Have had ESP on 3 Harleys. Most I paid was about $1700. On the first 2 bikes was a few hundred "ahead" on my RK & almost $2k "ahead" on my 07 SEULTRA. On my 10 SEULTRA have about $700 to go to the break even point. Considering multiple compensator issues already it is very likely will be at the least a few hundred ahead on the 10.
Items replaced - not a complete list & some were multiple times same bike - shocks, starters, voltage regulators, compensators, lifters, oil leaks (all bikes, multiples on all), electrical issues, tour pack, bearings, rotors, radio....I could go on but the jist of it is - some bikes will nickel & dime you well past the ESP $$s, no engine failure required. Other bikes - not mine unfortunately - have had fewer repairs. It's an individual decision to buy ESP or not. For me, on a Harley, it's a no brainer.