Needed new tires so I shopped around online. I then contacted my local HD dealerships figuring I’d support either them or a local Indy shop.

-Oem tires online -380.00
-HD-525 after install 800+ the cost of wheels weights..not even joking that is what I was told.
Indy shop was 650-700 installed

i did a bunch of reasearch and decided the way I ride does not warrant the most grippy tire on the market so I opted for longevity and good characteristics in dry and wet weather.

I chose the bridgestone battlecruiser h50.
cost- 225 front and rear after 60 dollar rebate (Rocky Mountain)
took them off myself and a local shop mounted and balanced both front and rear for 60 bucks. I know it is a lot of work and I respect that shops have to make money but I couldn’t justify the extra cost so I did it myself. If anyone is on the fence I would totally recommend giving it a shot! I’m not trying to boast about my good deal but this is simply to show the cost difference in putting a little bit of work into it. Even after the purchase of the service manual and some tools I’m still way under the cost of having it done and I have everything for future changes.

I will update this this thread as time goes on and I will review them!

 

did you take the tires off the rims? I always take the wheels off an take the wheel an new tire in to be mounted an balanced. My favorite Indy just closed....he would order tires for you what ever you wanted an it was usually about 5-10 bucks more per tire. the dealer charging an hour labor to remove an install the front an 2 hours to remove an install the rear PLUS mounting an bal is crazy IMO>

 

Besides the money, you can and should do things a shop usually won't, clean any rust out that's often under the rub strip on a spoke rim, and inspect the butt joint - I had one with about a 1 inch crack in the weld under the rust. Good time to pop the wheel bearing outer seals and check the grease; they push back on easy if they're plastic; if they're metal shielded, I replace them with plastic shielded and make sure new bearings have enough grease, many I've checked barely had any. Every used bike I've bought with ball bearings needed new bearings, had crud in grease (probably from pressure washing) and several were rusty. People will change oil twice as often as they need to, but don't even think about their bearings. When you put the wheels back on, spread a film of grease or anti seize on the axle and insides of all spacers, avoids driving out the axle with a sledge hammer later on - I've had to do that on a couple used bikes. Harley doesn't seem to care about things like that, and a lot of shop mechanics won't take the time, either.

My old wrists don't like tire irons any more, got a used Cycle Hill tire changer several years ago, makes changing your own tires easy. Compared to taking the bike to a Harley dealer, I saved money on the 3rd tire, maybe even the second.

I've run Bridgestones on metrics (still have a couple with them), like them better than Dunlops. On my Harleys, I only use Avons, finest riding and handling tire I've ever ridden on, and since I do my own tires, I don't worry much about price or mileage, the big cost is labor for someone else doing it.

 

I bought Shinko tires online for the "93 Sportster I just bought. $129 for both tires with free shipping. Mounting and balancing was $65. Nothing against folks making a buck but the dealer wants $195 for one tire! Ride safe.

 

Did you inspect and lube you wheel bearings?

 

i take my hat off to you! always good to see a guy wrenching his ride, mistakes?, hummm, maybe, but that turns into knowledge which he can now pass on.
never had anyone to change my tires.

 

Please see my post under wheels and tires. Any help is appreciated.

 

Thanks for asking. Yes, I'm in the process. Got one side of the front out and cleaned. New seals on the way.

 

Thanks for all all the responses! I’m very used to doing my own work and maintenance and I’m actually a stickler on things being done per the manual and following torque specs etc. I’ve rebuilt motocross engines and done plenty of maintence but that’s a little easier to work on and move around compared to a street glide. This was geared towards the person who is a little hesitatant, figured I’d offer some motivation.

Answers for questions: (sorry I didn’t gather all the user names)

-I did not remove the old tires from the rims although that is a great idea to check for damage etc. I’ll keep that in my hat for next time.

- I read through the service Manual, highlited all the torque specs and special instructs.
-I bought the anti seize lubricant and followed the directions for that along with belt deflection specs and I purchased the tool.
-bearings were still good, bike only has 11k on it so I would hope they still were but you never know lol.

-Someone asked me to check on their post and I will follow up on that.

-such a good price on those Shinkos I hope they last a while for you! Heard they’re are really sticky tires and I believe if you contact the manufacturer they will tell you to run about 5 psi under the max to maximize your mileage and prevent quick wear.