I just bought a new 500R with a warranty, and had the 500 mile service done at a dealer (not the one where I actually bought it because they are jerks). It cost a bit more than I expected and I don't want to have to bring it in to a dealer for all the scheduled services. Will not having documentation from a dealer really void my warranty if something goes wrong? Fear of this is really the only reason I would continue to get services done at a dealer.

 

I don't think that is true, as long as you have done the services they should be able to tell, I am more worried about all of the go-faster stuff voiding mine

 

save your recipts and then they can't say you havent done the service.

 

My point is that I don't want to get services done at a shop anymore. I can do the services myself but my fear is voiding the warranty if I don't have a service record.

 

you can service the bike yourself just save the recipts to prove that you done them. it won't void the warranty

 

I think in most states there is a law that says you can do the warranty work yourself and as long as you have documented proof of the work being done, it cannot void a manufacturer's warranty. The law was created because there had been too many court battles that dealers had a monopoly on their warranties; i.e. a dealer couldn't force you to use dealer service departments to keep the warranty intact. It was viewed legally as unfair practice to void a warranty, simply because you paid for the protection but chose to do scheduled maintenance yourself.

 

^That's great to hear, any idea if New York has this kind of law? I couldn't seem to find it on google.

 

Schneiderman - There is actually a federal law called the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act (15 U.S.C. 2302(C)) which makes it illegal for dealers to refuse warranty claims on the basis that you used third party parts and services . There are two caveats, first, if these parts and services are available free at the dealer the law doesn't apply. So if your dealer wants to do the maintenance for free and you go do it somewhere else, they can then void your warranty. Second, if they can prove the third party parts caused the problem, they can void the warranty. This gets sticky because manufacturers get around the law by arguing that your aftermarket fuel commander caused the wheel bearings to fail. But this is why I never add aftermarket performance upgrades unless I can remove them easily before going to the dealer, or unless the vehicle is already out of warranty. In general, if you do your own maintenance you should save all receipts, including receipts for oil & filters, so if there is a dispute you can prove the maintenance actually got dont.

 

El Zorro for the research win!