Clearly there are arguments pro and con for the ESP and it depends on the individual's perspective.

I'm on my second ESP ('13 CVO Ultra) and so far I am underwater on what I've paid vs what I've "used" (a voltage regulator at 25,000 miles) so far.
Currently, I have two years left and probably about 20,000 miles to ride on my ESP so only time will if mine is a return on investment.

In regards to putting money in the bank and letting it work for you (or me), in today's financial situation, if you put $ 2,000 in a checking, savings, or money market account where you have quick access to it, you will see very little paid interest added to your account monthly.

I do agree that by NOT buying a $ 2,000 "insurance policy" makes sense unless you have a serious breakdown, or even worse, multiple breakdowns and in such a situation, an ESP would be well worth the cost.

 

Yeah this, I don't have data to quote but if you look at what ESP costs compared to what the average expenses would be without it, the cost of paying the repairs (on average) will be lower or they wouldn't offer it. Exactly the same concept as term life insurance, in the end if the insurance companies didn't make money they wouldn't do it.

 

Any warranty purchase is betting against the house, and the house [I]usually[I] wins.Insurance know most warranties won't get used and its pure profit.

 

The whole of Western society, in fact!

And talking of houses, a few years ago we had our kitchen refitted and entirely new appliances installed. The total cost of the recommended ESPs amounting to the price of an extra new appliance! We didn't bite.

If I was using a bike as a year-round daily commuter (as I did in my earlier life) an ESP might be worth considering, but no way would I buy one for the leisure and occasional touring I do now.

 

I was looking at a plan offered by Discountesp.com and their plan mirrors the factory warranty on a Harley and it is offered for six years for $1000. I would not pay $2000. but $1000. seems pretty reasonable . I do have life insurance that will cover me for only another four years and I hope it was a waste of money !

 

Warranties are just insurance, of course they make money at it. When your new bike comes with a 2 yr warranty (insurance), the price of the insurance is hidden in the price of the bike. Nothing is free, except the money you pay for any insurance and its free (unearned)to the seller of the insurance.
Some people finance their bikes, they are also paying interest on the insurance (warranty), and the interest goes to the same people who sell insurance....bankers. Who are the same people who finance the purchase.
With all the economic mumbo jumbo removed, and the legalese omitted, what you finance and insurance contracts would say is..BEND OVER.

 

Hey pyeman.....looking back, how did the warranty work out for you? I'm looking at a 2011 110" CVO and have heard that these motors are "hit or miss" in terms of reliability. Lots of issues with lifters, pushrods, compensators, etc. Trying to determine if the ESP would be a good investment. Thanks!

 

Hey HarleyMan...what did you pay for your Zurich warranty? That is the warranty being offered by the dealer of the bike I'm considering. Also, have you had to use the warranty yet? Thanks.

 

The ESP pretty much paid for itself when my ABS system went for a crap.

Dan

 

You act like these Harleys never break down and anyone who buys an ESP is an idiot. Hey, these bikes are HARLEYS, not HONDAS!!! Get the darn warranty! ROFL!!!!!!!!!