Extended Warranty
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 3,832
Likes: 127
From: Coastal Carolina
An extended warranty does not have that open ended potential liability. The things that can go wrong are relatively finite and predictable. The warranty provider's actuaries calculate what repairs are reasonably likely to be necessary, calculates the costs of those repairs and then charges you more than that. Very simple math. They win almost all the time.
As others have recommended, take the amount you would spend on the warranty and put it in a bank. Likely you'll never need it and you'll end up way ahead. If you do, it will be there.
Road Master
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 992
Likes: 2
From: TN
These are not really warranties at all.
They are 3rd party insurance plans. And on average they take in way more money than they ever pay out.
They are betting that nothing goes wrong with you bike during the covered period.
You are betting that enough goes wrong, that the cost of fixing it would be more than the price you payed out for the plan.
Take that $1,849 and put it in the bank for when the time "might" come you need it.
There is a much greater chance that you will have money left over at the end of 3 years.
They are 3rd party insurance plans. And on average they take in way more money than they ever pay out.
They are betting that nothing goes wrong with you bike during the covered period.
You are betting that enough goes wrong, that the cost of fixing it would be more than the price you payed out for the plan.
Take that $1,849 and put it in the bank for when the time "might" come you need it.
There is a much greater chance that you will have money left over at the end of 3 years.
Road Warrior
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 1,979
Likes: 4
From: Central IL
It is very different than the insurance you have on your cars. The biggest reason to have car insurance is to cover the unlimited liability if you injure someone else. If it was just collision coverage, to fix damages to your own car, you'd probably never buy it. In fact, half the time you don't even file a claim and just pay for the damages to your car yourself.
An extended warranty does not have that open ended potential liability. The things that can go wrong are relatively finite and predictable. The warranty provider's actuaries calculate what repairs are reasonably likely to be necessary, calculates the costs of those repairs and then charges you more than that. Very simple math. They win almost all the time.
As others have recommended, take the amount you would spend on the warranty and put it in a bank. Likely you'll never need it and you'll end up way ahead. If you do, it will be there.
An extended warranty does not have that open ended potential liability. The things that can go wrong are relatively finite and predictable. The warranty provider's actuaries calculate what repairs are reasonably likely to be necessary, calculates the costs of those repairs and then charges you more than that. Very simple math. They win almost all the time.
As others have recommended, take the amount you would spend on the warranty and put it in a bank. Likely you'll never need it and you'll end up way ahead. If you do, it will be there.
The insurance companies similarly weigh the cost vs the likelihood of paying a claim. The only REAL difference between the two is that the EW cost the same whether I ride the **** out my bike and have 10 claims in 5 years or if I putt around like I'm in a parade and have none. Have 10 claims in 5 years and what happens to your insurance premiums (if you can even still get coverage)?
Oh, and the EW cost doesn't go up no matter how many speeding tickets I get.
Personally, I don't have an EW. I trade bikes every 2 years.
Cruiser
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 169
Likes: 0
From: Colorado
+1 with Joe.1955, if you plan on racking up the miles then not a bad idea at all. I learned the hard way after you put 50k on them parts can start to start to break down, and I did not abuse my 09 ultra and it was well maintained. When I bought my 13 Roady purchased the ESP, put 21k on the first year will see if I made the right choice or not in a few years.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 3,542
Likes: 161
From: Booming metropolis
If you are going to leave it mostly stock and ride the bike often 20-30k a year, I would get it in a heart beat. I would get the 3 year one.
I had it but cancelled since my motor isn't stock, nor my wheels, exhaust bars clutch and other stuff.
I had it but cancelled since my motor isn't stock, nor my wheels, exhaust bars clutch and other stuff.
Road Master
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 1,062
Likes: 191
From: Boise, Idaho
I just purchased a 2011 Street Glide with under 5K miles and am thinking about getting an extended warranty. Price I'm being quoted is...
1 YEAR $1249
2 YEAR $1569
3 YEAR $1849
$50.00 deductible per claim. Is this a good price for an extended warranty? Do most people think this is something worth getting? I'm leaning towards getting the 2 or 3 year, just for the peace of mind. Would appreciate some feedback. Thank you in advance.
1 YEAR $1249
2 YEAR $1569
3 YEAR $1849
$50.00 deductible per claim. Is this a good price for an extended warranty? Do most people think this is something worth getting? I'm leaning towards getting the 2 or 3 year, just for the peace of mind. Would appreciate some feedback. Thank you in advance.
My 2012 FLHTK with 31,000 miles is currently in the shop.
Splines on shift shaft are stripped so a new shift shaft is in order.
Something came apart in the cam chest and allowed the gear and chain set to rub on the inner cover. I'm not sure exactly what happened here I was just notified by phone that my bike would be down awhile for repairs.
They were checking out the oil pump this afternoon. I was also having some difficulty with the TBW and they said a new throttle body was needed and an update the the wiring harness. I have no idea what these repairs will add up to although I'm sure it will be expensive. I do know it will only cost me the $50.00 deductable. So, in my opinion the extended warranty was well worth it as I still have 2 1/2 years left on it.
Good luck with your decision.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 3,504
Likes: 12
From: DOWN SOUTH
IMHO, its well worth it, it don't matter how many miles you ride each year, WHEN something breaks outside of the 2 yr warranty and you didn't get it, you are out of a bunch of money. I like the piece of mind myself. If I never use it, kewl, if something happens and it cost 4 grand to fix, its only 50 bucks out of my pocket until 2021. WELL worth it to me. I am not in a position to pay that much out of my wallet. Its up to you as to what you want to do. To me, it makes sense. Just sayin.
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
6 Weirdest Harley-Davidsons Ever Sold to the Public
Verdad Gallardo
7 Times Harley-Davidson Chucked Tradition Out the Window
Verdad Gallardo
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 3,808
Likes: 285
From: Green Country Oklahoma
You should be able to get 5 yrs for 2 grands, but you only need it if you are going to ride the crap out of the damn thing otherwise save your money if you are planning to do what previous owner did.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 3,492
Likes: 610
From: USA
I got the 7 year coverage when I bought my last 3 bikes. It worked out great for me on the 02 & 09. I have to see how trouble free the 14 is over the next few years. The 09 had the tire & wheel coverage. I broke even on that when the rear tire picked up a nail & had to be replaced. The ESP coverage has been well worth it for me & I would not buy a new bike without it.