I know it's been a debatable subject but here is my tire and wheel insurance story.

Two weeks ago, coming home off of a 12-hour mid shift I hit a pothole. Didn't think much of it at the time because I did not lose tire pressure and really didn't recognize the drivability of the bike change. I had breakfast and decided to go check on the bike again to see if I still had tire pressure and noticed the rim was bent. I checked my paperwork and yes, I paid the for tire and wheel protection. So, after a $50 deductible I have my bike back after $1,198 in repairs.

I didn't have it on my Sportster or Sport Glide but I am lucky I had it this time.

 

I dented a rim on my 2017 SGS years ago and was glad I had coverage. I have it on my 2021 Revival and hope to never use it.

 

There are always stories like this of happy customers who had the coverage for a relatively short time when they needed it and seemed to "win the lottery". Others pay for years and never have any problems requiring their paid for coverage. Would the "average guy" do just as well putting $5 a week into a tire and wheel account and draw from that when needed? Those commercials on TV with people saying they "saved" $6000 on a transmission never are allowed to say how much they paid in before needing the coverage. These companies only stay in business because more is paid in than is paid out. If you are a "winner" you are happy you had the coverage, if you are lucky another way, nothing ever happens, you helped pay for the others. Do what makes you feel comfortable.

 

With the current rims being all short side wall tires, I would want the tire/wheel coverage. Looking at the after market wheel shops, they have many sets of 3, slightly used.

 

You just described how insurance works, I'm sure all that didn't know are thankful.
Some insurance is expensive while others are not. My policy for wheel and tire coverage for 3 years was 280.00
280 divided by 156 weeks is $1.79 per week.

 

Funny you mention that, the fact that the 2021 FLH Revival has 16" tires front and rear was a important when I made my decision to buy it.

 

Same thing happened to me recently when I hit a large piece of concrete on the freeway and it bent both rims. I did not pay extra for tire & wheel coverage and notified my insurance company and they paid the bill for $3700 and did not raise my rates.

 

I’ve been riding for 15 years never had a flat or a dented rim and I live in Michigan. We have the worst roads. Flats are extremely rare on motorcycles. I’d say with any modern Harley you would really have to wack a pothole to bend a rim. If you pay attention you can avoid hitting them. First bike they snuck it in, I’d never buy it. Same with the extended warranty unless your putting 20k miles plus a year on your bike then maybe. The reason HD dealers push this so much is because it’s a huge money maker. It’s just a bad bet. Like going to the casino the odds are against you that you will lose money.