Extended Warranties - Are they worth it?

[RhadamYgg]

So, as mentioned in another post I was pursuing buying a new 08 Ninja 250R....

So, the sale guy automatically put on the extended warranty - at $275 or so.

When I asked him what it covered - he said 'everything'. Then he listed out the things it doesn't cover... things that wear down, etc. And obviously doesn't cover regular maintenance.

Is this warranty worth it? Do motorcycles break down that much with the relatively small amount of miles the average biker puts on their bike that the extended warranty is necessary?

Also, since this is the Ninja 250R, and I would consider it my bike for the first two years - does it make sense to get the warranty? Regardless of if it transfers with the bike or not - it is hard to sell intangibles such as warranty coverage to recoup them on sale.

RhadamYgg

[storysunfolding]

ask the guys at ninja250.org

It may be worth it on some bikes but according to everyone at Stromtrooper, it isn't an issue for the V-strom. Granted my extended warranty cost $800 so it was an easier choice to make

[TrueFaith]

I opted for the extended warranty on my 08' Ninja 250R. I usually shun extended warranties and consider them a waste of money, but in this case I thought it would be a good idea for 2 reasons. First, the design of the engine on the new Ninja is 70% new. If in 18 months some major error in that design is discovered after my original warranty has expired, I don't want to be left with a large attractive doorstop or the option to replace the engine at my own cost. Secondly, I think the fact that the extended warranty is transferrable to a new owner will prove to be an important selling point to a new rider who wants to buy my bike as his first ride. Ninja 250s are known to hold their value on resale because of the constant influx of new riders to the sport of motorcycling. I think offering a transferrable warranty on a used bike would be very attractive to someone looking for their first motorcycle.

[flynrider]

I never buy 'em. They are a big profit center for the dealership, though. That's why they automatically add them to the contract.

A motorcycle that is well cared for and maintained will likely never need an extended warranty (which is why they are so profitable for the dealer). If you make it through the initial warranty period with no problems, chances are excellent that your luck will continue. I've been buying bikes and cages for 28 years and not once have I smacked my forehead and said, "I wish I'd bought that extended warranty when I had the chance".

Of course, if you want to be absolutely sure to be covered in the unlikely event that your bike falls apart right after the warranty period, then maybe it's worth the extra bucks for you.

[Gadjet]

I bought the extended warranty for my KLR650, and it's paid off for me. The carb diaphragm tore on my a little over a year after I got the bike - replaced under extended warranty at no cost to me.

Took my bike in to the dealer to get a known (to me and every other KLR owner) faulty part looked at, as I wasn't sure about it's condition - it was broken, so the dealer replaced the part as well as the balancer chain at no cost to me.

Sometimes parts break, and it's good to have a warranty to cover it when it does happen. Get the extended warranty - at $275 it's a bargain and the fact that it is transferrable to the new owner if you sell it makes it a bonus on the selling price.

[RhadamYgg]

Lots of good thoughts - I'm not sure which way I'll go with this. And honestly I'm double thinking the idea of getting a new bike - regardless of the apparently (but not definitely) low price on it.

RhadamYgg

[ElChado87]

I lucked out.... Got my Suzuki three year entended warranty for free.... At least thats what I was told.... Factory promotion or something like that...

[Bubba]

I've had my bike for 4 years and haven't had it to the dealer yet, other than standard maintenance.
In my opinion, extended warrantees are just a money making scheme for the salesperson, along with accessories. Remember the guy is working on commission and usually extended warrantees and accessories bring him a higher rate of commission.
So if you want to buy him that pool for his back yard, by all means, get that extended warrantee.

[RhadamYgg]

I lucked out.... Got my Suzuki three year entended warranty for free.... At least thats what I was told.... Factory promotion or something like that...

That's cool!

RhadamYgg