Warranty Question

[Montiniauto]

I was talking to a spyder owner today. He said if It was not A BRP Accessory and installed by shop techs there would be warranty problems. As a new owner, I do most of my own work and installations of accessories lighting and mechanical work. Just wondered if there was any truth to this. Trying to avoid future issues. Thanks

 

[SportsterDoc]

Are you asking about warranty on the added accessory or overall warranty on the machine?

For an accessory, such as a windshield, if fasteners are over-tightened, causing the polycarbonate to crack; then it would not likely be warrantied.

 

[2dogs]

I wouldn't expect BRP to warrant any non-BRP product. If you are adding a genuine BRP accessory, go to their website and check and see if it's covered and if there are exclusions. Generally, accessories carry their own warranty along with their own exclusions.

 

[Jetfixer]

Do a search on the Magnuson Act. You as the owner are entitled to do your own maintenance without voiding the overall warranty as long as you follow the owners manual and/or service manual. If you do anything to any subsystem, such as the exhaust system, you could potentially be voiding the warranty on the exhaust system, but not the rest of the vehicle. That's why Can Am says that the Akrapovic exhaust is the only exhaust that won't void your warranty. If you decide to add aftermarket lighting to your bike, and you splice into CanBus wiring looking for power, you will definitely be screwing up, and will void any electrical warranty. However, if you decide to add aftermarket lighting and do the job correctly, (picking the right circuits, fuses, wiring, etc.) you will not void the warranty.

 

[Montiniauto]

Thanks that’s what I thought. I have been in the auto repair business for over 30 yrs and properly installed accessories should not interfere with warranty. The guy I talked to said his dealer said anything not BRP was a no no.

 

[RICZ]

For this reason, I installed a fuse block for added electrical accessories. It's powered via a relay that is energized only when the ignition is on. This way, the bike's fussy electronics are avoided.

 

[EdMat]

The guy I talked to said his dealer said anything not BRP was a no no.

Sounds like he needs to leave the stealer and find a dealer.

 

[GeneralWill]

For this reason, I installed a fuse block for added electrical accessories. It's powered via a relay that is energized only when the ignition is on. This way, the bike's fussy electronics are avoided.

I've been debating rather to add a fuse block or not on my 2021 STS. The only reason I'm hesitant is because I will need to tap in somewhere for the trigger wire. I'm concerned that will cause the warranty to be voided since I am technically tapping into the electrical system for the trigger wire. If I do install the fuse block I have the following questions:

What did you hook the triggerwire to?
What size fuse did you use on your trigger wire?

 

[RICZ]

I used the accessory wire because it's fused and on only when the ignition is on. I can not imagine installing a fuse block would void or complicate a warranty. For one thing, it spares the fussy canbus system of the Spyder. Here's the fuse block similar to the one I got....https://www.banggood.com/IMars-10-W...-p-1185148.html?cur_warehouse=CN&rmmds=search

It's mounted above the battery on my F3L.

 

[ARtraveler]

Bottom Line: There are some items if added, and then causing "harm" to the Spyder that could cause some contention concerning warranted or not.

On the other hand, some of the wording of the warranty is to encourage people to invest in the higher priced "genuine" BRP accessories as opposed to going to aftermarket.

Examples would be seats, handlebars, back rests and lighting. We have not had much discussion on the site over any of these items being cause to void the warranty.

Common sense, etc. should prevail.

I don't recall anyone having to invoke the "Magnusson Act" to get relief from BRP concerning warranty issues.

 

[askitee]

This is a discussion I've had with the dealership where I have my '17RTL serviced. I bought my '17RTL from another dealership and had hells trouble with them and switched, they have been absolute legends and have spent a lot of time on the bike at no cost to me. They agreed that I have a good and long enough relationship with them to know me and my RTL. They have spent time investigating things that could have been either way - my fault or warranty. On each occasion they have been great, and open about "you lost a thingy here and we've replaced it at no charge".

While I was open to doing my own maintenance, I'd rather pay someone to deal with it. I think there is added value in a good relationship with a good dealership - we trust one another and cut each other some slack. I think I am biased as I run my own business and have the same kind of relationship with some of my clients

 

[2dogs]

Your go-between you and BRP is the dealership's service manager. Some managers work for you, which they're supposed to, and some don't give a rat's you know what. There are horror stories on this site where service managers don't help their customers and go so far as rip them off. I've always felt there would be a value in having a dealership rating page on this site with which dealers can respond to. I think it would be beneficial particularly to potential buyers and new owners.

 

[Little Blue]

Your go-between you and BRP is the dealership's service manager. Some managers work for you, which they're supposed to, and some don't give a rat's you know what. There are horror stories on this site where service managers don't help their customers and go so far as rip them off. I've always felt there would be a value in having a dealership rating page on this site with which dealers can respond to. I think it would be beneficial particularly to potential buyers and new owners.

I agree with that. Now we need someone who can make it happen.

 

[ARtraveler]

Your go-between you and BRP is the dealership's service manager. Some managers work for you, which they're supposed to, and some don't give a rat's you know what. There are horror stories on this site where service managers don't help their customers and go so far as rip them off. I've always felt there would be a value in having a dealership rating page on this site with which dealers can respond to. I think it would be beneficial particularly to potential buyers and new owners.

Input from one mod: This has been discussed a few times. The problem with rating any dealer (good or bad service) is that it is totally subjective. Three people, using the same dealer, may have three entirely different ratings. All is based on THEIR experience with that dealer. And then you get the occasional person who don't like what happened (even if the dealer was right). They will do their best to smear the dealer and give them a black eye. THEN the trouble begins. The site may end up being liable for a law suit if something gets published that is not right, and sometimes even if it is right, could leave us open to litigation.

We do hear about these issues sometimes, and depending on what is said, what is verifiable, etc., we will let it run or not. So much for PC. :bowdown: I am sure the other mods will chime in, but I am thinking we are pretty much in line on this subject.

 

[2dogs]

Yes, I understand. It all comes down to truth or fiction. But in the end, it should be the dealer(stealer)ship that loses, not the customer. If I make an unintentional screwup I make it right and the customer is never charged for that service.

 

[ARtraveler]

Yes, I understand. It all comes down to truth or fiction. But in the end, it should be the dealer(stealer)ship that loses, not the customer. If I make an unintentional screwup I make it right and the customer is never charged for that service.

The riders who want to be informed do and will read dealer information on this site. Both sides do get represented. We cannot just say or suggest "don't go there." But a lot of customers do get the message.

 

[2dogs]

I agree with that. Now we need someone who can make it happen.

It appears that will never happen because everything is liability driven these days. All we can do is watch and listen and offer some advice now and again.