MOTORCYCLE RELIABILITY

[hootmon]

ARTICLE

[Magniac]

But of course we knew this already. 

[Smoked U]

Interesting.

I have had a few of my group at DRNT taking Harleys in for some serious stuff that was ranging over $ 1,000.00 on gently used bikes they had bought into. They had all covered their rear ends with extended warranty plans which kept their out of pocket expenses down.

Just my observation, but, I wonder if Consumer Reports took
into consideration all of the warranty claims that come rolling in on various manufacturer's.

[hootmon]

Interesting.

I have had a few of my group at DRNT taking Harleys in for some serious stuff that was ranging over $ 1,000.00 on gently used bikes they had bought into. They had all covered their rear ends with extended warranty plans which kept their out of pocket expenses down.

Just my observation, but, I wonder if Consumer Reports took
into consideration all of the warranty claims that come rolling in on various manufacturer's.

I know several people with Harleys, and they all paid for warranties.. SO.. My wife and I say.. It's not the Harley that's reliable, it's the warranty that is reliable.
One of my friends just got a 2014 Ultra.. He wasn't going to get the warranty, then the salesman said..
"I'm not telling you to do this.. But if you were to buy the warranty, then ride up into our parking lot and suddenly you had a screw in your worn out tire, It would be covered, not questions asked"...
So he got the warranty..
Free tires for the length of the warranty..

I wonder if I can get a warranty on my 21 year old Magna???

[Lurkin]

I wonder if I can get a warranty on my 21 year old Magna???

If you want to pay the same rate as for a 14 Ultra   

[Smoked U]

Interesting.

I have had a few of my group at DRNT taking Harleys in for some serious stuff that was ranging over $ 1,000.00 on gently used bikes they had bought into. They had all covered their rear ends with extended warranty plans which kept their out of pocket expenses down.

Just my observation, but, I wonder if Consumer Reports took
into consideration all of the warranty claims that come rolling in on various manufacturer's.

I know several people with Harleys, and they all paid for warranties.. SO.. My wife and I say.. It's not the Harley that's reliable, it's the warranty that is reliable.
One of my friends just got a 2014 Ultra.. He wasn't going to get the warranty, then the salesman said..
"I'm not telling you to do this.. But if you were to buy the warranty, then ride up into our parking lot and suddenly you had a screw in your worn out tire, It would be covered, not questions asked"...
So he got the warranty..
Free tires for the length of the warranty..

I wonder if I can get a warranty on my 21 year old Magna???

Again, a couple of my members had a warranty, but, they got hit for incidentals such as "Yes, this $ 800.00 part/labor is covered, but, we had to remove the rear fender and that is not covered, so you pay for that- $ 100.00" (true story).

I'd have to see the fine print. I know the sales staff is getting incentives to push a warranty on bikes.

[hop along]

Indeed it's all about the fine print.  I'm sniffing around for a new bike right now and I dealer can offer a 5 year (after the 2 year factory warranty) for $800 on a KTM.  I have yet to visit in person to force the salesmen to clarify the fine print before any decision is made.  KTM's typically have a high upfront cost, high maintenance routine so my thought is it could be cheap insurance for me
But... its all about the fine print
Hop Along

[TLRam1]

Warranty should cover removing stock parts to the repair the failed one unless you added aftermarket accessories, that can be a grey area.

So is it GREY or GRAY for the color? 

[hootmon]

Indeed it's all about the fine print.  I'm sniffing around for a new bike right now and I dealer can offer a 5 year (after the 2 year factory warranty) for $800 on a KTM.  I have yet to visit in person to force the salesmen to clarify the fine print before any decision is made.  KTM's typically have a high upfront cost, high maintenance routine so my thought is it could be cheap insurance for me
But... its all about the fine print
Hop Along

IF you are considering an extended warranty, before you buy a bike, look to see what you could get the warranty for on your own..
Most dealerships make 50% of the warranty cost for the sale.. So, you are likely able to get it cheaper on you own..

[hop along]

thanks for the tip Hoot, I will keep that in mind.  Still sniffing around... I am not in a rush.  I don't need... I just 'would like' 
Hop Along

[TLRam1]

What KTM are you looking at?

[hop along]

690 Enduro R
Of the KTM's it has the longest service intervals and is supposed to be easier to work on while being suitable for the trails I ride as well as road trips.  I would outfit with luggage and possibly a rally kit/screen.  I haven't been on one yet though and it is difficult to get a demo ride lined up.  Demand is too high.
I would sell my CRF if I went this route.

On the other hand I am also sniffing around the Moto Guzzi Stelvio NTX.  A *big* bike that handles well.  I did get a nice rental ride in Austin and loved it.  But then I would be back to 4 bikes in the garage and I have a hard time justifying that to myself!!

Either way, I 2013 leftover new Stelvio, already setup as I would want with luggage, etc, would be about the same as the 690R after getting it setup in a similar manner.  Not as much bike, not good for 2up (not a consideration at the moment but potentially a 'do everything I want to do' bike.

Let's just say the Magna is not so much fun on the Jeep roads I search out when travelling 

Hop Along

[TLRam1]

You picked two bikes I have eyed also.

The 690 is one in the back of my mind when I get in a position to buy that style of bike and I do like a couple of the Moto Guzzi bikes.

[drkngas]

I'm pretty sure there is only one bike that comes with a  five-year, unlimited mileage warranty and 24-hour roadside assistance.

That would be the Royal Star!!

Hey!  My signature pic is missing!