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I just purchased a tire changing machine and I am really stoked.
The prices at the dealerships right now are stupid for tire changes. Over $800 bucks front and rear for HD Dunlops installed.
Ive been feeling the need/desire to switch brands and try something new. I checked two Indy shops and both wanted to install American Elites for around $640.00 total. As far as I am concerned it is the same tire.
The bad part is neither of these shops gave me any confidence that they would so a good job and not scratch my wheels.
So I decided to start doing it myself. After research and talking to a good friend running them I purchased a set of Michelin Commander IIIs from Dennis Kirk for $447.00 total delivered. I bought them so I would be committed. By the way they look amazing.
With two bikes I figure at current shop prices I can pay for a machine in three to five tire changes depending on which style I went with.
Reading a lot of threads here on the site I was impressed with both the Rabaconda and the No-Mar. I researched them online and watched countless YouTube videos. There are many loyal fans to each here on the site and I can understand why. I could just not get warm and fuzzy with either of those options.
Im not getting any younger and how much effort do I want to put into it. Then considering auto and trailer tires I could use a true machine on as well. Then factor in what resale would be down the road when I hang up my hat.
I have a little larger budget and I have plenty of shop space and a compressor.
This led me to a true electric/pneumatic tire machine. What I discovered is there are a dozen companies out there selling the same exact machine just in different colors and a different name on them. So it comes down simply to who has the best deal.
I was seeing what I wanted between $1400.00 to $1800.00. The cheaper ones added freight and the more expensive had free shipping and the totals came in almost the same at the end.
Trying not to jump in too quickly I kept shopping and found a company out of Ohio called Mile-X Equipment. They had a sale on their model TC-400M-B which was what I was looking at for $1249.00 plus tax. Then I discovered they have them in a warehouse less than an hour and a half from me.
I got it home today and it looks great. It comes with an extra duck head, yellow protectors and everything you need.
My plan is to get it assembled and ready to go this weekend. Then I plan to practice on some trailer tires I have to get some experience before moving to the HD wheels.
The first impressions of this machine are very good. Ill give an update when she is setup and working.
I get a lot of satisfaction from doing my own work. I like to take my time and clean the bike very good at the same time I have access to areas that are usually not exposed. Knowing that everything is 100% also makes me happy.
I do have a static balancer coming in and some stick on wheel weights. Today I got some tire lube and a brush. So getting close to being in business!
Stay tuned
Harley Dunlops and American Elites are NOT the same tire, not remotely close. The compounds, tread, build are completely different. The way Im reading this is you spent over $2000 to put an inferior tire on.
Harley Dunlops and American Elites are NOT the same tire, not remotely close. The compounds, tread, build are completely different. The way I’m reading this is you spent over $2000 to put an inferior tire on.
"After research and talking to a good friend running them I purchased a set of Michelin Commander III’s from Dennis Kirk for $447.00 total delivered."
You commented on him buying a tire changer to put either a dunlop or AE, both inferior according to you, on his bike. I was just pointing out the fact that hes putting MC3's on,
You commented on him buying a tire changer to put either a dunlop or AE, both inferior according to you, on his bike. I was just pointing out the fact that hes putting MC3's on,
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