Yamaha Extended Service - YES

[sprint_st]

I'm getting a new FJR.  Is YES worth it?  If so, why?  Actually one year of warrantee period on a bike like an FJR is rather short.  Even Triumph who is not noted for customer service is two years.

[info]

YES. How much are you paying?

[garry]

In my experience (Kawi), dealer cost is 50% of the MSRP on the warranty. You can buy the extended warranty any time while the original factory warranty is active, so up to a year from purchase date. There is no requirement to buy said extended warranty from the same dealer you bought the bike from, so you can shop around for a nice discount (even online), if you want.
 
Like I said, that's how it works with Kawi and I'd guess Yamaha is similar if not the same.
 
I bought an extra two years on my ZX-6R ($280), for a a total of three, because:
 
1) I planned on keeping the bike probably two seasons/years and wanted my ass covered against a tranny blowing up or other major engine issue
 
2) I ride a lot and figured I'd be selling a two year old bike with 20K-30K miles (a lot in the sportbike market). Being able to offer a one year warranty on a "high mileage" (yet right) bike might open the door to more interested buyers or a higher sale price.

[FJRmgm]

extended warranties are rarely used - I never get them and didn't on my '05 FJR.
 
If you persist though, you can get one for slightly over $400 at D&H Cycles in Alabama.

[info]

I thought D&H was under $400? Best place to buy though and well worth it. Includes trip interuption.
D&H Cycle, 18115 US Hwy 31, Cullman, AL 35058, 256-739-1840,  $389. Last I heard.

[nanbil]

Take the money that you would spend on the YES and put it in the bank (interest bearing account) to be used if anything happens during the second and third years.  My opinion is that the overall cost extended warranties (cost of policy + costs of deductibles) are very rarely cost effective.  If something does happen you have extra money in the bank to pay for it, and if nothing happens you have some extra money to but some new stuff.

[shuswaper]

Up here in canada the extended warranty is called "Yamaha Protection Plus" and it`s expensive as hell. Once again, Canucks are being gouged...from cars to motorcycles and electronics...hell, might as well say everything, but health insurance! A one year xtnded warr`y costs $770.; 2 yrs-881.; 3yrs-991. and 4yrs-$ 1288.00. Can u believe it?! BTW, these prices are for @time of bike purchase.It`s even more obscene if purchased later but only available within first 12 months. It`s been my observation (like others have already mentioned) that everyone upstream from the customer, financially benefits. It`s a waste of money.

[garry]

extended warranties are rarely used .

Mine just got (is getting) used. Took the Ninja bike in for its 15K service a little early because it made a horrid noise (briefly) when starting a few weeks ago. The bike was almost a month past the one year warranty. The shop got that same ugly noise when they went to start it after doing the valves/etc. Turns out my cam chain tensioner is bad. Part on the way from Kawi, all covered under the extended warranty. Can't say if they would have covered it or not since it was almost a month out of warranty at that point.
 
Not sure what a CCT costs, but a couple hours of labor and the CCT probably cover the bulk of what I paid for the warranty. You spend your money and you take your chances.

[Bogie]

I bought mine because of all the 'ticking' rumors going around. I got it D & H for $340 about a year ago, right before my 12 month warranty ran out. Did I waste my money? Maybe, 32K miles and no ticks! Figures!

Carl

[Bogie]

Up here in canada the extended warranty is called "Yamaha Protection Plus" and it`s expensive as hell. Once again, Canucks are being gouged...from cars to motorcycles and electronics...hell, might as well say everything, but health insurance! A one year xtnded warr`y costs $770.; 2 yrs-881.; 3yrs-991. and 4yrs-$ 1288.00. Can u believe it?! BTW, these prices are for @time of bike purchase.It`s even more obscene if purchased later but only available within first 12 months. It`s been my observation (like others have already mentioned) that everyone upstream from the customer, financially benefits. It`s a waste of money.

Ouch! My $340 was for three additional years.

p.s. What's a shot of Jack Daniels cost in the waterin' hole up there?

Later, Carl

[info]

Take the money that you would spend on the YES and put it in the bank (interest bearing account) to be used if anything happens during the second and third years.  My opinion is that the overall cost extended warranties (cost of policy + costs of deductibles) are very rarely cost effective.  If something does happen you have extra money in the bank to pay for it, and if nothing happens you have some extra money to but some new stuff.

YES covers 4 and 5 as well. For less than $100 a year and it is transferable to a new owner. No deductible and trip interuption? Bank makes no sense on this one. Oh, I forgot. Unlimited miles as well.
I don't get extended warranties on anything else though.

[JETSET]

Good Info I had one on my 04 I'm trying to get some credit.I paid almost 2x that price from my dealer I will do D&H next year for my 07FJR.

[Yankee Dog]

Statistically no extended warrenties are worth the money.  Companies would not offer them if they knew they were going to lose money.  
 
Yankee Dog

[Baz]

Up here in canada the extended warranty is called "Yamaha Protection Plus" and it`s expensive as hell. Once again, Canucks are being gouged...from cars to motorcycles and electronics...hell, might as well say everything, but health insurance! A one year xtnded warr`y costs $770.; 2 yrs-881.; 3yrs-991. and 4yrs-$ 1288.00. Can u believe it?! BTW, these prices are for @time of bike purchase.It`s even more obscene if purchased later but only available within first 12 months. It`s been my observation (like others have already mentioned) that everyone upstream from the customer, financially benefits. It`s a waste of money.

I was quoted exactly the same price. Needless to say I am still thinking about this one. If you believe my nice salesman, his dealership has never seen one pay off. He tells me that 9/10 he never see's an FJR again when it leaves the dealer.
 
It should also be mentioned how much we get gouged up here on the origional purchase price of an FJR.
 
MSRP of a new FJR 1300A here is $19,099.00 (Can) or $16,612.15 USD
 
The US Yamaha site lists their 2007 FJR 1300A's for $13,799.00
 
 
 
BTW, a shot of J.D. is around 5 bucks.

[info]

Good Info I had one on my 04 I'm trying to get some credit.I paid almost 2x that price from my dealer I will do D&H next year for my 07FJR.

Adding mine tomorrow from D&H. Near cost pricing!

[Bounce]

In the US, D&H is the "go to" dealer for YES contracts. I got mine when I got my 2003 from them ($9999.00 for the bike and $349 for the 48 month YES). The going price for the 48 month YES is now up to $389 but that's still less than one major repair could set you back. Since it's transferrable, it's adds to the value of the bike at resale time.

BTW: The cost differential is helping pay for all those free national services in the land of the canookie.

[bramfrank]

Statistically no extended warrenties are worth the money.  Companies would not offer them if they knew they were going to lose money.  
 
Yankee Dog

I agree with the sentiment - unless, of course you are the one whose machine's transmission explodes or who spins a bearing or snaps a conn rod.

That's part of the mystique of lotteries - except the price of entry is higher.

I have always purchased extended warranties for my 4-wheeled vehicles and I have always profited from those 'investments', so I dug deep and bought the 4 year YPP for a slight discount from my dealer up here in 'gouge-em land'.  Hopefully I won't ever need to claim - but if something does go wrong before May 1, 2011 I'm covered.

[Chips]

When I picked up my '07 from D&H last week they gave me some sound advice. They said to read the original factory warranty and determine if it's worth it to me to extend that coverage for 4 more years (and unlimited mileage). If it is, I should contact them a few weeks before the factory warranty expires and buy the coverage then. That effectively would give me a 5 yr unlimited mileage warranty for $389. I'm not one to buy extended warranties but this seems to be a good deal, especially with the trip interruption compensation.

[mcoyote]

FWIW, my Suzuki extended warranty paid for itself in the last year. Which, BTW, was *its* last year, also -- it expires in May of 2007.

There's two pieces to the "not worth it" statement -- first part is the reliability of the machine, second part is the rider and their usage. The machines are pretty good, but if you put a lot of (routine, not excessive) (a) wear on the bike and (b) actually own for more than two years you're an atypical owner also.

I was an atypical Hayabusa owner -- (a) 22k mi in (b) four years (thinking 40k with all of my bikes) -- but that's below average compared to a lot of the tourers on this board. To make it complicated, my riding was also in bad (corrosive) weather and heavy traffic. If you sound "atypical" also, give that warranty a second thought.

Not saying it's guaranteed to be a net gain, but it may be.

[DNA]

Someone as HOV how he likes his extended warranty service agreement on his VFR!

He is already net positive $5K+ on a $1K policy with several years left to go!

For some, it makes perfect sense - the companies know their customers and average usage.  The typical members of this board are far from typical and must be the loss leaders that cause nightmares for the companies.  If you ride a lot and hold the bike - then get it!

-DNA

[Riceman]

From what I have read, ext warr.'s are never consumer friendly.  Generaly speaking, regardless of the product, if it is going to have major difficulties, they usually happen within the manuf's warr period.  Also, if you read the fine print, most extended warr's dont cover all that much, and have very specific restrictions regarding where the product MUST be serviced/intervals, mods, and signs of abuse.  So, do what makes you feel more comfortable, but putting the money in the bank is the best option...according the financial experts and the like.

[sprint_st]

From what I have read, ext warr.'s are never consumer friendly.  Generaly speaking, regardless of the product, if it is going to have major difficulties, they usually happen within the manuf's warr period.  Also, if you read the fine print, most extended warr's dont cover all that much, and have very specific restrictions regarding where the product MUST be serviced/intervals, mods, and signs of abuse.  So, do what makes you feel more comfortable, but putting the money in the bank is the best option...according the financial experts and the like.

The extended warrantee is for all intent and purpose the same as the first year warrantee. Unless you are planning radical surgery they will honor it.  Looks good when you sell or trade and makes you feel good if you plan to keep it a long time.  if you don't service your bike, you're kinda stupid anyhow, now all you have to do is keep records.  You still can service it yourself, at least in this former colony.  At a hundred bucks a year that ain't bad.  Do what ya want, but if your ECU goes south that pays for it in one shot.  Same for a lot of other parts.  Something to remember, if it is a warrantee repair, it includes labor.  My local dealer just upped the ante from $65/hr to $75/hr.

[Riceman]

The extended warrantee is for all intent and purpose the same as the first year warrantee. Unless you are planning radical surgery they will honor it.  Looks good when you sell or trade and makes you feel good if you plan to keep it a long time.  if you don't service your bike, you're kinda stupid anyhow, now all you have to do is keep records.  You still can service it yourself, at least in this former colony.  At a hundred bucks a year that ain't bad.  Do what ya want, but if your ECU goes south that pays for it in one shot.  Same for a lot of other parts.  Something to remember, if it is a warrantee repair, it includes labor.  My local dealer just upped the ante from $65/hr to $75/hr.

Well, they musta have different contracts, or have changed since 01.  The contract I was offered, YES, covered close to nothing.  Certainly, at 100 clams a year, if it covers just about everything, it is well worth the $$$.  THen I'd be interested.  But, the 01 contract was near worthless.

[Andrew]

My local dealer just upped the ante from $65/hr to $75/hr.

I went into the Yamaha dealer and asked on the cost of having the valves (04 FJR) checked/adjusted, he told me $580 plus any parts .
Did it myself, total cost $12.75 plus coolant. Total time -half a day. Note only one shim needed to be changed.

[sprint_st]

I just may change my mind about YES being "worth it." Before you tell me this has already been covered, I searched the FJR forums and HAVE NOT found a definitive answer, more like speculation and opinion.

I got my Y.E.S. contract yesterday and the way I, not a lawyer be any means read it, is that if I don't use 20W40 Yamaha "can" void my warrantee.
Let me throw in some quotes:
Page 3, items 11 and 18 under Specific Exclusions This Contract Does Not Cover.
#11 Loss which occurs due to failure to maintain proper fluid and/or lubricant levels as specified by Yamaha or due to improper oil/gas mixture ratios.
#18 The Customer must either (a) use the maintenance Log provided with the Y.E.S. Contract and have it verified by the Yamaha Deler that performs the services or repars or (b) the Customer must keep receipts or other records that show the cost, dates, mileage, elapsed hours, services, and repairs performed, including storage.  Failure to show proof of servicing may result in the denial of coverages.
The following comes from the Owner's Manual page 8-1 Specifications.
Engine Oil - Type Yamalube(4) (20w40) or SAE20W40 Recommended Service Grade API Service SE, SF, SG type or higher.
There is also a CAUTION on page 6-13 "Do not use oils ..... or of a higher quality than specified"

As most of you already know 20W40 oil is not easy to come by anywhere other than the Yamaha shop.  10W40 or 15W40 without Energy Conserving additives meeting the API spec is common as are some 15W50's.  (this is not an oil thread, don't care synth or non-synth)

My experiences with the local Yamaha dealers and throwing in the fact that most of the mechanics, good or bad have not touched an FJR before mine, I will be doing my own maintenance unless it is a warrantee problem.  I have kept my receipt from purchasing Pennzoil 10W40 which has absolutely no harmful effects on an FJR, BUT exceeds Yamaha's spec at startup.  If my engine widget fails, Yamaha "could" void my warrantee, the way I read it, although in SC I could take them to court to dispute that.  

Now for the question.  Has ANYONE put this situation to Yamaha for a definitive answer?  I called but they said I need to call back on Tuesday.  If they tell me I MUST use 20W40, then YES is going to turn into NO in a big hurry.

[Riceman]

Legaleez, gotta love it.  There are probably as many stories out there about an extended warranty being voided because of the "wrong" fluid being used as there are success stories in actually being able to use an extended warranty.  A couple more points if I may:

Another reason I've never bought one is that they begin from time of purchase.  In other words, you spend some time in double-warranty.  Meaning, instead of the period being "extended" 3 years (or what ever time period) beyond the manufacturer warranty, for a total of 4 years (since most bike warrantys are 1 year), you actually only get 3 years total coverage.  At least that is how EVERY contract I ever read was put.  

Also, the contracts I've been presented covered parts but not labor "for this", labor but not parts "for that", and neither parts nor labor "for that other thingie".  And I have never seen one that covers ANY of the routine maintenance costs, which can be most expensive!!

I know I'll never be lucky enough to be heading to the East, against nothing more than a 10 mph head wind, between Logitude XXX and Latitude XXX, wearing a Yamaha t-shirt, in fourth gear with half-a-tank of gas when I'll need to exercise such a warranty.  

And, you can take said company to court, and maybe even win.  But again, at what cost?  Even lemon laws dont reimburse you for time lost, and/or $$$ you spent trying to resolve the issue.

I guess there are people on either side of the fence on this issue.  I stand with most financial experts and consumer advocates....in most cases extended warranties are $$$ in the bank for those who sell them.

[Bounce]

I thought D&H was under $400? Best place to buy though and well worth it. Includes trip interuption.D&H Cycle, 18115 US Hwy 31, Cullman, AL 35058, 256-739-1840,  $389. Last I heard.

D&H
48 month YES
$389.00
extends out the OEM year 1 warranty PLUS adds some protections for lodging expenses if your warranty repair sticks you out on the road.

[n7myr]

to answer if it is worth it or not is a real hard question. depends on if anything goes wrong. also depends on how long you will keep the bike. sorta like an insurance policy. D&H has the best price that I know of and is where I bought mine. mine is about to run out and I have not had to use it, 34k on the bike and so it was a waste of money, or was it? I did have some peace of mind that it was there if needed. this bike is about to go away and in comes the new one. one thing to keep in mind is look at labor cost and parts, it will not take much at all to go wrong to break even or come out ahead if and when almost anything goes wrong. you will have spent the money well. I think more than anything it is the peace of mind that if something goes wrong, YES will take care of it. most of the time I think extended warantees are a waste but if you have had a shop do any work lately it sure can add up quick.
in the end it can only be your choice

[sprint_st]

Legaleez, gotta love it.  

Another reason I've never bought one is that they begin from time of purchase.  In other words, you spend some time in double-warranty.  Meaning, instead of the period being "extended" 3 years (or what ever time period) beyond the manufacturer warranty, for a total of 4 years (since most bike warrantys are 1 year), you actually only get 3 years total coverage.  At least that is how EVERY contract I ever read was put.  

Also, the contracts I've been presented covered parts but not labor "for this", labor but not parts "for that", and neither parts nor labor "for that other thingie".  And I have never seen one that covers ANY of the routine maintenance costs, which can be most expensive!!

Just because I don't trust anyone, I'm a product of the '60's, like I said, I read the contract. A 48 month contract DOES start at the day of purchase BUT it is an "extended" contract and lasts for a total of five years.  Quote from contract which is in front of me: Warrantee start date: 12/27/2006, Y.E.S. Expiration Date: 12/26/2011.  The contract specifies "repair and replacement" but does state that the parts don't have to be new.  They will be Genuine Yamaha new, remanufactured or like kind or quality.  I don't have any problem with that.  I only have one real concern and that is specifying their oil.  I have looked for 20W40 and finding it is like looking for the holy grail.  It pretty much forces you into using Yamalube. That I really don't like.

[basco]

I'm getting a new FJR.  Is YES worth it?  If so, why?  Actually one year of warrantee period on a bike like an FJR is rather short.  Even Triumph who is not noted for customer service is two years.

One year? I knew there was a reason to not buy a FJR besides the down-payment/order thing. Honda at least has 3 years (on ST1300 and Goldwings) and the extended Hondaline extended warranty is 4 for a total of 7, and its $400.

There are 3rd party warranty companies out there. I don't know the price or for how long. I wanted one because I was worried buying a Triumph orginally and was used to the extended warranty Honda offered.

[Riceman]

Does anybody know if a copy of the YES can be picked up, or downloaded?  You got my curiosity PEAKING!  I cannot believe they have made the extended warranty worth buying.  WHy would they change something that was guaranteed $$$ in their pockets...?

[sprint_st]

Does anybody know if a copy of the YES can be picked up, or downloaded?  You got my curiosity PEAKING!  I cannot believe they have made the extended warranty worth buying.  WHy would they change something that was guaranteed $$$ in their pockets...?

You hit on something fundamental to this issue.  Not only isn't it readily available, most people don't read it when they do get it.  I put out questions on all the FJR sites and this one, asking about the YES contract and got the usual opinions but no hard data.  I also tried to find out if there was something on the web about the particulars, also at my dealer.  I couldn't find any hard document, but the consensus was that it was great and so cheap that it just made sense to buy.  Those points may be absolutely true, and Yamaha makes a good product which in the overwhelming number of cases doesn't need the YES to back it up.  I just bought it because of crazy stuff that happened on Triumphs, like cranks snapping on a few bikes here and there.  But I'm one of those guys that wears suspenders and a belt (not literally).  One simple statement from Yamaha will make me a happy camper "If you use 10w40 or 15w40 oil without an ILSAC starburst or energy conserving in the API donut we won't void your warranty on that point alone."

[FJRmgm]

over on www.fjrforum.com very few have used the extended warranty.

[sprint_st]

Just got off the phone with Customer Service.  I was transfered to a technical representative.  I asked this question "If I have a component such as a bearing fail at some time during my warranty period, like one year and one day after I bought the bike, AND my records show that I have been using 10W40 or 15W40 motor oil, would it void my warranty?"  Short answer, "NO."  Paraphrased long answer, "change the oil at or near recommended intervals and don't use the cheapest oil you can find."  I'm keeping my Y.E.S. even though I doubt whether I'll ever need it.

[photomd]

Wow, all this just reminds me to keep buying used bikes, enjoy 'em, work on 'em myself and not worry about this stuff.  

[Riceman]

Wow, all this just reminds me to keep buying used bikes, enjoy 'em, work on 'em myself and not worry about this stuff.  

either this, or trade 'em in every 364 days, and avoid the extended warranty discussion all together  

[mcoyote]

...Another reason I've never bought one is that they begin from time of purchase.  In other words, you spend some time in double-warranty.  Meaning, instead of the period being "extended" 3 years (or what ever time period) beyond the manufacturer warranty, for a total of 4 years (since most bike warrantys are 1 year), you actually only get 3 years total coverage.  At least that is how EVERY contract I ever read was put...

Absolutely not the case with the Suzuki extended warranty I purchased from Suzuki at the time the 'Busa was new. I know this because the "+3yrs" coverage ends this May -- 4 years from bike purchase -- and they just covered a second clutch slave replacement (parts and labor, nothing out of pocket). It was termed as three additional years of coverage, and that's what I got.

Perhaps it was sometimes *sold* as a four-year extended warranty, but it wasn't in my case, and Suzuki paid up without complaint.

[Riceman]

D&H
48 month YES
$389.00
extends out the OEM year 1 warranty PLUS adds some protections for lodging expenses if your warranty repair sticks you out on the road.

My research suggests that the YES is priced by displacement.  THe 389.00 for 48 months...what was that on again?  and when was it purchased?  And, as much as I have argued against this in this thread, I'm considering getting it, the price be right.  So, I can buy my bike in NC, and get the YES from AL???

I have an 07 FJR due in May.  According to what I found on line, 4 years would cost 698 clams.  Are you saying D&H will be that?

[FJRmgm]

you can get the YES from D&H and it will be $389 or very close to that.

[Riceman]

you can get the YES from D&H and it will be $389 or very close to that.

Thanks for the info!  Now, I know how much the bike is, about how much the insurance and YES will be...just need the BIKE!   Come on May!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Mike]

I bought mine because of all the 'ticking' rumors going around. I got it D & H for $340 about a year ago, right before my 12 month warranty ran out. Did I waste my money? Maybe, 32K miles and no ticks! Figures!

Carl

I got mine from D & H as well, for about the same price, soon after buying the bike. The ticking started around 12,000 miles, and got pretty bad by around 32,000 miles. The ~$2200 repair bill was covered. At ~42,000 miles my ignition switch died; I don't remember exactly how much it would've cost me, but at the very least it was as much as the YES.

My advice: if you intend to put lots of miles on the bike, and/or to help maintain its resale value, YES is a good investment.

[Wanderer13]

When I bought my 2006 FJR last year, the dealer threw in a 3 year YES agreement as part of the deal.  You may want to try that when you negotiate your deal.  Statistically, if something is going to go wrong, it will happen in the first year.  On the other hand, any work done by the dealers not covered by the warranty are pretty expensive.  The question should be "If the bike has a serious mechanical problem after the warranty expires, can I afford to have it fixed?"  If you can, forget the warranty, otherwise you may want to consider it.

[Baz]

When I bought my 2006 FJR last year, the dealer threw in a 3 year YES agreement as part of the deal.  You may want to try that when you negotiate your deal.  Statistically, if something is going to go wrong, it will happen in the first year.  On the other hand, any work done by the dealers not covered by the warranty are pretty expensive.  The question should be "If the bike has a serious mechanical problem after the warranty expires, can I afford to have it fixed?"  If you can, forget the warranty, otherwise you may want to consider it.

The best you will do in my town is 300 Yamabucks, whjich could be put toward the $1200.00 3 year extended warranty plan.

I am still considering yes, but so far I am still on the fence.