This thread is an update on a question that is asked a lot and members can post their own experience. This is not a "which tire is better" thread. Don't go there, if you can't help yourself, you are entitled.
I needed the rear tire replaced on my 2011 Heritage, a 150/16 Dunlop 402 bias tire. The bike has 7800 miles on it and bike has been ridden on mountain twisties with 2up 90% of the 7800 miles. This tire may have another 1000 safe miles left, but I don't run my tires that thin. I made the decision to order my Metzeler ME 888 tire ( the newest Metz), tube and wheel band over the internet and have the local Harley dealer mount and balance it for me. The tire, tube and band was ordered from Dennis Kirk for a total price of $158.00 shipped. I took it in and also asked them to lube the zerk for my steering head bearings. I asked how much the lubing would cost, he says, "Don't worry about that, you are in for the tire work. We'll take care of it" The shop was busy and the showroom busier. My bike came in the shop about 10 minutes later. My wife and I were across the street at a café , for about an hour, and my phone rang. The service advisor called to tell me I was all set. He printed out my bill for $98.00 labor for tire mount and balance tire, N/c for the lube bearings, N/C for supplies or disposal fee. I feel that is a good repair, done timely, at a fair price, cleaned up when done. This HD Dealer has done several jobs for me and I have been happy each time.
In summary it cost me a total of $260.00 total for a premium rear tire, tube, labor and tax.

 

had my frt n rr tires tubes n balancing mouted n bike cleaned of prints $518.00 otd for commander2s went 140 16" rear right off the bat nice handeling bud

 

How much more would it have cost you if you bought the same tire at the dealer?

 

After all is said and done; I would estimate about $40 more on the rear, and less if I would have done the front. This dealer is aggressive on his tire prices/labor. I may not do the internet ordering next time, but $30/$40 buys a couple weekends worth of gas.

 

I just bought a new Metz ME880 200 rear and a Metz 90/21 front for $310 including shipping to my door (dealer wanted $320 for just the rear haha)

Had them both mounted /balanced / and old tires disposed of for $130 (Indy)

So my total for new rubber front/rear mounted balanced = $440

 

Sounds like a fair deal. I just order mine from Motorcycle Superstore and take my wheels to a shop in town for $28 per wheel including Dynabeads and put them back on myself.

 

I took my Heartland 21" wheel in to the dealer and after buying a Dunlop there, they charged me zero to mount and balance it.

They asked me if I purchased the tire there. After telling them yes, they said it would cost $2.50 if they need to add wheel weights. No weights were needed and no cash either.

 

1st new rear tire replacement at our dealership at 10K back in 08 for our bike was right at $300.

Then I started ordering from Dennis Kirk, At 20K I got both front and rear (HD Org lops) for $215 and local Indy charged $100 to change out both when rode in and he does it all.

He only charges $30per if U roll the wheel in.

Still my total for Both front and rear tires Mounted and Balanced was $330 with tax. Which is just a little more than what I paid for one at the dealership.

I still get all my tire and brake pads from DK.. they have always been good to deal with.





..

 

My Heritage goes into the shop next week for a new tire.

For a D402 the best online price I've found is $142.00 including shipping.
The Dealer cost is $225 including tax.

The Dealer charges $45 to mount and balance if I don't buy the tire from them for a total cost of $187.00.
The Dealer charges $25 to mount and balance if I buy the tire from them for a total cost of $250.00.

For every active duty or retired military member, my Dealer gives a $25 store credit for every $125 spent.

So as a retired military member, if I spend $250 for the tire, mounted and balanced, I will get $50 in store credit leaving my a net cost for the tire, mounted and balanced at $200.

This computes to $13 more to buy the tire from the Dealer vs. online.
However to me $13 is worth supporting my local Dealer and having someone to go to locally if something is wrong with the tire.

 

Some dealers are very close in price on the internet tire deals out there. I don't have a close Indy that I trust. I will give my dealer an opportunity to sell me a tire and mount it as a package next time around. It may not be worth the ordering, hauling it in and messing around if dealer is close. Hopefully this new Metz 888 will run 15-20K miles on the back.