Warranty Information

All new bikes in the UK come with some sort of warranty covering parts failure, but these terms and conditions attached to these warranties vary.

When purchasing a motorcycle, new or used it’s worth checking what sort of warranty is available, as most reputable dealers will offer you some sort of cover for peace of mind. Make sure this warranty gives you what you want and doesn’t include conditions that will cost you later. Typically you can get a warranty on a new motorcycle, which covers the bike for up to two years. This basic warranty is called the “manufacturer’s warranty.”

A warranty adds to your legal rights, it is not a substitute for them. In law if the motorcycle develops a fault within the first three to six months it will usually be assumed that the fault was there when you bought it. In these circumstances you can ask your dealer to repair the motorcycle free of charge and in some cases even replace it.

Servicing versus Warranty

Look out, in particular for servicing restrictions. After sales costs are a big expense, representing around 30% of the whole life cost of a motorcycle. Franchised dealers can be more expensive than independent garages whereas many independent garages can offer the same quality of service and might be more convenient so look around before buying.

Before you buy ask

Are there restrictions to who services the motorcycle?
How much are service costs (compared to your local dealer or home servicing)
How much leeway is there if I cannot get the bike serviced within a set schedule?
How long does the manufacturers warranty last?
What does it cover?
Is there the option of a dealer extended warranty, if so when does it start and what does it cover?
Is every fault covered by either of the above warranties?
Is there a mileage restriction?
If I have an accident does it affect the warranty?

When buying a motorcycle it can be worth comparing warranties as well as bikes or aftermarket extras. On the rare occasion that things can go dramatically wrong it could save you a lot of money.

Watch out for the following restrictions

“Only an authorised (make of motorcycle) dealer can service or maintain your vehicle in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations.”

“This warranty is dependent upon the manufacturer’s recommended service being carried out by an authorised (make of motorcycle) dealership at the time or distance intervals specified in the (make of motorcycle) Warranty and Maintenance Record Booklet, subject to the vehicle being driven less than (mileage figure) since first registration”

“The motorcycle must be regularly serviced by an authorised (make of motorcycle) repairer in accordance with the (make of motorcycle) service schedules using (make of motorcycle) approved parts during the 2 year warranty period.”

Information supplied by the Office of Fair Trading

April 04

Further Information 0845 22 44 99

www.oft.gov.uk