Results of "By the TY Book" on Problem Solving

[4Fighter]

With all of the pandering to, and bashing of, Yamaha that frequently occurs here, I thought I would make a civil attempt to post MY latest experience in dealing with an issue I have, "By the TY book."

While conducting the preseason, preventive maintenance and preparation, which included over $300 in bogie wheels, bearings, bushings, misc clips, parts, and fasteners, etc... I ALMOST overlooked a very important part: The slide rail. Seems I was too caught-up in addressing the obvious (shredded wheels, dried out drive axle bearing, W-arm inspection, etc...) until I caught a post on here about cracked suspension rails. Hmm...everything seemed fine, and I didn't notice it when I changed teh rear axle wheels, but I better have a look...Sure enough, the EXACT same crack that was reported on here, including a sled just like mine ('07 Attak GT) and that was last Friday night.

So I figure at that point, I'm done wrenching cause now the extra warranty should start to pay for itself. Pulling/Installing a 136" mono by yourself is no picnic. Sat. I messed around for an hour, cleaning the garage, so I can get the thing out, and get my neighbor to help me pull the cap off my truck so I can load it and get it up to the dealership before they close. Mission accomplished. I dropped the sled off, 10 min. before they closed for the weekend, then I patiently wait until Monday to talk to the dealer. Which I will add, is THE BEST, I have no complaints or issues with them or the level of service I receive from them, NONE, ZIP, ZERO not even a greasy hand print on the plastic. It's important to point out that this is the first step in getting help with a problem with your Yamaha - consulting your Dealer.

Step 2.

Monday,I receive a call back stating that the rail WILL NOT be covered under the Y.E.S. plan (4 yrs.) and I was told why: It's not considered a defect in manufacturing. So they gave me the number to Yamaha's Customer Service. I can appreciate the fact that they aren't going to eat a rail, or the work to change one - it's a Royal PITA. So I called them yesterday, later in the afternoon for assistance. Here's where the rubber meets the road: If anyone has the Y.E.S. plan I suggest you read the contract very closely. You might be surprised to find that your skis, track, wheels, hyfax/rails are specifically NOT covered. Hyfax is a no-brainer but because /rail was conveniently thrown in there in black & white, I had no leg to stand on. None of the typical Customer reasoning prevailed either (Great product, overall satisfied, disappointed that I can't ride, etc... not even begging)

But the good in all of this is, TY, because MY next step will simply be to either part the skid out (using TY classifieds) and buy something else, or reinforce the rails (using information found on TY). While I'm at it, I may as well ship the skid off to Welterracer for a PC job too (Supporting TY member business).

I'm still disappointed that the extra cash for the Y.E.S. went bust, and I did lose more riding time and money now but you can only expect so much from Yamaha, just like any other OEM but eventually, I will ride again. However, I cannot say for certain that I'll keep the Y.E.S. warranty though and that's my decision to make.

 

[kinger]

I never get the warranty's anymore, used to on everything and with all the money spent I could have a new toy. Surprised they consider the rail a 'wear' item like hyfax good grief.

Throw a ZX2 in there and never look back again. Take it out for your next sled and move it to that, etc. It is very tough and I love mine!

 

[Kevin Garceau]

Thats not a bad plan...then send that rail out in the summer to get fixed or pick up a used one from a parted skid etc. Put it back together and can sell it or swap it backc in when you go to sell the Attak

 

[SnoWarrior]

So far my YES warranty has covered:

1 - new engine with carb rack complete including labor for installation (check my post to see my engine blew and caught on fire.)
2 - oil changes and filter from dealer
1 - new hood with decals
1 - new battery
Some wiring and hoses
8 - exhaust donuts
8 - exhaust clamps
2 - exhaust manifold gaskets
16 - exhaust header bolts
2 - y-pipes (titanium)
2 - gaskets that go from back of y-pipes to exhaust pipes
all the hardware for the y-pipes and plastic plugs under the seat
1 - new black and silver seat cover

The exaust donuts and y-pipes I did myself. All of the work when the engine blew was done by the dealer. The warranty was up just a few months.

I would not even want to think how much this cost Yamaha. The labor rate was $90.00 an hour.

All I can say is the YES was good for me, or I would have had to junk the sled and try to collect on the insurance.

 

[RobX-1]

I think a lot of what Yamaha will cover under the YES depends on how much the dealer works with you. I know I was surprised when they covered that POS stock track on my 03 considering the YES stated the track was considered a normal wear item. However, when I went to the dealer and stated that lugs shouldn't be tearing off with only 500 miles they agreed and worked with Yamaha to cover the track. Yamaha even went a step further and not only replaced the track but allowed me to upgrade to a different track; I just had to pay the difference.

Depending on many years you have left on the YES, if I'm not mistaken, can't you cancel the YES and they will pro-rate the cost of the extended warranty and refund the balance. The reason I mention this is because when I was pleading my case for the track, this was something I mentioned to my dealer. If the YES wasn't going to cover it, I might as well terminate the warranty and get some of my money back.

 

[welterracer]

My yes has covered..

Y-pipes and gaskets.. (over $700)

Bogie wheels

Front suspension bushings

radator due to broken brackts ($200)

2 rear shocks (at $1500 each)

I can say ive gotton my moneys worth..

 

[4Fighter]

Thanks for the encouragement guys. I'll just fix it and go riding so I can put this behind me ASAP. Fixing it and selling the skid/shock and YES to get a ZX2 will need a little more consideration.

 

[welterracer]

Your dealer must trust you or know you personally.. It helps to give your dealer X-mas presents and buy them drinks (when you see them out)

I know alot of my stuff wouldnt be covered by warranty if i didnt have an IN at the dealership..

Dealer co-operation is KEY..

 

[bashley]

I went through a similar situation with my rear suspension.
My "W" arm and rail were cracked, shock worn out, and rubber bump stops were toast.

I had the suspension out, due to new track install, and took it to the dealer. Got a call back and they said Yamaha would cover the parts but not the warranty because it was "Abuse". My sled only had 1850 miles on it and it's an '06, it "shouldn't" have failed this early.

Well after a call to customer service to question that if this was abuse, why did they update the "W" arm with a stronger updated version. After a short, somewhat heated (on my part), conversation she told me the dealer was the one that determined it was abuse and that she would call them to clarify.

So after a day of playing "He said, she said" Yammi covered everyting except the rubber bump stops, and I talked the dealer into installing 4 new wheels and both sets of bump stops for nothing since I saved half the time by removing the skid myself.

So yes it does help to become friends with the dealer, but it also helps to call both sides to the carpet if you feel like you're not getting treated right.

 

[Sled Dog]

The sad part is though Yamaha should not make its customers jump through hoops to get warranty. They paid for the parts anyhow in bashley's case and they could of lost a customer both yamaha and the dealer. How can that be good for business for the dealer and Yamaha?

 

[4Fighter]

Well I fixed it - gee I wish my camera was working. I fabbed two support brackets out of 1/4" x 2.5 Alum., similar to others, and took the rails to a Machine Shop to get the cracks repaired and the brackets welded on. I have about $8 in material and $40 in labor to have them welded on, and the holes filled and re-drilled/aligned.

 

[yamadog1]

miles

sounds good i new you could fix it., now go put some miles and it will be worth it, have a safe winter. yamadog1