It is for that "dealer". I was glad they were able to change it, leaving on a trip next week and feel better that i have some new rubber on the back.

 

It is funny how so many people hate on the Dunlops. I have also ran Metzlers and Avons. I can't really discern any handling difference, nor have I had any significant mileage improvement over the Dunlops. I don't mind going to the dealership as I know it will be put on properly-belt tension right, bearings inspected and they even pull the pipes and put the axle bolt in from the right direction. After hearing how Skeezmachine still pays 45 for the mount and balance, I don't feel too bad about letting them pull the wheel. I tried once and it was a disaster waiting to happen on my cheesy red Craftsman lift--definitely no the right jack for that job.

 

I don't like the tread pattern on the Dunlops. The tire tends to wander on rain grooves and grooved metal bridges.

 

Just to clear up a few things.

I did not say that Dunlops are bad, I have said that Avons and Metzlers are better. If you feel there is no difference that's fine with me.

Second, I was curios to know what the "free for life" actually cost. Because it was included in the price does not mean it was free. What would the bike have sold for without the tire deal. If you paid 500 for the tires feature, that might be a good deal to some of us but not to others.

Tire and Maintenance packages can be a good deal but the circumstance and terms must be clear and favorable to the buyer. If it's only good at that one dealership then it's not a good deal, no matter what.

 

i agree with troupe you have paid for the tires its all in how you look at it.
we have a similar program up here..tire/rim warrenty its $395.00 for 7 yrs coverage its doesnt cover wear only if the tire blows or get puncture its replaced. i have already had a rear replaced.if the rim gets damaged in process its also covered along with pick up and delivery of bike anywhere.basically i paid for first one the rest are free

id like to try other brands but the warrenty is for harley tire so dunlops it is.. im ok with that

 

100 times out of 100, if the dealer is selling it, it is in their best interests, not yours.
If they don't make money on it they wouldn't do it. Extended warranties are the same way, a huge profit margin for the dealer. We could probably go on and on and analyze ever detail of the "tires for life" deal but sooner or later it will come down on the side of the dealer. I'm sure Harley put a lot of thought into the program before offering it and they are in business to make money. For some though, "piece of mind" is a mitigating factor when it comes to these deals. And I say "if it helps you sleep at night then more power to you!!!"

 

I don't know about 100 out of a 100, although I wouldn't argue against a high percentage. It would be interesting to know how much the deal costs. I have put 4 tires on my 2010 Heritage to the tune of about 900 bucks--dealer comped me for labor on one. If someone offered me tires for life even for 1,000 bucks, I would take that deal and snicker in the parking lot about it. I put 11 tires on my RK in 3 yrs to the tune of about 2500 bucks. They can't be throwing out a big number for the program or no one would take it. Conversely, if I was one of those guys that previously owned one of used bikes you see on the lot all tricked out and 3,000 miles on it-probably not such a good deal. Those are the guys they are betting on for this deal.

 

I would agree for a small percentage of people, it may work out well. But the dealership is hedging it's bets like an insurance company does. The dealer still makes money on the tube and labor as well as possibly more business that they can get when you have your bike in their shop already. After installing your tires I am sure you will get a "courtesy call" regarding other "issues" with you bike that should be "taken care of" while you have it in.
I would be curious to know if you have to take your bike to the dealership that sold the "tires for life" or any Harley dealership.

 

It is definetly through the dealership and there is no line item or charge (I'm sure I'm getting it someway). In the notes of my contract it simply says "TC contract and date" I can tell you from the other bikes they have with this deal, the prices are all comparable to the other 4 dealers in my area that do not offer this. Another big dealer offers "service for the life of the bike for original owners".

I purchased my bones this time last year. Was a left over 2009 crossbones with 4 miles on it. I ended up paying otd cash price of 14500.

The service manager says they count in you to bring your bike there for service and spend more at the store since you got that kind of deal. Of cours I'm sure they sell a lot of bikes with that deal and people sell or trade and do not take advantage of it.