Why So Serious?
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 7,934
Likes: 43
From: Bloomfield, NM
I just ordered a set of Michelin Commander II's from American Motorcycle Tire for 312.13 delivered to my door in 4 days. 20.00 each at an independent to mount and balance off of the bike. Dunlops were about 15.00 more a set.
Bill
Bill
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 3,807
Likes: 1,488
From: SW Washington State
My experience with tire work at the dealer has been very sad. they put the tire on backwards once, noticed it at home so another trip back. when I changed my rims they did not use the washer under the stem nut. found that at home when on a whim checked the psi before I put the wheel back on the bike, another trip back. Im getting my own tire machine, No Mar has some nice manual changers.
Road Master
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 908
Likes: 96
From: Red Deer, AB
That's almost a Canadian price for a rear tire supplied and installed. I order my online and change them myself. Rim protectors work way better than the milk jug handles we used in the past. 2 tire irons and I can mount my rear tire in 15 mins. Obviously that doesn't include the time to remove the wheel from the bike, remove the caliper, remove the drive pulley. Bottom line it takes me 90 minutes from start to finish. I save about 200 bux per tire.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 5,350
Likes: 647
From: Vegas, baby!
I went to a Honda shop and found a Dunlop, the right size, in the tire rack. They took my scooter to the back, pulled the tire, and put the new one on. When it was brought back, I noticed the tire had "Harley" on the side.
$150
$150
Road Warrior
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 1,319
Likes: 1
From: Deep South Texas
I bought one of these machines 4-5 years ago and with changing 4-5 tires per year, it has more than payed for itself. The closest shop that can change a motorcycle tire to my house is a 90 mile round trip (so I had some extra incentive). I will be honest, it does take a few tire changes to get the hang of using the No-Mar. But now it is less than 15 minutes to remove the tire from the rim and mount the new rubber (not counting removing and re-installing on bike).
Road Warrior
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 1,962
Likes: 140
From: NY
I called multiple dealerships and the online stores and got quite a range of quotes for both tire and mounting (none as high as yours). Bought the tires from the place in Utah. Every bit as good a tire as the HD one.
Had the dealer mount & balance for about $75 each (including pulling off the bike). They were competitive.
Your dealer is a bad apple.
Had the dealer mount & balance for about $75 each (including pulling off the bike). They were competitive.
Your dealer is a bad apple.
My local HD dealer charged me $99 per tire to remove the wheels from the bike, ,dismount the old tires,install the new tires & add the Ride-On balance agent and selaer to the new Mich comander tires & Ride-on i bought/supplied.
Scott
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 2,476
Likes: 193
From: Las Vegas, NV
I buy the Dunlop American Elite from whoever has the best price at the time (on line) and the local victory/Indian dealer installs them for $35/wheel on the bike. That dealer was recently sold so I hope they'll keep doing that for me.
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Tourer
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 473
Likes: 5
From: New Braunfels TX
I bought a Harbor Freight Tire changer. Used it several times, last time it took (different bike) hours and the tire bar broke and nearly took my eye out, then the hassle of mounting and adjusting.
I then used Cycle Gear for $25.00 per change I take off the tires and supply the rubber. The last time I changed tires on the Harley I bought the Michelin Commander online and took it to the dealership 1 mile from where I work. $90.00 per tire, remove from the bike, mount and balance. Then I had them check for brake wear, wheel bearings and and they set the belt tension and alignment. For me the $90.00 is worth my time and risk to oneself to let them do it.
Since I change tire once a year, even though I can do it cheaper, but the hassle and time and in frequency I can see spending the money for someone else to do while I work and then can go ride.
I then used Cycle Gear for $25.00 per change I take off the tires and supply the rubber. The last time I changed tires on the Harley I bought the Michelin Commander online and took it to the dealership 1 mile from where I work. $90.00 per tire, remove from the bike, mount and balance. Then I had them check for brake wear, wheel bearings and and they set the belt tension and alignment. For me the $90.00 is worth my time and risk to oneself to let them do it.
Since I change tire once a year, even though I can do it cheaper, but the hassle and time and in frequency I can see spending the money for someone else to do while I work and then can go ride.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 4,377
Likes: 647
From: Santa Clarita
I have used Cycle Gear several times...very quick, very efficient, very good, very expensive...so I have found a local independent shop who will order the tire, mount, balance, I take the wheel off the bike and bring it to him...VERY reasonable, everything considered. I suggest you look around to see if you can find such a shop. I would guess that my shop is probably making fifty, sixty bux on the deal, good profit for 15-20 minutes worth of work...