I just found a screw in the tread of my rear tyre on my Fat Boy. It's only done 6000 miles and I'm really pissed off at having to buy a new tyre. My old dealer closed last year so I've been trying the next closest. They did a good job last year on the service and at a fairly decent price. However I had them fit a new front tyre and some new passenger pegs and was not really impressed due to the spindle holes now facing up and down, making it awkward to fit my clasic chrome caps and not ensuring the foot pegs fitted correctly. Which I have now sorted myself. They recently sold me some billet chrome caps for the rear spindle which catch on the exhaust and have now given me the money back as a result. The part should have fitted according to the part number but doesn't. Not their fault I know but the suggestion of using brute force to bend the exhaust bracket did not go down well as did the suggestion of buying a new exhaust.
Anyway I contacted the dealer to price up the tyre as to be quite honest I didn't fancy a long ride with a screw in the tread. I'd priced the tyre on the web site of National tyres for Ł185+ tax and rang the dealer for a comparison. Ł350 said he , to which I ask if they can price match. After a quick chat with the boss by the staff member I get ' yes we can price match as long as we fit the tyre' ok say I and we discuss a date to get the bike in. Just as we finish our conversation I hear the boss tell the staff member to make sure that they fit the tyre. Alarm bells are now ringing. Normal fitting is Ł30 ish. The staff member then said the tyre will be Ł185+ tax and we fit the tyre. Ok said I. What's the cost of fitting. To this I get. 'so we'l see you on Friday' eh hello say I whats the cost of fitting. 'Bye now 'says he 'excuse me 'I shout down the phone , ' what is the cost of fitting the tyre' Ł145 says he. 'Are you having a f**%**g laugh' say I 'oh no ' said the staff member ' it's far more technical than fitting a front tyre'. In short I cancelled the deal and contacted the next nearest dealer who has quoted Ł200 all in. When you work it out dealer one was prepared to charge me Ł350 for a tyre then give me discount and sell me the tyre for Ł185+ tax , bringing it to Ł205, then charge me Ł145 to have it fitted. I think that adds up to Ł350. Great deal that. Needless to say they will not be getting any of my future custom

 

I had a new Dunlop Elite 3 rear put on my 07 FLHT about 6 weeks ago. Was planning a 1200 mile ride and the tire that was on the bike had a chunk taken out that I hadn't realized prior which didn't instill a great deal of confidence. It was a last minute discovery so I couldn't wait for shipping from Dennis Kirk who I've used in the past with great success. The dealer got me for around $230 for the tire and about $100 to install. My fault for not doing a better job of getting my ducks in a row prior to the trip and I paid for it. Nothing like an empty wallet to teach a lesson.

 

2 tires installed at my HD $440.

 

I just did a search for the Avon Venom whitewalls I bought and ....gezzz out of stock. So I woulda had to get some other tires if I was only able to buy outta Canada. There was only a few bucks differance in price (refreshing to see that) then the american counterparts but NOT IN STOCK in the spring time when tire sales are at their highest would be the kicker and **** me off to shop somewhere else.
So the bottom line is that I paid 330 for 2 avon venom whitewalls..and paid 80 bux to have them installed and balanced by my local indy. He also spent some time checking the bike over for other possible problems in the future. I'm pretty sure I woulda have spent plenty more cash to have that done thru Canadian dealers.

 

I need a stock 180 rear tire for my Softail. Is there anyone here in the Saint Louis area who can point me to the best deal. I can really only spend about $200 and I don't have the tools to mount it myself. I can't get my bike inspected until I change that tire, and I need the inspection to renew my plates. Thanks in advance to anyone who can help.

 

But they rarely end up being on the losing end. If you buy the tire elsewhere and cannot mount balance and install it yourself.....They make it back in the labor rate. They will not install tires purchased elswhere for 130.00 I can guarantee you that!