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[FLSTFI Dave]

Dave...in your case, it definitely makes sense, and is a bargain to boot.  My thing is I actually like doing it myself, I don't trust the dealership (thought they are better than they used to be), and I save money in the process, plus get to use my choice of fluids.  I just keep receipts and write it down in the owner's manual.

With as many miles as your wife rides per year, you are most definitely getting your money's worth, and then some.

Part of it, for me is also what if she needs the 10K or two weeks into a five week trip over seas for me, I would have to pay to have the service done any way.  For me, it is a plus that she rides more than enough to make it cost effective also.

When I worked at a Manufacturing plant in town I did all my own maintenance on our bikes.  With me gone 30 weeks a year, its just better to have them do it, so we can spend our time riding.

[rrussow]

Pre-paid plans are primarily for convenience.  Dealers rarely sell it unless they are going to make $$$ somehow.  I am glad I purchased mine, it is sure nice to schedule, bring in the bike and not have to stop at the counter to pay anything.  I just used my last one (20k) and am not looking forward to paying at the counter going forward.

[mark]

Prepaid service only benefits the dealership.....not the rider.

X3.  Thinks about it...the dealer wouldn't offer it if it wasn't beneficial to them.  I feel the same with extended warranties.  The reason the MoCo offers them is because it's beneficial to HD...not the consumer.  When you're in negotiations to buy a new bike (or vehicle) the sales person tells you what a great, reliable piece of machinery it is.  Then, inexplicably, by the time you reach the finance guy, he tries to convince you what you're buying is such a POS, you'd better get an extended warranty.  Salesmanship...don't fall for it.

[grc]

I think the main point that's been brought out in this thread is that things like prepaid maintenance plans or ESP's are not a "one size fit's all" product.  For some people in certain situations, either might be beneficial.  For the majority, however, the plans basically benefit those who sell the plans.  It's not rocket science and it doesn't require an advanced degree in economics to understand that the folks selling this stuff all make a big profit or they wouldn't bother selling it to you.  It's pretty much up to each consumer to evaluate his or her personal situation and decide if the plans make sense for them.  Of course, if you don't walk in to the dealership already knowing about this stuff, the sales person will tell you all sorts of BS to get you to sign up right now, with no time to think about it or do any research. 

My take is that if the maintenance plan is open ended (not limited to a specific number of services over X number of years), folks who put on a ton of miles will do OK.  On the opposite side of the equation, and where the seller's make out like bandits, is the average Harley rider who doesn't put enough miles on a bike in a full year to require a full service.  Those are the folks who are paying through the nose just so the few who rack up 30k miles or more a year can get a good deal on maintenance.  Anyone in that group should not consider these plans, but instead just find a good shop to handle the work on an as-needed basis.  Or better yet, invest in the manual and a few tools and learn to do it yourself.  Most of the routine stuff doesn't require any special skills, and you can always let a shop or dealer handle the more involved stuff like fork disassembly or any of those other things that only come up every 25k or 50k miles.


JMHO - Jerry

[Raza51]

I always get a service plan my dealer gave me 3 yrs unlimited miles 1699.....2008 HD Heritage Classic....18 months 32,500 miles, traded it for 2010 SESG same plan 1600 traded it in had 35,000 miles, just bought a 2012 FLSTSE3 (Convertible) dealer gave it to me for 1600...I trust the mechanics, and I can do it all my self also.  If I happen to be on the road they told me just have any dealer change it and bring me the recipt......
Can't beat that..no way no how.....

[grc]

I always get a service plan my dealer gave me 3 yrs unlimited miles 1699.....2008 HD Heritage Classic....18 months 32,500 miles, traded it for 2010 SESG same plan 1600 traded it in had 35,000 miles, just bought a 2012 FLSTSE3 (Convertible) dealer gave it to me for 1600...I trust the mechanics, and I can do it all my self also.  If I happen to be on the road they told me just have any dealer change it and bring me the recipt......
Can't beat that..no way no how.....

If we assume the service work is performed at 5000 mile intervals as called for by H-D, that means you had 7 services, including the bogus 1k service, on the '08, and that works out to $230 per service.  The 2010 would have had 8 services, and that works out to about $200 per service.  So while that may represent a savings to you over a dealers normal inflated prices for the service intervals, it is still significantly more than what we DIY'ers spend per service, perhaps 2.5 times as much.  If it's worth it to you to not get your hands dirty, that's fine and it's none of my business anyway.  But if you take that same contract for $1600 and apply it to the average Harley rider, in three years you'd have 3 services at most and the cost would be $533 apiece.  Even the greediest shops I've been in don't charge that much for a normal 1k, 5k, 10k service interval.  So your example proves the point I tried to make earlier, it is all in the details and each person's unique circumstances.  You high mileage folks might do OK versus pay as you go at a dealer, but you will still pay more than a DIYer.  The low mileage folks who buy one of those plans may as well just bend over and grab their ankles from the git go; they are the suckers the dealers depend on for the big profits.


Jerry

[FLSTFI Dave]

I fully agree Jerry.

In my wifes case, I feel I make out.  1200 dollars for 3 years service.  87,000 miles in three years, means 18 service., the 1K and every 5 K after.  Thats less than 70 a service, pretty fair price if you ask me.

It does not pay so good for me, 41000 miles in 3 years, means 9 services, for a cost of 134 each.  Still not to bad, as my wife usually rides it up to have it serviced while I am out of the country working.  I come home and am ready to ride.

[Raza51]

I always get a service plan my dealer gave me 3 yrs unlimited miles 1699.....2008 HD Heritage Classic....18 months 32,500 miles, traded it for 2010 SESG same plan 1600 traded it in had 35,000 miles, just bought a 2012 FLSTSE3 (Convertible) dealer gave it to me for 1600...I trust the mechanics, and I can do it all my self also.  If I happen to be on the road they told me just have any dealer change it and bring me the recipt......
Can't beat that..no way no how.....

I get oil changes every 2500 miles....not 5000....still works for me...I don't feel I got stiffed.....