Tire change rant...advice?

Parabellum · 08-21-2008, 05:45 PM

I am kinda pissed right now.

There is ONE shop in my town that changes motorcycle tires, of course they are a dealership, not an indy shop.

I live in a rural area where the cost of living is low...this is NOT a big city dealership.

Their price for changing two tires if I bring in the bike: $80 per tire.

Their price for chainging two tires if I bring in wheels only: $40 per tire.

This is highway robbery in my opinion...but they have a captive audience...no one else does it for probably 60 miles at least.

What the heck should I do? I don't have the space in my shop for a tire changer (I am VERY limited on space until I move again)....but I feel really dirty paying this much for something I KNOW I am getting ripped off on.

What do you think...is the price fair? It really feels like I'm getting gouged here.

What would you do?

Does anyone know of a shop in the Chicago area that charges less? (I am 130 miles south of chicago, but I visit on a regular basis).

tarosean · 08-21-2008, 05:52 PM

Tire Irons = 15 bucks
2x4's = 6 bucks
couple jackstands = 15 bucks
wheel weights = 5 bucks
Pledge Spray = 3 bucks

Never paying for a tire change again PRICELESS...

you don't need a machine...

Parabellum · 08-21-2008, 05:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tarosean

Tire Irons = 15 bucks
2x4's = 6 bucks
couple jackstands = 15 bucks
wheel weights = 5 bucks
Pledge Spray = 3 bucks

Never paying for a tire change again PRICELESS...

you don't need a machine...

Ok...I'm interested...but how the hell do you balance them properly after you put on the new tires????

I sure don't want to hit 110mph and have the bike start shaking like a paint mixer....

Is it really that easy to do with a pair of irons??? If I've never done it before? I heard breaking the bead is a PITA...

serpentracer · 08-21-2008, 05:54 PM

you don't, but man it's so much easier.

if you are only going to change them once or twice a year. it isn't really worth getting a tire changer.
but you could make some money with it....

serpentracer · 08-21-2008, 05:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Parabellum

Ok...I'm interested...but how the hell do you balance them properly after you put on the new tires????

I sure don't want to hit 110mph and have the bike start shaking like a paint mixer....

the same way they do.
Universal Motorcycle Wheel Balancer

mssdrider · 08-21-2008, 05:59 PM

No-Mar, pretty small, can attach to a hitch.

Charge $10 to change tires for friends.

Good investment.

Parabellum · 08-21-2008, 06:01 PM

I have NO friends who ride.

Its horrible, I have been riding for EIGHT YEARS and with the exception of PGR missions, I can count ONE HAND the times I have had the pleasure of riding with someone else.

tarosean · 08-21-2008, 06:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Parabellum

Ok...I'm interested...but how the hell do you balance them properly after you put on the new tires????

Is it really that easy to do with a pair of irons??? If I've never done it before? I heard breaking the bead is a PITA...

Gravity balance your tires. very simple and just as accurate as a computer balancer (if done right).

as long as your wheel bearings are good you can use your stock axles instead of buying anything else.

There are many vids on Youtube about both changing and balancing.

YES breaking the bead is the hardest part, when you first start to change them, then you get the hang of it...

harleyxlc · 08-21-2008, 06:04 PM

That sounds like pretty standard fees...at least here in SoCal. Don't know if that makes you feel any better, but it isn't your dinky town...it's shops in general that charge too much for this.

mssdrider · 08-21-2008, 06:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Parabellum

I have NO friends who ride.

Its horrible, I have been riding for EIGHT YEARS and with the exception of PGR missions, I can count ONE HAND the times I have had the pleasure of riding with someone else.

they do car tires too, I think up to 22 inches if you get the pro one and 19 if you get the Jr. Pro one

(just bought a Jr. Pro model for the SO, such a great investment)

lunchbox101 · 08-21-2008, 06:15 PM

dude...i changed my tires with three flathead screwdrivers, a wooden hammer, floor jack, and the frame of a truck

ive gotten really quick, and i dont bother balancing them. 158mph with no problems

Parabellum · 08-21-2008, 06:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lunchbox101

dude...i changed my tires with three flathead screwdrivers, a wooden hammer, floor jack, and the frame of a truck

ive gotten really quick, and i dont bother balancing them. 158mph with no problems

SRSLY?

Now I am torn between trying to DIY and just biting the bullet and paying them.

I am going to see what other places within 1-2 hours drive are available for this work....

Ozy · 08-21-2008, 06:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Parabellum

SRSLY?

Now I am torn between trying to DIY and just biting the bullet and paying them.

I am going to see what other places within 1-2 hours drive are available for this work....

This is exactly what the shops are counting on. I can count the amount of times i've taken my tyres into the shop for fitting only to have them handed to a wide eyed apprentice with no idea.

Shops dont want to change your tyres, thats why they charge so much.

Either you just accept it and pay through the arse, or you get your own way.

636blurr · 08-21-2008, 06:42 PM

Having changed countless gokart tires (I hope that motorcycle tires are easier) I gotta say that get the little spud bar to help pop the tire from the rim and to help put one one, which is always easier, little dishsoap helps getting em off too.

May just try doing the tire thing myself for the bike although they charge 20 dollars here, 50 if its on the bike.
You go first para, the highspeed thing bothers me a bit too.

YouTube - SCUDMAN How to remove a motorcycle tire

YouTube - SCUDMAN Balancing

636blurr · 08-21-2008, 06:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Parabellum

I have NO friends who ride.

Its horrible, I have been riding for EIGHT YEARS and with the exception of PGR missions, I can count ONE HAND the times I have had the pleasure of riding with someone else.

Pretty much the same boat here, I rarely get to ride with anyone else.

The only sportbike person I get to ride with just wants to ride up and down the drag and look good. arrgg.