Maintenance contract
Road Captain
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 566
Likes: 7
From: Seattle, WA
Unless the contract has some form of "escape clause" (e.g., "Terms and conditions are subject to change without notice at the dealer's discretion", or some similar verbiage) it is likely that they would be held to the original 2,500 mile interval, or required to grant you a refund on the unused portion of the contract.
Even if there is an "escape clause", they may still be obligated (just because something is in a contract doesn't necessarily mean that it's legally enforceable), so if I were you I would speak with a lawyer who is licensed to practice in your state. I am sure that there are some consumer advocacy groups that would be able to help out for a much smaller fee than you might otherwise be charged.
Even if there is an "escape clause", they may still be obligated (just because something is in a contract doesn't necessarily mean that it's legally enforceable), so if I were you I would speak with a lawyer who is licensed to practice in your state. I am sure that there are some consumer advocacy groups that would be able to help out for a much smaller fee than you might otherwise be charged.
Road Master
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 949
Likes: 1
From: Pacific Northwest
If they told you, oil change every 2,500 mi. they have to honor that. It doesn't matter what's in writing. A verbal contract is legally binding. It's their choice to change the terms of future contracts, they cannot renege on yours. If you are comfortable w/ oil changes every 5,000, you have every right to renegotiate the price of the original agreement in your favor. It really irks me to hear stuff like this, this is no way to build trust with a customer and no way to run a business. No honor, just greed.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 8,642
Likes: 6
From: Forest Lake, Mn
What ever is written is whatcha got. I'd be hard pressed to believe your original contract was between you and the ex-service mgr.
Regardless of what Mr Economics Grad believes he can do. Every time I read one of these posts, I jus' smile as I go out to my grudge and start wrenchin'. Sometimes my hardest task is finding a 1/2 dirty grease rag whilst I am doing my 'warranty' and 'extended maintenance' work.
Road Master
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 949
Likes: 1
From: Pacific Northwest
Sorry, thought of one more thing to help you out, if it doesn't spell out 2,500 mi. in writing, it's a verbal contract only which can be risky and hard to enforce because the parties memories or understanding of the deal may differ and the statute of frauds comes into play. This statute provides that verbal contracts which cannot be performed within a specified time( such as 1 year) or which involve more than a specified amount of money( such as 500) are not enforcable. There is a catch, if one or more parties have partially performed their responsibilities under the verbal contract, it is binding. IF they have already honored the 2,500 mi. oil change under your maintenance agreement even ONCE, the verbal agreement is binding. Stick up for your original agreement. Good luck.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 7,476
Likes: 5
From: Republic of Texas
What does your contract say exactly and are there any clauses that allow change? That will determine how this goes. If Republic screws you than bad mouth them everywhere you go. I sometimes go to Republic but now since reading this---I will treat them with more skepticism than I normally do. It could affect their bottom line eventually cause I will relate this story to my friends who will relate the story to their friends and soon Republics reputation could suffer.
Road Master
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 949
Likes: 1
From: Pacific Northwest
Again, if they honored the verbal contract even once, he is covered. Sounds to me they have honored the original agreement at least 8 times. Both parties agreed to it, he paid for it, he should get it for the duration of the agreement. It's not fair, what can this company be thinking, I'd be pissed too.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 2,395
Likes: 25
From: St George, UT
The modified contract reflects the industry standard for these things. That is the same intervals I have on my 07 Ultra (5000 miles). But, if they said 2500 mile oil changes, that is what they should provide.
I prepaid for three years, wear parts included, and the first year of ownership I saved 30% over the normal posted charges. I am a little behind in miles ridden since last August which starts the next year, but I will need two tires in the next three months so that will help. I think these maintenance contracts are a good thing if you don't want to do your own work. If you ride enough miles, even an indy can't compete with the savings on them.
And I get all the bike washes I want for free.
I prepaid for three years, wear parts included, and the first year of ownership I saved 30% over the normal posted charges. I am a little behind in miles ridden since last August which starts the next year, but I will need two tires in the next three months so that will help. I think these maintenance contracts are a good thing if you don't want to do your own work. If you ride enough miles, even an indy can't compete with the savings on them.
And I get all the bike washes I want for free.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 10,471
Likes: 1
From: Heart of Missouri
My dealer gave me a card that they punch after every service and it has the miles printed on it and is embossed by the shop, did they give you the same thing? and did you sign a contract? Hold them to the orignal agreement, don't call go there and talk with the dealer
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 11,020
Likes: 3
From: Calumet City,Illinois
A verbal contract is only good if both parties admit to it in a court of law,its your word against his/theirs,and if you go to court and win are you taking your bike back to them for service??