Buying tires while touring.
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Cruiser
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 231
Likes: 1
From: Milan, MO.
Buying tires while touring.
Pretty soon I'm going to replace the rear tire on my softail, as it has 10,000 miles on it. Last year I replaced both tires at the same time. There was still tread on the front tire and I didn't like wasting it. The total for tires, tubes, etc. was $436.14 and they did a great job. My question is this: I'll probably have to get a front tire while on the road this summer. Is there much price difference from dealership to dealership when it comes to installing tires on Harley's? If I have one installed in CA., for example, will they nail me another $100.00 because it's in CA? Is the price I paid above (in Missouri) a fair price for two original Dunlops?
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 9,254
Likes: 283
From: Lake City, Florida (Native)
If planning a trip on any long length may be a better idea to replace both tires and have the work done by ones you know and trust, and sounds like your last price was a good deal, rather than possibly have tire problems along the way which can make an enjoyable trip miserable. Am sure are good Indy's and Dealers all across the USA But with 2 new tires and a proper service to your Bike should be able to ride trouble free for 5K + Miles, barring Murphys law which can happen to the best of us .. IMHO
Banned
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 17,265
Likes: 21
From: Los Angeles, CA
I'd do it prior to my trip , but that's just me. I take my wheels off at the very least to have the tires replaced, but last time I mounted them myself too. Total cost for 2 tires was $213. Mounting and balancing $0.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 6,913
Likes: 87
From:
If planning a trip on any long length may be a better idea to replace both tires and have the work done by ones you know and trust, and sounds like your last price was a good deal, rather than possibly have tire problems along the way which can make an enjoyable trip miserable. Am sure are good Indy's and Dealers all across the USA But with 2 new tires and a proper service to your Bike should be able to ride trouble free for 5K + Miles, barring Murphys law which can happen to the best of us .. IMHO
This is the way I do it. The peace of mind far outweighs getting that extra 500-1000 miles on a tire.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 8,423
Likes: 2
From: Ellenwood, GA - The Ghetto Part
I have to agree with the "Have it done before the trip" folks on here. Just peace of mind.
Plus, let me throw this in:
Let's say you are using the stock Dunlops. You notice on the road you need tires and pull into local dealer. You let them know what you need and guess what....They just happen to be out of the stock tires because of folks getting ready for Daytona, Myrtle Beach, blah...blah...
But they do happen to have some Avons or Metzelers(both of which are great tires) in stock which fit your bike and they just happen to be $40 - $50 more per tire. So now, you're stuck having to pay the extra money.
Just a thought.....
Plus, let me throw this in:
Let's say you are using the stock Dunlops. You notice on the road you need tires and pull into local dealer. You let them know what you need and guess what....They just happen to be out of the stock tires because of folks getting ready for Daytona, Myrtle Beach, blah...blah...
But they do happen to have some Avons or Metzelers(both of which are great tires) in stock which fit your bike and they just happen to be $40 - $50 more per tire. So now, you're stuck having to pay the extra money.
Just a thought.....
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 2,666
Likes: 1
From: East TN
Agreed. I did that last June...replaced the rear tire 'bout 1k before I usually replace it 'cause we were 'bout to head out on a 3500-mile trip. If ya usually get 10k outta a rear tire like I do...divide the cost by 10 for a per-thou cost...ya quickly realize that it only cost me 'round twenty bucks for peace of mind. No brainer for me.
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From: lakeland fl
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 4,530
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From: Raleigh NC
I agree with replacing them prior to the trip, but I find that indy shops give better prices on tires than dealerships. A local HD dealership quoted me MSRP on the tires, as did one indy, but other indy's offered 30% off, and were cheaper to install.
Pays to shop around, even while on vacation. Tire changes shouldn't take a WHOLE day... drop the bike off, in the morning see the sights, then pay your bill and hit the road.
Pays to shop around, even while on vacation. Tire changes shouldn't take a WHOLE day... drop the bike off, in the morning see the sights, then pay your bill and hit the road.