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Makes And Models => Zero Motorcycles Forum | 2013+ => Topic started by: gyrocyclist on April 13, 2017, 04:53:32 AM

Title: extended warranty: is it worth it?
Post by: gyrocyclist on April 13, 2017, 04:53:32 AM
I'm considering purchasing an extended warranty for my 2016 SR (so far 4K miles -- 6.4km). Questions I have:

Did you buy an extended warranty?

If yes, how much did it cost?
If you know, do costs differ WRT where you live (country/state/province)?
Do you consider it a good investment?

If no, do you wish you had?

Any and all other comments welcomed!
Title: Re: extended warranty: is it worth it?
Post by: Kocho on April 13, 2017, 06:13:02 AM
I did not know extended warranty was available from Zero. Or are you thinking after market?

Also, does anyone know if extended warranty can be purchased at any time before the factory warranty expires?
Title: extended warranty: is it worth it?
Post by: BrianTRice@gmail.com on April 13, 2017, 08:41:47 AM
I think this is new for 2017 models? I'd like some clarification on what we're talking about.
Title: Re: extended warranty: is it worth it?
Post by: hubert on April 13, 2017, 09:41:44 PM
Is it offered by Zero? Or by an "insurance company"? Check the exclusions list. Battery...
Title: Re: extended warranty: is it worth it?
Post by: Doug S on April 13, 2017, 10:55:56 PM
Defining "worth it" is the problematic part. Virtually all warranties aren't "worth it" in the sense that it's a bet you're hoping you lose (you're betting your equipment will fail, in which case you collect the cost of repair or replacement), and more often than not, you pay more for the warranty than any service/parts/replacement the warranty covers.

But it's a very different story in terms of peace of mind and how expensive it can be if something DOES happen. Virtually nobody with a mortgage doesn't have homeowners' insurance, and rightly so...the potential for loss can easily be permanently life-changing. Even though homeowners' insurance may be pricey, it's a fool (or a wealthy person who can afford to self-insure) who has a mortgage and doesn't have it.

So it's a numbers game. If the stars (mis)aligned and your battery failed just out of warranty, would you be catastrophically affected or could you scrape up the money to repair it? That's the downside of not having an extended warranty. The upside is not having the payments. So it's a small chance (5%?) of a major expense versus the certainty of a somewhat smaller expense.

Keep in mind that the insurance companies are NOT in business to pay out more than they take in, on average, and extended warranties are some of the most lucrative for them.
Title: Re: extended warranty: is it worth it?
Post by: gyrocyclist on April 14, 2017, 03:11:25 AM
I think this is new for 2017 models? I'd like some clarification on what we're talking about.
When I bought my bike the dealer offered an extended warranty. I assumed (yes, I know I shouldn't do that) it was offered by Zero. After much googling I'm now pretty sure it has nothing to do with the Zero company.
Title: Re: extended warranty: is it worth it?
Post by: nevetsyad on April 14, 2017, 04:17:15 AM
My Zeros are breaking every thousand miles, I recommend the extended warranty. These bikes spend MONTHS in the shop, and you don't want to be paying out of pocket for it. About to have both of mine in there together, since my wife's bike failed at 80MPH just now while I was riding it because my Zero has been in the shop again the last month.
Title: Re: extended warranty: is it worth it?
Post by: pacificcricket on April 18, 2017, 03:03:49 AM
Mine is 2014 DS with 21 thousand miles on it. So far I had a defective motor, defective front ball bearings, defective rear shock, defective charger. I would totally get extended warranty if I could.
Title: Re: extended warranty: is it worth it?
Post by: Seeth on April 18, 2017, 11:10:18 AM
This topic is highly relevant to me. I should be picking up my 2017 S this Friday, I'm sure it's something that will be offered - what should I look for, and what sort of cost is reasonable?
I am pretty inexperienced around that.
Title: Re: extended warranty: is it worth it?
Post by: Kocho on April 18, 2017, 06:36:11 PM
Electric vehicles are often not well-covered by "standard" warranty plans that leave loopholes or out right exclude components like the battery. So look for specific coverage for the "special" Zero components, like the frame, charger, controller, battery, and other electronics. The rest is standard motorcycle stuff any garage can deal with and relatively inexpensive.