I dropped in the dealership this morning, hankering for a decal for my truck. Thought I'd check out a rear tire change for my scoot. Here's the breakdown:

Tire $174.95 (the guy behind the counter actually quoted me a front tire...)
Tube $32.95
Rim band $4.49
Labor $99
Tax 37.27

TOTAL $348.66...Holy *****!!! For 1 tire!

 

Expensive decal.

 

Buy the parts online. Have an Indy shop do the labor.

That's what I'm doing as I'm due for tires before this next riding season.

But I'm also removing and installing my wheels myself.

 

Just don't try doing it yourself. And he probably was not even talking balancing it since you left that out. Since you have spokes, it probably needs it, more so just for the rim and tube. Don't fall for the beads. If beads work, it would have been OK without them. Your tax rate is 11% WOW. That's what we pay for eating out but that's a luxury.

 

If your in the Denver area and can pull your rear wheel - go here - http://performancecycle.com

 

My Indie usually get's me for somewhere around $200 for Dunlops.

 

Except for the actual higher dealership margin on the tube and tire, none of the rest seems too excessive. Of course if you can get your back wheel off, replace the tube, band and tire and reinstall it and ride off in less than one hour I guess they're ripping you.

And what's the deal on the tax. In California the tax on that would be $20.00. They tax labor in your state?

 

Sounds about right for a dealer install/purchase with the tire on the bike.

 

Last November I bought tire and tube from J&P cycle. $14.99 for the tube, $165 for the tire . Black wall tire, the white wall was about $20 more. Changed the tire and tube myself so labor= N/C. Also I bought Harbor freight wheel balancer a few years back on sale, so it got balanced also. It's not Rocket Science and gets done by mortal men every day of the week , Don't be afraid to save a few bucks and do it yourself.,,,

 

I'm with you it's not that hard if you have the right tool . I would just recommend getting the No mar hand tools for any chrome rims. To go with the HF tire changer.