I've got a 2012 Limited that I bought about a year ago. Been a good bike so far, had the Brake Switch recall done, the BCM recall, and in the process of getting the Radio fixed under warranty, but other than that, no problems.

With the exception of the recalls and the Radio, I've done all work and maintenance myself. I used to work on Helicopters in the military and I'm a decent wrench.

I've still got a year left on the factory warranty, but I've been thinking about buying an extended warranty. Guess I've been reading about all the Compensator problems, etc. I usually put about 7k miles a year on a bike so my mileage isn't really high.

Just got a quote for 7-years (original +5) for $2099 plus an additional $499 for Tire and Wheel coverage. I know that there are better deals out there, but even so, it's not gonna be cheap.

Trying to decide if I should just take my chances or get the warranty. I figure if I do have a problem, I can probably fix it myself, but it would be nice to have the warranty if I break down while away from home.

I know it's my decision, just looking for thoughts either way. Just like any extended warranty, if you buy it, you won't need it, if you don't buy it, you'll need it.

 

the big thing to look at are the exclusions.

many of the common mods that riders do, void the typical extended warranty- you have to read through the contract carefully ( and most contracts are not available to review until you are sitting in their office with your check book) talking about pipes, cams, tuners etc.

- if you are bound to keep your bike factory stock and are able to document all service intervals this could be a good idea

the warranties, while often sold through H-D dealerships are 3rd party...so what happens if they go out of business.

and who provides warranty repair services...what happens if you are 2000 miles from home?

just a couple of things to think about

that $2600 is a fair chunk of change

mike

 

I never buy extended warranty for anything I buy, and haven't been burned yet. Even if one of them could save me some bucks I figure I would still be money ahead.

That being said, if I rode mega miles, kept the bike stock, and serviced it at dealerships I might think about it.

 

It's insurance dude, if your keeping the bike and can afford it it's pretty much a no brainier.

Make sure it's Harley's and add the tire & wheel.

It can easily pay for itself in tires alone if you rack on some miles.

 

I once did a college research paper on extended warranties. This was several years ago when they first started offering them on electronic items. I was curious why so many retailers were pushing you to buy these new extended warranties. After a lot of research and interviews, the reason became very clear. In the electronics industry, retailers pay out 6 cents for every dollar taken in for an extended warranty. With those odds, that’s a huge profit margin for them. It’s also why the extended warranty is now offered for just about every product ever sold. Again, this is only representative of the electronics industry and has nothing to do with motorcycles. But it does hint at the odds of failure. Like everything else in life, you have do your own risk analysis and determine where you are comfortable. Extended warranties are nice when you really need them, but the odds of needing it during its coverage period are still fairly low IMO. I usually don't buy them.

 

I wouldn't get an extended warranty riding less than 10K miles a year. JMO

 

Yep, it's a no brainier. Keep your money and spend it on something that is not a ripoff.

 

I just went through the same thing and ultimately decided to purchase one. I have ABS and with all of the electronics on the new bikes I decided it was a gamble I was willing to take for the peace of mind not needing to worry about things. Even if you are a decent wrench, you still have to factor in your time, tools and replacement parts you would have to buy. I honestly was less concerned about the mechanical and more concerned about electrical.

I know it is a tough decision - good luck. But do shop around - Jim at Kutter's HD offers some good deals.

 

As already indicated, It's an insurance policy..either you will end up subsidizing someone eleses repairs or they will end up subsidizing yours. One way or another the seller of the warranty will be the one who profits.

 

It is a gamble....but odds are the insurance company will make money. Just like the casinos.