What I'm trying to say is I'm not a fan of 'the Warranty system' so I'd rather not buy into it and go my own way.
When you buy something, you expect it to be in good order and fit for its advertised purpose. In UK Law you are protected to a large degree by Sales of Goods Act, Sales of Goods and Services Act, Consumer Credit Act Section 75 and in our case The Motorcycle Industry Association and 'buy with confidence' scheme.
Most UK Law is time sensitive, so you have to act in a timely manner. So while the manufacturers and dealers have you caught up in this 'good will' warranty smoke screen, they are moving you away from your real power in UK Law. The longer they can delay you in 'good will', the less UK Law applies to your predicament as you'll fall outside the necessary action timelines. Don't be fooled, take action.
But then I also 'DIY' my court battles and have won four legal challenges out of four in the last 15 years, two with motorcycle manufacturers (as for some reason they like to try and bully you when things don't go their way).
Dealers give you this made up 'Warranty' spiel like a cloaking device to do nothing more than deflect their Legal Responsibilities in UK Law. It's really nothing more than another Sales Item that they can create their own rules and costs for it. Like chargeable 'Extended Warranty'. Their parts cost nothing compared to the over-inflated MRRP scare tactics.
An example is Honda VFR1200 Rear Shock. Failure can be every 6 months from new. So they gladly replace under 'Warranty'. So this repeatedly goes on for 2 years. Then you are 'out of Warranty' and now they want £1200. So people sell their bike and either buy another or go elsewhere. With other consumers terrified to 'stay in Warranty' and UK Law is neutralised because you've already accepted a remedy or are slowly falling outside the timelines for action.
It's bullshit. That Shock is not fit for purpose from day one and should never cost £1200 new. That price scam has been going on for years (mainly sucking in Insurance Companies for high repair charges on replacement parts).
But it has a second spin-off. High MRRP component prices scare people into buying 'Extended Warranty'. Kerching, another money maker.
Most things can be repaired by skilled people for a fraction of the costs that the Dealers Quote.
If it can't be repaired, replacement parts are cheap off eBay. Or in a lot of situations you can buy top of the line aftermarket Kit for similar prices (as an example), and it'll be higher quality and last longer.
So you can be sucked into the system if you want, and I'm sure plenty of people have stories of how they saved £1000's by only spending £100's each year on Extended Warranties.
But about 25 years ago, I moved away. Bought my own tools over time and now do my own work.
I've always had brand new cars and motorcycles and serviced them myself. Usually get the run in service done by dealer which gives me 6 months 'feel' for any mechanical issues. Then I do it all myself.
In 25 Years and a Lot of Vehicles, I've never had any trouble. Not with Warranty Claims, Not with Vehicle Sales, all good. Just Sign the service book myself and do a good job.
It's satisfying to know that my oil filter, air filter, spark plugs, valve checks are actually being done!! ... are you sure?
