Ziens dilemma has hit Bandits Bikernet too. Fox News ran a story and so has Journal Sentinel reporter Rick Barrett. Below is from Bikernet. HARLEY-DAVIDSON TURNS DOWN THE MILLION MILE MAN-- “Beware – flying flags voids motorcycle warranty!” Anyone flying flags on motorcycle could be at risk to losing factory and extended warranty. A bizarre decision made the Harley-Davidson Company on Monday, May 12 will shock the Veteran, American and International motorcycle communities. Former State Senator, Dave Zien, Million Mile Motorcycle Man was “Blocked-Blackball” listed from all 7-year warranty power Train, engine, transmission, clutch etc. coverage because of flags being flown. No warning, no negotiation, no parameters given, no reason why. No other motorcycle manufacturer in the world discourages flags being flown on motorcycle. Members of patriotic groups who are amazed – some irate, are asking for an explanation. Flag color and movement on motorcycles increase awareness and stop accidents. Flags of all types are becoming more prominent. But the U.S. flag displays are most common, that proudly portrays red-blooded American patriotism. Zien’s 2014 Trike had only 15,000+ miles in 2 months. The northern Wisconsin coldest and most snowfall recorded since 1864, restricted riding time for all motorcyclists. Flying flags on motorcycles is a way of life for many. Patriotic Guard riders are famous for their participation at military functions and veteran funerals. Individuals from around the world proudly display their national pride, as was witnessed during the 110th Anniversary, August 2013 in Milwaukee. Zien a former Wisconsin lawmaker, Senate- Pro Tempore and Assistant Majority leader is unashamed of his Vietnam Veteran Combat Marine heritage. Permanently and totally disabled since 2006, he lost a leg 7 inches above the knee on a horrendous Florida crash March 2011. Since August 2011, he has logged 133,000+ miles on Harley trikes, which are handicapped modified. The 157 World motorcycle and flag records proclaimed by Zien, through God’s Grace, are in unique, some yet uncategorized arenas. Competition and challenges welcome. Only million-mile motorcycle, now at the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum and Hall of Fame South Dakota. Pictures and testimonials of motorcyclists with flags are requested to be sent to davezien@gmail Strong statements about safety, awareness and patriotism are being prepared. “Ain’t nobody gonna stop our flags, not even Corporate Harley-Davidson,” said Zien. For information – Contact former State Senator, (Million Mile Motorcycle Man) Dave Zien, 1716 63rd Street, Eau Claire, WI 54703 Phone: 715-874-6450 Home Cellphone: 715-829-9436 It was very disheartening to hear Harley-Davidson says your warranty is void because you fly flags. You’re internationally known and everyone knows you fly flags 24/7. Harley-Davidson knew this when they sold you the extended warranty. Now, to say it’s void is not only a slap in the face to a patriot who has supported and promoted Harley-Davidson for decades, it’s also total hypocrisy. According to the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act 15 U.S. C. 2302 (c), it has to be shown that the suspected conduct or accessory was the direct cause of a particular failure. To suspect your flags caused some kind of transmission failure is not in the spirit of the Magnuson-Moss Act. Further, to think the transmission would fail because of the wind drag caused by the flags begs to ask the question, what about a heavy passenger or gear on a bike. Would that cause a failure too? Does Harley-Davidson suggest carrying a passenger or heavy gear would void a warranty if transmission failure occurred? That’s not saying much for their transmissions. If you put a JIMS or Baker in your bike (the strongest transmissions made) would the warranty still be voided in the case of engine failure because you substituted your transmission (causing engine failure?). Again, not saying much for the engineering from Harley-Davidson. I think every H.O.G. Road Captain, every Patriot Guard Rider, every American Legion Rider and any patriotic American Harley-Davidson rider should be enraged at such a suggestion that flying a flay would void a warranty. I would hope and I ask every one of the above to write to the corporate office of Harley-Davidson and express a deep dissatisfaction with this position the factory is taking and express disappointment that the motor company is using flags as a means of voiding warranty’s or that their transmissions can’t handle wind drag. --Tony Pan Sanfelipo - See more at: bikernet/pages/STRANGE_AND_WONDERFUL_THURSDAY_NEWS_FOR_May_22_2014.aspx#sthash.riwpznwC.dpuf
Posted on: Fri, 23 May 2014 15:25:42 +0000