beware Harley new ESP
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Road Captain
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 512
Likes: 200
From: dunedin, fl
beware Harley new ESP
Smartsports V-Twin is the esp i bought last winter from Bert's. I used an indy for lifter problem, and was told anything within 50 miles, and dealer had to do repair work! obviously, the dealer didn't mention that and stated i had a choice as long as i paid the $100 copay. duh, the lesson here is always read the fine print! Harley used different vendor before and there was no problem. I will cancel and try to get Jim Palmer to take over. I am on the hook for the lifter job, and can only blame myself. everyone has to eat, and Harley stock tells a sad story. Will inform after I talk to Jim Palmer.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 13,596
Likes: 11,292
From: State of Confusion
Smartsports V-Twin is the esp i bought last winter from Bert's. I used an indy for lifter problem, and was told anything within 50 miles, and dealer had to do repair work! obviously, the dealer didn't mention that and stated i had a choice as long as i paid the $100 copay. duh, the lesson here is always read the fine print! Harley used different vendor before and there was no problem. I will cancel and try to get Jim Palmer to take over. I am on the hook for the lifter job, and can only blame myself. everyone has to eat, and Harley stock tells a sad story. Will inform after I talk to Jim Palmer.
"beware Harley new ESP"
is 'Bert's' the name of a Harley Dealership that sold you what they said was the Official Harley ESP service provider?SmartSports V-Twin is not the official Harley-Davidson Extended Service Plan (ESP) provider.
SmartSports is a third-party, aftermarket protection program developed by Smart AutoCare.
Here are the key distinctions:
- Official H-D ESP: The official Harley-Davidson Extended Service Plan is generally underwritten by CNA National Warranty Corporation and sold through authorized Harley-Davidson dealerships.
- SmartSports V-Twin: This is a separate, aftermarket warranty program designed for new and used V-twin motorcycles, including coverage for some performance parts and aftermarket accessories, which often differs from the stricter OEM plan.
HDF Community Team
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 2,351
Likes: 2,309
From: Wisconsin
It's best to buy an ESP that lists what is not covered, not what is covered. An "exclusionary" plan covers all repairs and mechanical components except for a specific list of excluded items. This provides more comprehensive protection than stated-component "inclusionary" policies that never list the over 1000 different parts in the motorcycle. Be sure to get a plan that covers the computer modules on the bike.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 13,596
Likes: 11,292
From: State of Confusion
maybe choose your words more thoughtfully..perhaps 'generally' or 'often times' proven to not be worthwhile, etc. .. they have paid off several times for us over the long haul.. I sure as %$#& ain't keeping this new bike past the factory 2 year without one..and I have documented very good reasons to get one
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2017
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From: Omaha,NE
maybe choose your words more thoughtfully..perhaps 'generally' or 'often times' proven to not be worthwhile, etc. .. they have paid off several times for us over the long haul.. I sure as %$#& ain't keeping this new bike past the factory 2 year without one..and I have documented very good reasons to get one
Never, never, never.
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 13,596
Likes: 11,292
From: State of Confusion
Money in the bank is YOUR money. Anything else is giving it away. ESPs are insurance companies. I've dealt with them for many years in my extensive career in the automotive industry. They are a ripoff. Defend it if you must, but I've seen many denials that should have been covered. They are 'for profit' companies. You might go to the casino and win a few times, but in the end, you lose.
Never, never, never.
Never, never, never.
edit: another point, you are well aware of in your dealings with them is..they are HIGHLY negotiable..I know how to be shrewd in spending my money and never have paid anywhere close to what they initially throw out there..I have actually only purchased these a few times over 20 years and a dozen new Harleys, and declined the rest because they just weren't worth it to me...one recent experience I had was on my 24 RG and I declined the Tire and Wheel coverage which would have been about $300 for 5 years..a month later this happened and I paid $1600 out of pocket for it
but it was the first time I ever had that happen and saved well over $1600 from declining the coverage for so long..I still won't ever buy T&W because I can afford that repair, and honestly if I hit things like that more it may be the least of my worries, I got very lucky. I had my engine replaced with about 6 months left on the factory 2 year warranty on my 24, that would have been ~$10,000 out of pocket..bottom line, it's up to the person whose money and risk tolerance matters
Last edited by mjwebb; Apr 27, 2026 at 06:16 PM.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2020
Posts: 8,108
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From: central NC
A little side note, Hendrick owns 94+ auto dealerships. It was told to me by and F&I manager who worked for a Hendrick dealer for many years, that the way he buys dealerships is from the profits from aftermarket auto warranties. Nothing wrong or illegal about that, but they make bank on those sales.
For people who can’t afford pricey vehicle repairs off the hip, I say get a warranty. I personally can afford those repairs.
For people who can’t afford pricey vehicle repairs off the hip, I say get a warranty. I personally can afford those repairs.