Insane Tire Prices

[voyager55]

Stopped at my local dealer to get a price on a Dunlop front tire. WOW!! They were $50 higher than buying online! Wouldn't match either. Plus I'd have to pay tax
Then I asked service how much to mount a tire.
$50 off the bike
$65 on the bike
If I buy the tires from someone else, Add $10
I almost fell over
This dealer has 3 stores in the Mpls area, one went out of business last year. I can see why now

I don't need tires that often to justify buying a tire changer- But man, I won't pay them that much to mount a tire. Takes them what, 10 minutes?
I'll look elsewhere

[debron]

My dealer charges $20 if I buy the tire from them, $30 if I bring in the tire. (That's with the wheel off the bike.)

[the2knights]

2 screw drivers and a couple ounces of Dyna Beads beats the heck out of those prices. I finally started putting my own tires on when I thought $15.00 was to much. I know the service department is like an ATM for most dealers, but that is ridiculous.

[voyager55]

That's the price range I was expecting

My dealer charges $20 if I buy the tire from them, $30 if I bring in the tire. (That's with the wheel off the bike.)

[Muleears]

Well, I guess being out of the market for a while cost me some money. I should have checked with you guys before I spent $130 to get my tires changed! Granted I just took them the bike and tires (bought elsewhere) and said "change them", I guess the price I paid was too much! Oh well, live and learn....

[debron]

Well, I guess being out of the market for a while cost me some money. I should have checked with you guys before I spent $130 to get my tires changed! Granted I just took them the bike and tires (bought elsewhere) and said "change them", I guess the price I paid was too much! Oh well, live and learn....

Cal, don't feel too bad, it's a lot of work (time consuming, at least for me) to remove and replace the wheels, especially the rear. What you paid was basically $60 to change the tires (assuming this was for two tires,) and $70 to have them R&R the wheels. If I wasn't such a cheapskate I'd probably be willing to pay the dealer to do it!

[JimK]

Check around and look for an independent shop, one not affiliated with any of the major brands.
They are usually more competitive in their pricing. I had a tire I bought on the internet mounted and balanced by an Indy shop for $15. Next time I bought two tires from the same shop for $200 mounted and balanced. The Indy shops in my opinion do a better because most of their work is from word of mouth. Where the major dealers get their business because they sell the same bike your riding and usually their mechanics aren't as good. When I bought my Voyager in 97 the dealer mechanic put my heel tow shifter on upside down. Yes the gear pattern was 1 up and 4 down. Good luck on your search for a dependable shop.

[EZdriver]

I picked up a new pair of Dunlop Elite's online from Dennis Kirk for $276 delivered UPS ground. I'm mounting them myself.