Does track use void warranty?

yetidave · 10-04-2004, 08:48 AM

I've been hearing stories about some of the Jap manufacturers voiding the warranties on bikes they can prove have been to the track. Does anyone know if BMW will do the same? This is a question I should have asked before posting pictures of myself on my bike at the track all over the internet.

repoe3 · 10-04-2004, 09:04 AM

stories it sounds like. there is a marked difference between track use and closed course competition use. one is experienced riding clinics versus racing. people often twist the truth when it comes to claims.

repoe3

Bob Hancock · 10-04-2004, 09:06 AM

I can't imagine just riding on the track will void your warranty. If, however, you race prep it, which means a lot more than prepping the bike for a track day, I can see a voided warranty. FWIW, I've ridden trackdays sponsored by Ducati dealers on my Duc's and have ridden my '99 S on Road Atlanta with a BMW dealer wrench who was also riding an S and never had the issue come up.
I suspect you are safe doing trackdays....maybe not racing.
My 2cents.

steve abella · 10-04-2004, 01:28 PM

I think that they should include a coupon book with every purchase

ejfbmw · 10-04-2004, 03:00 PM

Short answer is no (at least not yet ; ). My local shop knows I do track days/race.

WERA 261
NESBA 61

on2wheels52 · on2wheels52's Garage

Car & Driver noted similar complaint on one of the Oriental auto makes.

Jim

peakrunner · 10-04-2004, 07:27 PM

I don't think that your warranty will be void. However, some insurance companies will not cover you if you crash on the track.

PFFOG · 10-05-2004, 02:17 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by peakrunner
I don't think that your warranty will be void. However, some insurance companies will not cover you if you crash on the track.

Most insurance policies say no coverage for "Timed competition" or "speed contests". Track days are neither, they are skill development....and just plain fun!

Bob Hancock · 10-05-2004, 05:44 AM

When I took my 916 off the road intending to use it for trackdays only I had a long discussion with my insurance company (USAA). Basically they didn't want to insure the bike at all (liability, theft) if it was used on the track at all and wanted me to sign a statement saying I wouldn't file for anything track related. I reminded them that normal traffic accidents always come with a police report so not to worry.
Point is....some insurance companies are nervous about any track use and your coverage may not cover unless you misrepresent the event....not a good idea imho.
FWIW,

Doogie Howser · 10-05-2004, 05:58 AM

As Jim noted above, there was a letter to the editor about this very subject in a recent Car and Driver magazine.

I can't remember the japanese auto mfg. that was doing it, but they had scoured internet boards and groups relating to racing their brand, and voided all of the warranties of the individuals they could identify.

Sure wish I could remember the mfg. It would be interesting to find out if their is any truth behind this rumor. If it is true, this would CERTAINLY be a mfg. to avoid. I've already been the victim of VW's "creative warranty" practices.

repoe3 · 10-05-2004, 06:21 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Doogie Howser
I've already been the victim of VW's "creative warranty" practices.

with the recent extension to the engine warranty...i would be ready to go to battle with VW should they refuse a warranty claim...but, i really cant complain about mine...it has served me well for over 50k miles and doesnt even act like funny.

i know several people that use their cars on the track for auto-track days and they too suffer from time to time with claims. brakes seems to be a issue. some manufacturers dump big HP engines in the vehicle and then neglect to equip adequate brakes and/or suspension...resulting in premeature failure...they refuse to cover (usually after one instance) if the vehicle is conitnued to be used in such a manner.

repoe3

yetidave · 10-05-2004, 06:28 AM

The reason I brought this up is because a friend of mine blew the engine in his 4 month old R1 on the track, and Yamaha voided his warranty. When the bike was dropped off at the dealer he still had his shift pattern written on a piece of tape on his gas tank. One of the mechanics notified Yamaha that this was an indication that the bike had been on the track, based on that alone, they voided his warranty.

Nitro · Nitro's Garage

Even waxing you bike voids the warranty! BMW of NA will find any excuse not to pay warranty issues. Removing the charcoal cannister, putting an exhaust, and other things that we normally do will void the warranty. Bet your bank account if your bike brakes on the race track and BMW NA knows about it be ready to pay big bucks.

I am very happy with my S but extremely disappointed with BMW CS.

Enough said. Love

ckcarr · ckcarr's Garage

I'd be more worried about insurance. Is it covered if you wreck it?

yetidave · 10-05-2004, 06:47 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by ckcarr
I'd be more worried about insurance. Is it covered if you wreck it?

Nope and that goes thru my head everytime I'm thinking about stuffing someone up the inside of a turn.

yetidave · 10-05-2004, 06:56 AM

I stand corrected. I just called and talked to an agent at Dairyland. She told me that as long as my laps are not being timed, I'm covered. Thats not what my agent told me.

Thats a load off my mind.

steve abella · 05:22 PM

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Nitro
[B]Even waxing you bike voids the warranty! BMW of NA will find any excuse not to pay warranty issues>>>>

Don't know about the Track issue but
I have had exactly the opposite experience they repaired my RT when road debris took out the alternator belt on a bike that was 2 months out of warranty , and when a bike 6 months out of warranty developed a rear main seal that took out my clutch they provide free parts (not labor)

I think that this is somewhat dealer dependent but this is why I keep coming back to BMW