice.

 

Keep receipts and records of when service was performed and you'll be fine

 

As long as you don't use the wrong oil. Baby, vegetable, hair, fish, and fuel oil will likely result in pre mature engine failure, and would likely not be covered by the HD warranty.

Surprised this myth still floats around. Unless the factory/dealerships do the services for free you may do you own service, use an Indy, use an HD dealer, Uncle Fester, or whomever.........................

 

[QUOTE=Brewmany;15657843]As long as you don't use the wrong oil. Baby, vegetable, hair, fish, and fuel oil will likely result in pre mature engine failure, and would likely not be covered by the HD warranty.

You mean I've been using the wrong one, darn. That does explain a lot.

 

In the U.S. there is protection under the Magnuson-Moss Act. Look it up. If you're not in the U.S., I can't comment, as local laws may be different where you live.


FWIW, I've ALWAYS changed my own oil in all of my vehicles and it's never been an issue. On my new car, I began documenting my oil changes with digital photos. I photograph the odometer, the oil and filter I'm using, and a photo of me pouring the oil into the motor. All digital photos are date stamped, so that ought to be plenty of proof.

 

I've yet to read about anyone who had a warranty issue where coverage was denied because the owner did their own maintenance. I've been driving for over 40 years, many different vehicles, and have never even been asked to see any maintenance records. Any repair covered by a warranty was addressed without argument.


I suppose it happens- if someone FUBAR's their bike due to incompetence, then they shouldn't get warranty coverage.

 

[QUOTE=the wild hog;15657976]We actually had a customer once that ran his motorhome out of oil[leaky filter iirc] Any way,he filled it with a gallon of cooking oil,and motored on! Yes,we towed it in and replaced his engine..

 

EVERYTHING is out of warranty at Chuck's Deluxe. Especially your tires...and when they change your oil, they will unplug your stator, so that your battery goes dead. Then, the volt-pak and stator will have to be replaced, because it's been arcing on the engine case. It will all cost full-price with a substantial markup because you violated your warranty by taking it to them to work on.
Yeah Chuck...I'll be here till one of us dies. Bastard.