I haven't bought tires from a dealer in years. It was re-affirmed yesterday that I still won't be. Been shopping for a rear tire for my 2014 SGS. Most local indies around here are quoting anywhere between $250-280 installed for Dunlop American Elites or MC II's. Was near the new Raging Bull HD dealership here & popped in just to check prices. He quoted $475 OTD for a rear tire. Sorry folks, I'm not a dealer hater, but that is pure outrageous.

 

I don't care how good a dealership is but unless it's an emergency, they are not touching my tires.

 

I have been changing my own since I was quoted around $450 for a rear tire. It's absolutely ridiculous what the dealer charges for tires and oil changes. But they will do it as long as people are willing to pay those ridiculous prices.

 

Have only bought a tire from a dealership twice. Each time I had little choice, being away from home.

 

My local tire shop just closed their doors maybe they could have charged me a little more and I would have Gladly paid it.. I would bring in my new tire with balance beads in hand and the old tire on the rim. He would mount the tire for $6.00 and if I left the old tire behind it was $7.00 .. Tires from Jake Wilson are a deal ..

 

Its funny... Dealer prices I have been quoted have also been nuts.. My last set were Metz 888s. I had these installed on my old Heritage for under 400.00 including everything.. It seems some places would rather have 10 high paying customers than 15 reasonable ones.... Its very short sited..

 

No wonder he closed that is cheap.
We have a local guy that just does tires (mount & balance) out of his garage.
He knows his stuff, $30 with an extra couple bucks if you leave your old tire.
He has a nice machine that does not damage your rim and its quick.

Our local indie shop is not better than the dealer.

 

Like one post said, it's a supply and demand thing. As long as people will pay it they will charge it. My closest HD dealer has at least four technicians working at a time, and in peak season you need to book a good week ahead of time at least. They are very busy, no incentive to lower their prices.

 

The hourly flat rate at most dealers changes by region as well. In PA my dealers flat rate was $82 an hour. Here in the Myrtle Beach area it's $96 an hour and I don't think the techs make as much per hour as they do up north. Pullin a rear tire on a touring bike is a PITA if you've ever done it and getting that drive belt tension set properly is important. I used to have a BMW bike dealership do my tires to save a few bucks but be careful who you pick, I've seen some custom rims butchered by indies more so than dealerships.

 

Only the dealer uses Genuine HD Air to inflate the tires, that accounts for the price difference. Also, they disconnect the battery before installing.