I am currently in the process of shopping for a new bike. I have decided to move forward with the 2019 Tri Glide. Any thoughts or recommendations on the Extended Service Plan with Harley or go aftermarket. Thanks

 

Depends, you will get a lot of thoughts and I am sure some recommendations. My thought is that if it does not break or get recalled in the two year warranty that Harley provides then it is not going to break. Of course I put at least 20,000 miles on a bike during the 2 year warranty period. Cost of the extended warranty would probably pay for repairs if something went wrong. Extended warranty's are a money maker for HD , car manufacturers and I expect aftermarket sellers.
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My main comeback when asked by a dealer if I want and extended warranty and they use scare tactics on what stuff will cost to repair is: "so your telling me that after the initial warranty is up that I will have an inferior product that was manufactured by your company?" If I cannot break it during the initial 2 year warranty period it probably is not going to break. If it does then I repair it or pay to have it repaired.

 

Put the money you'd spend on an extended warranty plan into an account. If you need that money later on for unforeseen repairs, use it. If you don't, you now have money in your pocket.

Extended warranties are designed to take your money and generate profit for the company. Don't do it.

 

My experience with Harleys have all been models with Twin Cam motors from '99 to '12 model years and the reliability has not been good. Problems with compensators, starters, cam bearings, lifters were the major issues. But some electronics such as a wiring harness that caused a problem with the intercom system were not mechanical problems. I now have an '18 TG which of course has the newer M8 motor so I do hope it is more reliable. But I don't want to chance it and even though I never ever purchase service contracts for any other product I personally wouldn't own a Harley with an ESP contract. I suggest you check out Discount ESP which is a division of Boardtracker H-D dealership - www.discountesp.com They are much cheaper than the Harley sponsored ESP and my dealer has no problem accepting them and I don't think other dealers would either.

 

I think it all depends on how many miles you ride annually and how long you intend to keep your trike.

I have a '13 CVO Ultra that will be under the ESP until September, 2019.
The only repair that I have had under the ESP has been a voltage regulator (maybe a $300 job) and had to have the radio rebuilt (probably a $800) job, so I'm a little behind vs the cost of the warranty but anything could go wrong with my bike even though I take excellent care of it.

I'm "on the fence" about the warranty (H-D ESP or an aftermarket brand) for my '18 Tri-Glide.
With the newer machines, you can't do much to the engine or exhaust system without voiding the warranty and with the aftermarket brands, a "pre-approval" is needed before any shop (dealer or indy) commences any repairs.
I did get the FULL (including tire and wheel) warranty on the CVO mainly because of the chrome mag wheels but I'm pondering if I need that on the Tri-Glide.

 

 

I've owned two Tri Glides. Both with extended warranties. Both warranties have more than paid for themselves. A common issue with the Trikes is the reverse going out. That is a $1000+ repair.

But it does depend on how many miles you intend on riding, conditions, etc.

Lots of electronics on these trikes that are not repairable...pull and replace. It can get expensive fast.

In the long run the companies selling them make $ because more often than not they collect more premiums than they pay out in repairs.

Generally the high mileage riders are the ones that beat the odds and get more work done than they paid out in premiums.

 

Just thought I'd ask this question:
Given the cost of the electric reverse motor, IF someone chose NOT to have an ESP (any brand) do you think the investment in a mechanical reverse upgrade be a good idea/investment?
I've yet to use my reverse once due to years of pulling trailers (via car/truck and bike) I instinctively park only where I can pull-thru and do not need to back up or out.