Ask the Editors: Can You Get a New Crated ATV?
Wanted to Buy: New in Box.
These things aren’t cheap and I don’t want one already used.
Also does anyone know how much the motors are run after assembly at the plant that makes them? Thanks.
Let’s start with the last part of your question first – Most factories will put just enough fuel and oil in to ensure that the engine will run properly before draining out the fluids and packing them up. The runtime varies but is almost always under a minute. Why do they do this? Simple – when it comes to just precise tolerances, factory equipment will invariable slide out of spec over time. If there is an error in manufacture that goes unchecked for dozens, hundreds or thousands of units, the warranty repair potential would be catastrophic.
As for the first part of your question, the answer is maybe. We called dealerships from several manufacturers and a majority of them state that they are bound by the manufacturers to oversee final assembly, fluid leveling and initial tuning. The reason for this isn’t to have a field day on someone else’s equipment but to keep them from facing warranty repair claims from improperly tightened bolts or inadequate lubrication.
In other words, that checklist the dealership mechanic goes through before the machine goes out to the showroom floor exists so that should your handlebars fly off when you’re pinned around a tight corner, they can be certain when it left their possession, the fasteners were properly installed and torqued to factory specifications.
There is another aspect that most consumers fail to consider. For a majority of the major brands it is a very long and arduous trek from the factory (often in Asia) to the hub to the individual dealerships. Even crated up, each machine is stacked and unstacked several times via forklift, tossed around on ships sometimes for months on end. Uncrating the machine allows the dealer to inspect for any damage that may have occurred in transit.
However, some did say that under special circumstances, they would be willing to accommodate a crated request – particularly where back stock or “leftover” machinery is concerned that precludes it from factory warranty already. One rep said it never hurts to ask – if you are willing to sign a factory warranty waiver before pickup, the odds increase in your favor.
Almost any dealer will, however, work with you if you wish to have them uncrate and prep the machine while you’re on hand. When it comes to earning your business, don’t be afraid to voice your concerns of break in use and ask what they are willing to do to help.
