Changing pipes
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 10,637
Likes: 1,246
From: Lake, Ms
Originally Posted by eoluke
I have a 2017 Ultra Limited Low. Will changing the head pipes (getting rid of the cat) and new exhaust void my warranty?
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 6,129
Likes: 143
From: Santa Cruz
Technically, as far as the motor company is involved, yes and it is illegal under federal law, But in the real world only under rare conditions.
Last edited by 0ldhippie; Feb 22, 2018 at 06:12 PM.
Road Warrior
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 1,800
Likes: 307
From: Houston, Texas
To void your warranty, they would have to prove that your modification caused the issue or failure you are bringing it in for.
Example, they can't void your warranty for using an aftermarket oil filter unless they can prove the filter caused the failure. Then the oil filter manufacturer will need to honor their warranty.
Dealers get paid to do warranty work and want your repeat business. If something fails like your stereo or a fuel pump, the dealer is not going to say your warranty is void because of your header. They will fix it and file the claim with the MOCO to get paid and make their customer happy.
Google "Magnuson Moss" for the legal explanation.
Example, they can't void your warranty for using an aftermarket oil filter unless they can prove the filter caused the failure. Then the oil filter manufacturer will need to honor their warranty.
Dealers get paid to do warranty work and want your repeat business. If something fails like your stereo or a fuel pump, the dealer is not going to say your warranty is void because of your header. They will fix it and file the claim with the MOCO to get paid and make their customer happy.
Google "Magnuson Moss" for the legal explanation.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 6,129
Likes: 143
From: Santa Cruz
The M M act only applies to stock type replacement parts. Not custom or performance parts that do not retain original manufacturers specifications. While it would cover an EPA compliant exhaust, it would not cover a “performance” non EPA compliant exhaust.
Since removing the CAT is against federal law and the motor company has been legally ordered to comply, they will void the warranty if the non compliance gets to them. Of course the dealer would usually have to make them aware. The law enforcement is a state to state and officer to officer thing and usually a non issue unless ya are obnoxious...or in Santa Monica...
Since removing the CAT is against federal law and the motor company has been legally ordered to comply, they will void the warranty if the non compliance gets to them. Of course the dealer would usually have to make them aware. The law enforcement is a state to state and officer to officer thing and usually a non issue unless ya are obnoxious...or in Santa Monica...
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 6,899
Likes: 3,412
From: OH
The only real deal breaker is the tuner. I think the dealers can get around the headers creatively but if they plug the bike into the hd system for a warrenty issue and another tuner was used you're hosed.
Last edited by todd-67; Feb 23, 2018 at 07:12 PM.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 4,997
Likes: 655
From: bklyn,ny
I’ve had a shovel and and 2 twincams bought new. I always put about 2500 miles on them and then did my mods. I never worry about warranty,i want to do what i want to do.
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Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 6,899
Likes: 3,412
From: OH
Warranty was never an issue before the feds stepped in and made it an issue starting with the 2017's. The dealers are not the problem at all in this. it's the factory reps and the MOCO. Just use their tuner and you don't have to worry.
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Road Captain
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 722
Likes: 374
From: Daytona
SIX! Six answers �� Your dealer will maintain your warranty. Because they sold the parts and did the service they are not going to.......well rat you out to Harley. Here’s the rub, if you’re on the road and require warranty work, the dealer you are at may very well not want to keep your cover and put themselves in jeopardy with HD and enter your modifications into Harley’s system. Once you’ve been flagged, no one, not even your selling dealer can warranty the bike.