Hey, this factors BIG in the decision IMHO. Several threads on this if you search around. What I have read is that Jim's deal is on the only policy blessed by the MoCo and can be purchased over the phone by credit card, good at any dealership anywhere, same as if you bought it from your local dealer, price being the only difference. I went with an extended plan, plus tire and wheel, for peace of mind. I only wish I would have know about Jim's deal before I bought mine at the dealership.
As mentioned, read the fine print about all coverages and consider all the "What if" questions before they arise. For example, the HOG tow leaves a lot to be desired in many situations. I got a great deal on my HD/Progressive Insurance for the rare case of issues outside of warranty coverages that could leave me stranded, including "Trip Interruption". I advise you to keep copies of coverages with the bike, and contact numbers with you so you are ready if something happens.
I do not always buy extended warranties - they bet it will not break down, you are betting it will. I factored in the inconvienience of being stranded somewhere along with the cost of repairs and compared that with policy cost. Also consider - with no coverage at all, what is your plan/costs then?

 

I was never one to go with warranties. I bought my 2009 last April....bought a two year warranty for $1500...soon after, I got new front wheel bearings, new compensator, new rear antenna, new rear brake switch (before recall), new radio, new rear head, valves and fixins', inner primary bearing and fixed a stator oil leak...I haven't added up what it was to fix that stuff, but I figure $1500 is at the bottom somewhere. This was all done within two years. Now starter starting to grind.
I am hoping I can get a new extended warranty...or sell this bike and get an '12 model (I couldn't afford riding my bike without warranty).

chuck

 

I got it. Negotiated the price down.

Reasons?

I ride hard. Dealer does my service. I plan on no modifications that void the warranty. I ride a lot. I plan on keeping the bike a while. I can afford the cost now, I might not be able to afford the repair later. It's my first Harley. I think of it as insurance.

I'm the perfect candidate, I figure.

 

I have saved tens of thousands over my life time by not buying extended warranties. Believe me, the companies who sell these extended warranties are make big bucks.

 

I bought the 7yr plus tire & wheels. Gives me peace of mind. And I plan to hold onto the bike for a long time.

 

Less money for you and more for them! Just keep that money on the side in case something were to happen. If these newer bikes were so unreliable why would any one want one? In the end it's each persons decision. Personally, I don't think they are worth it unless you know you are buying something that will be problematic.

 

extended warranty on anything = waste of money

 

I rarely buy extended warranties. I never buy them for my cars because I feel like they're going to be reliable and last a long time with relatively few break downs.

My Ultra on the other hand, has had a slew of problems-that's why I changed her name to Calamity. With 1 month remaining on factory warranty, I purchased the ESP as I couldn't see an end to the problems. Since ESP has kicked in, the repair costs I would've had to pay have been more than I paid for the policy so I'm making money now, lucky me. I'd rather be riding instead of waiting for the bike to be fixed, although I have a great dealer and I usually don't have much down time for the repairs.

I'm averaging 20k/yr so that may be a factor, not that it should be. Anymore, the only wrenching I want to do is change fluids, adjust the clutch and install add ons. I'll let the dealer provide the parts and labor. I'll pony up the $50. Sometimes if I have a few minor problems I'll wait til there's a bigger problem before I take it in. They fix all the problems for the same $50.

 

I would get it, but as others have said, shop around.

I normally do not do extended plans on anything, but I did go ahead and get the +5 plan w/ tire when i purchased a 2011 FLHTC. All of the electronics, ABS system, etc... Plus all the fun I have head about folks having w/ engine and tranny once they get 20k+.

The key factor, < $1100, not 2k. I figured one major failure in 7 years and it pays for itself. At at that cost, if spending an additional 5% to get +5 years is a problem, then I cannot afford to buy the bike in the first place.

 

I never buy extended warranties for electronics and household stuff. I figure they're cheap enough to fix/replace if needed. Vehicles on the other hand, if they fail, it can mean big $$. And I've heard of too many horror stories from all makes, models, vehicle types, etc, to know that IMO it's worth it.