Why So Serious?
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 2,059
Likes: 4
From: Florida
I buy a service manual and parts manual from the dealership. Yes, I bent over. But, I need the torques, part numbers, the works for whatever I feel I need to do.
I take my rear wheel off and take it to the dealer. $308 for a rear tire...UM, that's $18 more than hd.com Dealership says need to replace tube, rim seal and the sprocket rubber isolator. These are all more in price than the online parts shop. But, I'm chicken to cheap out on something so important as a tire. I took the darn thing off and I'm still out $470 with tax, labor, parts...BS!
So NOW, I'm educating myself. I can get the Dunlop tire for about half if I do without the cute little bar and shield emblem. The isolator part number from my parts catalog doesn't reference at HD.com so I can't check their $38 price. I am now pouring through this service manual and it only says to INSPECT this isolator for the need replace, not replace it every time at tire change.
I can't do a tire myself (at least I was never adept at doing my dirt bikes even though I should've been able to) where is everybody going to get their tires changed?
I go here. That price is on the bike and the tires are cheaper than online. So if you're in Brevard Co. FL....
Your dealer is definitely screwing you. Call around to all the shops in your area, including the honda dealer. Ask about internet price matching while you're on the phone. You'll find someone reasonable. The local honda dealer does internet price matching on everything.
For those that want to bring oil and tires into an indi shop: Oil and tires are what keep most indi shops in business. Go into your indi with an online price and ask if they can meet it. If they can't and it's 10 bucks more, consider getting it through them anyway. Believe me, they're NOT getting rich.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 11,471
Likes: 2,998
From: Charleston, SC
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...
Road Warrior
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 1,624
Likes: 13
From: Fort Worth
Yep, this is who I use! The manager at my store will even match the price of online tires but I pay tax. He also discounts the mounting and balance if I buy through him.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 13,402
Likes: 941
From: Illinois
The 14 model year and up HD spoked tires are tubeless.
That is why I kept them on my 14 RK. Previously they required tubes so when the dealer had a 10 Ultra with the wheel option in 2010 I had them swap with the mag wheels when I bought it.
However, I do all my services, accessory installs and and tire mounting. It just isn't a big deal or difficult.
I do it because I am ****. No tech can do it more through or better but they sure can screw up from time to time.
The fact that they wanted to sell a tube does not speak well of your dealer from the git go.
That is why I kept them on my 14 RK. Previously they required tubes so when the dealer had a 10 Ultra with the wheel option in 2010 I had them swap with the mag wheels when I bought it.
However, I do all my services, accessory installs and and tire mounting. It just isn't a big deal or difficult.
I do it because I am ****. No tech can do it more through or better but they sure can screw up from time to time.
The fact that they wanted to sell a tube does not speak well of your dealer from the git go.
Cruiser
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 197
Likes: 17
From: Central Coast California
This pretty much describes me too! I bought a No Mar tire changer [the Pro model] and it makes changing tires effortless. Also have a Marc Parnes balancer.
As for buying tires . . . I ordered from Amazon front and rear Michelin Commander II's for my 2014 XL1200cp. It came originally with HD Michelin Scorchers. Total price for both from Amazon: $270.98. Free shipping and they arrived in just a few days.
Only the rear required replacing immediately. I actually enjoy working on my bikes. The satisfaction of doing things myself and knowing it is done right.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 3,542
Likes: 161
From: Booming metropolis
that is all my dad uses. I don't think the isolators need to be changed every time just check them out
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 38,525
Likes: 6,406
From: Honah Lee
The Yamaha dealer will change a carry in for 1/2 what the Harley dealer wants. However, you need to stand outside on the sidewalk with a billboard hawking Yamaha specials while they do it.