I'm new here and already in demand of answers. I hope someone can help me out.

Does it void the warranty if I install forward controls on a 2013 883N myself and how difficult is it for someone who never worked on a motorcycle before?

A different question: Would you recommend buying a 883 Iron now or wait for the 2014 version till end of August?

 

There is no manufacturer that can VOID a warranty.

You can wait for the next model year bikes your whole life. Trust me I have friends that constantly say "I want a new bike, but I am going to wait to see what they change next year." That same person has been riding the same old bike for 8 years now as he waits to see what they do next.

If you like and want the bike, buy it!

 

Manufacturers absolutely can void the warranty for many things, however this is not one of them. On a 10-point scale I'd rate forwards/passenger pegs as a 3. A 1 would be starting your bike.

As far as new model goes, there aren't any major changes this year I'm aware of. You'll probably get a better deal on a 2013.

 

If you can handle a wrench you can handle installing forward controls. the pipes side will be a little more trick, but overall not difficult.

Working on your bike yourself will NOT void your warranty. Wrench away.

 

What sort of things can they void your warranty for?

 

If you wait a few more weeks until the 14's come out, the dealership will prob make you a great deal on the 2013. That's what I did, closed the deal Aug 14 just as the newer models were trickling in. They came off the MSRP 1800.00 with no freight or setup fees. If they don't come off the price and sweeten the deal up, buy a 2014.

 

The best deal I got is around $9500 out the door here in California (incl. fees and taxes). Just to get it right: What did you end up paying? I am playing with the idea to get a 2013 used with windshield and leather saddlebags for about $7200 with 3000 miles on it. What do you guys think? It just got serviced and is in great condition. A question for beginner: How do I figure out if it's a 2012 or 2013 model just from looking at it?

 

I would like to know what many things can void a warranty as well. There is a federal law that states that a manufacturer of anything cannot void a warranty. Rental Fleets and competition use are the only ones I know of.

However a manufacturer can in fact deny warranty claims all day long if they feel a modification was the cause.

 

Even though I am not able to see it as a post in my browser: Thank you jmale1972 for your answer. I just figured out that you can call a local HD Dealership with the VIN number of a pre-owned bike and he will tell you everything about the original owner, previous warranty claims, purchase date, factory warranty expiration date... very good to know. I will check that out tomorrow

 

You pretty much covered it. Misuse, fraud, salvage title, and acts of god are a few. Those void an entire warranty.

And as you said yourself, they can deny warranty claims if they prove whatever you did was the problem and not their own product. That is voiding a clause in the warranty.

As you can see there are lots of things that can cause all or part of your warranty to be void. Manufacturers have rights and protections just like consumers.