Aftermarket parts and insurance?

[Creeping Death]

I brought a bike off Trade Me,clicked the "buy now"so it's done.Now,my question is,I have aftermarket pipes(Two Brothers)but have the original ones too,and an Ohlins shock fitted.When I rang to get it insured they asked me "does it have any non factory parts or has it been altered in any way?".first thing in my head was "No",now I'm kinda worried,if you replace a part ie:shocks to another brand,would this invalid your insurance?Again,if you replace your tyres with a different brand would this invalidate your insurance?Thanx for your advice and sorry if it's been asked heaps.Cheers.

[geoffm]

Make sure you declare it on the insruance application and the value, otherwise that Ohlins shock (whcih is worth good money) won't be included in the value. I have never had an issue with pipes or shocks with insurance if it is declared. THey do have problems with more major mods.
Most aftermarket pieps are cheaper than the OEM anyway, so the insurance company has less exposure.

[cameltoe]

i went to my insurance company(state) last week coz I wana spend some cash on my bike. they said as long as the total cost isnt more than 25% of the value of the bike($1750) and that is doesnt hugely change the performance its sweet as.

[tzrmike]

i went to my insurance company(state) last week coz I wana spend some cash on my bike. they said as long as the total cost isnt more than 25% of the value of the bike($1750) and that is doesnt hugely change the performance its sweet as.

Get it in writing, those weasel mother-f@#kers will try anything to get out of paying.

[Gremlin]

With Kiwibike, I've emailed them shots of the bike, and they have a full list of all the mods that has been done to the bike.

They do start getting a little wary when the list grows (particulary engine mods) because they work on the assumption that if you are doing it, you "need" / are using it... makes them a little nervous

[kiwifruit]

Just keep the insurance company in the loop, they will be fine.

[imdying]

they said as long as the total cost isnt more than 25% of the value of the bike($1750) and that is doesnt hugely change the performance its sweet as.

Another good reason why compulsory insurance can go fuck itself... You can modify your bike as much as you like, but on top of the modifications price, they'll rape you in the arse over how much it is to insure.

[The Pastor]

But like they are going to pull the engine to bits to check if it has bigger cams or count the teeth on the rear sprocket....

Although my bike is missing an airbox.......

[vifferman]

Although my bike is missing an airbox.......

That's not a mod - it's a defect.

Like has been said, there are basically two reasons for the insurance company wanting to know about mods: one is exposure - they don't want you suddenly saying you crashed your bike and the solid platinum handlebars are fookt.
The second one is that some mods are an indication that you're a hoon, They're very quick to refuse insurance to young men whose vehicles are festooned with go-fast parts like turbos, lowered suspension, winder wheels etc. Not only does it imply you're likely to be a BoiRacR, but it increases the likelihood of your vehicle being stolen to order for the parts.
Best policy is honesty, because they will decline any insurance claim if you haven't been honest, and there's nothing you can do about that. Better to find out up front if there's any problems.

[The Pastor]

That's not a mod - it's a defect.

Like has been said, there are basically two reasons for the insurance company wanting to know about mods: one is exposure - they don't want you suddenly saying you crashed your bike and the solid platinum handlebars are fookt.
The second one is that some mods are an indication that you're a hoon, They're very quick to refuse insurance to young men whose vehicles are festooned with go-fast parts like turbos, lowered suspension, winder wheels etc. Not only does it imply you're likely to be a BoiRacR, but it increases the likelihood of your vehicle being stolen to order for the parts.
Best policy is honesty, because they will decline any insurance claim if you haven't been honest, and there's nothing you can do about that. Better to find out up front if there's any problems.

or do what i do and give the insurance companys the finger

[The Stranger:Me]

That's not a mod - it's a defect.

Like has been said, there are basically two reasons for the insurance company wanting to know about mods: one is exposure - they don't want you suddenly saying you crashed your bike and the solid platinum handlebars are fookt.
The second one is that some mods are an indication that you're a hoon, They're very quick to refuse insurance to young men whose vehicles are festooned with go-fast parts like turbos, lowered suspension, winder wheels etc. Not only does it imply you're likely to be a BoiRacR, but it increases the likelihood of your vehicle being stolen to order for the parts.
Best policy is honesty, because they will decline any insurance claim if you haven't been honest, and there's nothing you can do about that. Better to find out up front if there's any problems.

Of course, the other side of the coin is when you bin the bike, if you haven't declared the Ohlins and the Power Commander, you simply whip them off and sell them separately. They know as well as we do that they don't increase the value of a bike piss all - if any. You aren't going to get any more out of them for declaring your mods.

[Creeping Death]

But if I were to declare it to them now(it's been insured for about 5 weeks) whats to say my insurance is immediatly cancelled and a "special note"placed on my bikes record(well they have the VIN number etc)telling other potential insurers of these mods?Perhaps the best idea is DON'T bin it and DON'T get it stolen aye!Cheers!

[ynot slow]

Tell them you have added a couple of things to the bike,add you are just informing them of it as stated in your policy,they then think you're a great guy who lets them know minor details,brownie points for you then.

[Creeping Death]

Tell them you have added a couple of things to the bike,add you are just informing them of it as stated in your policy,they then think you're a great guy who lets them know minor details,brownie points for you then.

Very clever thinking mate!Might just try that!Cheers.

[The Stranger:Me]

But if I were to declare it to them now(it's been insured for about 5 weeks) whats to say my insurance is immediatly cancelled and a "special note"placed on my bikes record(well they have the VIN number etc)telling other potential insurers of these mods?Perhaps the best idea is DON'T bin it and DON'T get it stolen aye!Cheers!

Don't be so paranoid.
It's going to hurt like fuck if you have a bin AND you have paid out a grand in insurance AND they decline the claim because you didn't comply with the contract.
IF (and that's a big if) they decline to insure you because of the mods best you find out now and can do something about it, like go to an insurer that will insure you.