deucedog
Active Member
They've treated you a lot better than they've treated me . Although, the parts guys are pretty good guys. I only go there if it's something I need quickly to get on the road.
Dealer getting better at tire change scam
- Thread starter cambre04
- Start date
They've treated you a lot better than they've treated me . Although, the parts guys are pretty good guys. I only go there if it's something I need quickly to get on the road.
I am always amazed at anyone thinking that a business should mount a tire; or install anything available for purchase at the business.
It is a bit like taking your own hamburger to McDonald's to have them cook it for you.
If I sold tires... I wouldn't installl a tire that wasn't purchased from me. I would tell you to have your internet-store mount it for you.
Sorry... but that's the way I feel about it.
It is a bit like taking your own hamburger to McDonald's to have them cook it for you.
If I sold tires... I wouldn't installl a tire that wasn't purchased from me. I would tell you to have your internet-store mount it for you.
Sorry... but that's the way I feel about it.
Harbor Freight sells a manual tire changer with available motorcycle attachment. Under $100 for the pair at retail. They often go on sale. A real lifesaver for do-it-yourself tire installs. I rode a sportbike for 10 years and dealer tire prices would have driven me out of retirement, and the tires rarely get over 10k miles. Mark Parnes sells a nifty balancer also.
I prefer taking the wheels off myself as its much easier to get them cleaned up and a good wax, rejex or whatever applied. The dealer isn't going to do that for you.
I tried taking off the Dunlops on my last metric touring bike, with tire irons, rim protectors, etc and did nothing but bugger up the rims. What a pia. Wound up limping into the dealer and had them unmount for me. The tech stated that dunlops have one of the hardest carcass of any tire made. Went to bridgestones on that bike, and probably won't be putting dunlops back on this bike when the time comes for a change. They're already singing to me, and they're brand new.
I tried taking off the Dunlops on my last metric touring bike, with tire irons, rim protectors, etc and did nothing but bugger up the rims. What a pia. Wound up limping into the dealer and had them unmount for me. The tech stated that dunlops have one of the hardest carcass of any tire made. Went to bridgestones on that bike, and probably won't be putting dunlops back on this bike when the time comes for a change. They're already singing to me, and they're brand new.
wv2wheel
Active Member
In my riding experience there are MANY shops that only install tires they sell and few that will install anything that you bring in. I've done it both ways, supporting the shop with purchase and by buying my own and finding the shop to install them. Even considered buying the changing tool to do my own (but then who would I blame for nicked rims 
?). Plus and minuses of all routes. It isnt a scam, just a business decision on the shops part and it may have something to do with insurance but I dont know....do your tires the way you want and dont worry about it. If you want to support your local dealer, do so, you will be glad they are there when you need them for something more urgent. If you want to buy all the equipment and do it, go for it. If you find a local shop that will install anything you drag in and want that route, do that...all options.
?). Plus and minuses of all routes. It isnt a scam, just a business decision on the shops part and it may have something to do with insurance but I dont know....do your tires the way you want and dont worry about it. If you want to support your local dealer, do so, you will be glad they are there when you need them for something more urgent. If you want to buy all the equipment and do it, go for it. If you find a local shop that will install anything you drag in and want that route, do that...all options.
Walleye, check out this excerpt video from Glider' Self Help Tip:
http://www.hdtimeline.com/brakes_tires_and_wheels/10817-changing_tires.html
If you give it a go, tell us how you fare...
http://www.hdtimeline.com/brakes_tires_and_wheels/10817-changing_tires.html
If you give it a go, tell us how you fare...
I want to try this myself as I like to learn all I can about my ride. What tools required and how much time to change tires on front / rear on a Ultra? THX
Walleye, check out this excerpt video from Glider' Self Help Tip:
http://www.hdtimeline.com/brakes_tires_and_wheels/10817-changing_tires.html
If you give it a go, tell us how you fare...
I will tackle this when the tires are due to change. Thanks for posting the link!
Thorns
Active Member
I get my Avon tires on-line, and change them myself. Harbor Freight sells a pretty good setup. Not a big deal to peal a tire off and mount the new one back on...I balance my wheel and tire also. I know it's been done correctly, makes me feel better. I spend the saved money, that's never a problem.
Thorns
Thorns
my local dealer ran a $99.00 oem tire special, the last time i needed a new rear tire. after the new tube required, balance, labor,shop fees and tire disposal fee the bill came to $225.xx. the tire was sold at a good price but the shop made up for any revenue loss. live and learn...