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I wish I didn't have or need ESP. I've saved a lot of money ( not enough to pay for ESP yet ) using it but I'd really rather have saved the $2K I paid for it. It's a pain in the *** to bring the bike to the dealer, waiting for the repairs. Then I might have to get a ride home and a ride back to pick up the bike. I could used that wasted time be riding somewhere else.
I know a bunch of people with Harleys and they don't have many problems, but they don't ride the miles I do. The more you ride it, the more chances for it to break, I guess. I also understand that most don't require a lot of repairs or ESP would go broke. I'd really rather be one of the guys who says "ESP is a waste of money-mine never breaks".
Overall, I'm happy with my bike and I have a great dealer with HD of Baton Rouge. When I walk in they smile and say "What broke this time?"
I am not as financially fortunate as most of you folks and until I find a bag of money laying alongside the road I am perfectly content with my 01 Road King. Never had any problems other than a couple very minor issues which were quickly and inexpensively resolved. Do I want another bike? Of course but doubt I would go with extended warranty.
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Slideshow: The bar-and-shield logo shows up on far more than motorcycles, some of the company's most unexpected products have nothing to do with riding.
Slideshow: From the troubled AMF years to modern misfires, these bikes earned reputations for reliability issues, questionable engineering, or disappointing performance.
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Slideshow: The Swiss custom shop has taken a Harley Softail and stretched it into something so long and low that it looks closer to a rolling sculpture than a conventional motorcycle.
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Slideshow: A standard cruiser becomes an intricate metal canvas in the hands of a Swiss custom house known for pushing Harley-Davidson platforms far beyond their factory brief.
Slideshow: Harley-Davidson's challenges aren't abstract; they show up in dropping shipments, shrinking dealer traffic, and strategic decisions that aren't yet translating into growth.