H-D confirms (syn does not void)

[xllent01]

Harley-Davidson Confirms To AMSOIL That The Use Of Synthetic Motor Oils Other Than Harley-Davidson Oil Does Not Void Warranty Coverage
http://www.oilsandlube.com/images/hd_logo_154x120.gifHarley-Davidson Motor Company
3700 West Juneau Ave., P.O. Box 653, Milwaukee, WI 53201 414/342-4680January 31, 2003
Aaron Scanlon
AMSOIL Building
Superior, WI 54880
Dear Mr. Scanlon:

Thank you for your recent letter requesting information on Harley-Davidson's one-year, unlimited mileage warranty when Synthetic Lubricants are used.
Until now, the Motor Company has never supported the use of synthetic products in our vehicles because there had never been any test validations completed on the numerous formulations in HD/Buell motorcycles to determine the viability of using these products on Harley-Davidson products until now.
We have developed a specially formulated synthetic fluid called SYN3. This fluid can be used in Harley-Davidson engines, transmissions and primary chaincases. This product had been exclusively designed for Harley-Davidson and is the only synthetic product tested and certified by Harley-Davidson engineering for use on HD/Buell motorcycles.
The use of a different brand of fluid does not void the one-year, unlimited mileage warranty unless it can be confirmed that the use of such products was the cause of the failure.
Thank you, Mr. Scanlon, for taking the time to write to Harley-Davidson and allowing me to answer your questions.
Sincerely,

http://www.oilsandlube.com/images/signature.jpg
Lisa Sagen
Powertrain Customer Service

[skratch]

The use of a different brand of fluid does not void the one-year, unlimited mileage warranty unless it can be confirmed that the use of such products was the cause of the failure.


well, thats nothing new, contrary to what the moco would have you believe. according to the magnusson-moss act, if the manufacturer requires you to use something specific, then they have to provide it to you. as long as the oil that you use meets (or exceeds) the specs for 'stock' oil, then your good.

[kballowe]

Yeah, I got a sheet of paper with my '06 that said synthetic was OK. Of course, it said "Genuine Harley-Davidson" synthetic. I asked the shop owner why HD never "allowed" synthetic before, and his reply was "because they didn't have any". Well, then he laughed. This guy has owned this HD dealership since 1980 and also worked most of that time as a mechanic in his own place. He says to run what you want, as long as it meets the specs and that he has never seen an actual OIL related failure. It's always either been mechanical or water or whatever in the oil.

[Roadster_Rider]

Isnt it a two year unlimited mileage warranty???!!!

[gronk62]

Isnt it a two year unlimited mileage warranty???!!!
Yes but take note of the date that HD letter was written.

January 31, 2003

Its old news and back then HD's only came with a 1 year warranty.

[Takingabreak]

You all are reading this all wrong.
It does not say you can use it, it says you can use it as long as it tests the same as Syn 3.

BTW, the moss act says that if the manufacture says you have to use there filter and there oil it must be provided at no cost.
That does not mean if you use a lesser quality then stock requirements part or oil they have to honor the warranty.
It can be left to the manufacture of said replacement part or oil to pay for the repairs if the OEM says it does not make there requirements.

"The use of a different brand of fluid does not void the one-year, unlimited mileage warranty unless it can be confirmed that the use of such products was the cause of the failure."

If they find it is out of there spects, then your only hope is the Maker of that oil or part.

And this was written in 2003, and at that time it was a one year warranty.

Now, with all that said, Aims Oil, as I understand it has done the required testing to prove there oil meets and exceeds Harley's requirements.
As long as Aims can prove this, Harley should have no problem with warranting a internally lubed part.

[kballowe]

True. If the MoCo says that your failure is oil-specific and you're not using HD oil, then it falls on the oil manufacturer to show that their oil did not actually cause the problem.

For you guys with the extended warranties, be sure to use the genuine HD oil filter. I have seen first-hand a claim denied because the owner was using an aftermarket filter. This guy may have appealed and won - I don't know. All I know is that the rep took one look at the bike, saw the aftermarket filter, and denied the claim. I called the MoCo and they told me that the extended warranty coverage is much more strict.