Can't get a straight answer From HD-OK OIL
Thread Starter
|
Advanced
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 58
Likes: 0
Can't get a straight answer From HD-OK OIL
Called CS and had a question about oil and the warranty. I was given a scenario whereby a customer had put the purple stuff in his tranny (assuming Royal Purple?) and he had gearbox issues. HD refused warranty work because they did not approve that oil and did not do the testing to insure compatibility. I highly doubt it was the oil that caused the problem and HD was probably looking for an out. Let's face it, you are at THEIR mercy when it comes to warranty work.
I then asked if it is ok to use Amsoil, which I prefer. She would not say yes or no. I then asked for the *approved* list of oils that HD supposedly tested. I got a refusal on that as well. I am writing a letter to Amsoil to see if they are approved by HD. I can't believe this chit. It seems obvious to me that HD ONLY wants you to use THEIR oil and scares the unsuspecting customer into believing their warranty will be void if they don't use HD. It is a kind of round about way to avoid language that would put them in violation of MM act. How would they know if I used Amsoil or HD in my bike?
I then asked if it is ok to use Amsoil, which I prefer. She would not say yes or no. I then asked for the *approved* list of oils that HD supposedly tested. I got a refusal on that as well. I am writing a letter to Amsoil to see if they are approved by HD. I can't believe this chit. It seems obvious to me that HD ONLY wants you to use THEIR oil and scares the unsuspecting customer into believing their warranty will be void if they don't use HD. It is a kind of round about way to avoid language that would put them in violation of MM act. How would they know if I used Amsoil or HD in my bike?
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 4,921
Likes: 264
From: Deep in the heart of New Jersey
well to answer your last question, a used oil analysis of the oil can tell them whose oil is in the bike. Harley's oil has what alot concider a weak additive package, and Amsoil has alot more of what most concider the "good stuff". Harley says their oil will do the job, but when given what other oil's have to offer for the same $$$, most tend to go with the amsoil,mobil vtwin, of Redline alternatives.,,
Road Master
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 868
Likes: 51
From: Illinois
This is copied from an Amsoil dealer website.
Harley-Davidson Confirms To AMSOIL That The Use Of Synthetic Motor Oils Other Than Harley-Davidson Oil Does Not Void Warranty Coverage
Harley-Davidson Motor Company
3700 West Juneau Ave., P.O. Box 653, Milwaukee, WI 53201 414/342-4680
January 31, 2003
Aaron Scanlon
AMSOIL Building
Superior, WI 54880
Dear Mr. Scanlon:
Thank you for your recent letter requesting information on Harley-Davidson's one-year, unlimited mileage warranty when Synthetic Lubricants are used.
Until now, the Motor Company has never supported the use of synthetic products in our vehicles because there had never been any test validations completed on the numerous formulations in HD/Buell motorcycles to determine the viability of using these products on Harley-Davidson products until now.
We have developed a specially formulated synthetic fluid called SYN3. This fluid can be used in Harley-Davidson engines, transmissions and primary chaincases. This product had been exclusively designed for Harley-Davidson and is the only synthetic product tested and certified by Harley-Davidson engineering for use on HD/Buell motorcycles.
The use of a different brand of fluid does not void the one-year, unlimited mileage warranty unless it can be confirmed that the use of such products was the cause of the failure.
Thank you, Mr. Scanlon, for taking the time to write to Harley-Davidson and allowing me to answer your questions.
Sincerely,
Lisa Sagen
Powertrain Customer Service
Harley-Davidson Confirms To AMSOIL That The Use Of Synthetic Motor Oils Other Than Harley-Davidson Oil Does Not Void Warranty Coverage
Harley-Davidson Motor Company
3700 West Juneau Ave., P.O. Box 653, Milwaukee, WI 53201 414/342-4680
January 31, 2003
Aaron Scanlon
AMSOIL Building
Superior, WI 54880
Dear Mr. Scanlon:
Thank you for your recent letter requesting information on Harley-Davidson's one-year, unlimited mileage warranty when Synthetic Lubricants are used.
Until now, the Motor Company has never supported the use of synthetic products in our vehicles because there had never been any test validations completed on the numerous formulations in HD/Buell motorcycles to determine the viability of using these products on Harley-Davidson products until now.
We have developed a specially formulated synthetic fluid called SYN3. This fluid can be used in Harley-Davidson engines, transmissions and primary chaincases. This product had been exclusively designed for Harley-Davidson and is the only synthetic product tested and certified by Harley-Davidson engineering for use on HD/Buell motorcycles.
The use of a different brand of fluid does not void the one-year, unlimited mileage warranty unless it can be confirmed that the use of such products was the cause of the failure.
Thank you, Mr. Scanlon, for taking the time to write to Harley-Davidson and allowing me to answer your questions.
Sincerely,
Lisa Sagen
Powertrain Customer Service
Road Master
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 803
Likes: 3
From: Collegeville, PA
I believe that a company can specify a grade of oil, ie. SF or SG, and a weight to be used in their product. But if they specify that you must use their brand, then they must supply that oil during the warranty period free of charge. They cannot give a list of "approved" brands, only required specifications.
HD has been playing this game for decades. They use to spread rumors that synthetic couldn't be used in their bikes without voiding the warranty until, miracle of miracles, they came out with their own synthetic. Now it was not only OK, but recommended.
I don't have my owners manual here at work, but my guess is that any 20-50 from a reputable company would meet their specs. I do remember that my manual says that if HD oil isn't available, they recommend oil spec'd for diesel engines. Shell Rotella, for instance is rated to meet CF-4, SM and SL specs.
Don't expect a straight answer from HD. They want to baffle you with BS to try to intimidate you into buying their oil but they cannot come out and say you will void the warranty if you don't use it because it isn't true.
I personally don't use Amsoil, but tons of guys on here do and there is no way HD could void a warranty claim because you were using it
HD has been playing this game for decades. They use to spread rumors that synthetic couldn't be used in their bikes without voiding the warranty until, miracle of miracles, they came out with their own synthetic. Now it was not only OK, but recommended.
I don't have my owners manual here at work, but my guess is that any 20-50 from a reputable company would meet their specs. I do remember that my manual says that if HD oil isn't available, they recommend oil spec'd for diesel engines. Shell Rotella, for instance is rated to meet CF-4, SM and SL specs.
Don't expect a straight answer from HD. They want to baffle you with BS to try to intimidate you into buying their oil but they cannot come out and say you will void the warranty if you don't use it because it isn't true.
I personally don't use Amsoil, but tons of guys on here do and there is no way HD could void a warranty claim because you were using it
Big Kahuna HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 23,881
Likes: 34
From: USA
Don't look for a straight answer from HD about a competitors oil....or Kellogs about BrandX corn flakes either. They want to imply that they will not honor their warranty unless you use their fluids....which is a total BS approach to customer service. 
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
South Jersey Scooter Trash
Dyna Glide Models
33
Aug 11, 2011 12:51 PM
