Tire change pricing

[TheAxeman]

It seems like every time I go to get something done on the bike I get sticker shock. What can I expect to pay in labor only for a rear and front tire change and approximately how long should it take? I have neither the tools or the confidence in my mechanical ability to do the change myself so its always helpful to know what it might cost. I understand that labor rates are different in various parts of the country but at least I'll have some sort of basis for comparison....

I would love to see a pinned section of the forum for just approximate times involved to perform various repairs and routine services on the bike. It might help in keeping some of the dealers in line with the rest of the country. It always amazes me how many knowledgeable people we have here on the board and their input is always appreciated.

 

[nusman68]

There was an independent shop here in Houston that charged 25. to mount & balance a tire, provided you brought in the wheel yourself; that guy went out of business unfortunately...last tire I had done was at Cycle Gear, I believe they charged 35. + a disposal fee. (again, bringing in a loose wheel) I have no idea what the dealer would charge if you just drove in with the bike; I'm sure it wouldn't be exactly 'cheap'..but they should quote you a flat rate.

 

[slapnpop]

The local shop charged me $30 a wheel, NOT ON BIKE, to mount/balance tires. They of course scratched my rims, so I change them myself now for about 30 minutes of my time.

 

[luvtoride]

The local shop charged me $30 a wheel, NOT ON BIKE, to mount/balance tires. They of course scratched my rims, so I change them myself now for about 30 minutes of my time.

My local mom n' pop charges me $38.00 & that's bringing them in on the bike. I've checked a few places in the area & this is definitely the cheapest by about $10.00.

I'd think that if you ride it in f/ them to change them out will cost +-$50.00.

 

[hoham]

The local shop charged me $30 a wheel, NOT ON BIKE, to mount/balance tires. They of course scratched my rims, so I change them myself now for about 30 minutes of my time.

My local mom n' pop charges me $38.00 & that's bringing them in on the bike. I've checked a few places in the area & this is definitely the cheapest by about $10.00.

I'd think that if you ride it in f/ them to change them out will cost +-$50.00.

Rode in , the dealer charges $60 to change 2 tires, mount and balance. I thought this was a deal. Took about 2 hours.

 

[Langly]

Not sure what the whining about, Dallas area shops are $45-$50 per wheel on the bike. $100/per set on the bike. $100 the price of a front tire or a harbor freight changer.

 

[Nomore76]

Man, I guess I'm lucky! My local Yamaha shop charges only $10 per wheel (if you buy the tires from them), and only $20 per if you buy the tires elsewhere.

 

[jjsC6]

The local shop charged me $30 a wheel, NOT ON BIKE, to mount/balance tires. They of course scratched my rims, so I change them myself now for about 30 minutes of my time.

How do you change them? Do you have a tire changing "machine", or can it be done the old fashion way with tire irons and rim protectors? I did it like that in the old days, and still have the tools. But I don't know about newer tires and wheels.

 

[fhaze]

I paid $390+ in NC after Deals Gap, surrounding area, and the BRP savagely ate through my perfectly good Avons.

I drove the bike in, and drove out a hour later with Z6's.

 

[evil_henchman]

The only shops I've ever found that will remove/install the wheels are dealers. It pays to call around, lots of different policies and prices. Most charge more for labor if you supply the tires, ect.

You'll save a lot of money if you just learn to remove and install your wheels. I have a local tire shop that charges $17 to mount and balance. The dealers want $75 and up (per wheel) if they have to remove/install the wheels.

 

[MotorSWATCop]

Check Harbor Freight's website for the manual tire changer w/ motorcycle attachment. About $100. You will need a wheel balancer another $100 +/-.

Do a Google search for "Fred Harmon P Base" and it will link you to Fred's (board member) photo site where he details a tire change using the above mentione gear. A couple of changes will pay for it.

I am currently waiting for my gear to arrive. I expect to be changing tires frequently on this bike. BONUS: you will know the mechanic and know that your bike was treated the way YOU want it.

Look at FJR Tech for instructions on removing the wheels and other things.

Good Luck.

 

[EXPDSGT]

Long Beach Motorsports in Long Beach Cailfornia will mount the tires for free if you buy the tire from them (even with wheels on the bike). They do charge full retail plus $1.75 disposal fee (state thing). That includes a Snap on Balance. The balance is very important in my opinion. C.R.

 

[Splatterdaddy]

Long Beach Motorsports in Long Beach Cailfornia will mount the tires for free if you buy the tire from them (even with wheels on the bike). They do charge full retail plus $1.75 disposal fee (state thing). That includes a Snap on Balance. The balance is very important in my opinion. C.R.

A great Mom n' Pop in So. Orange county Ca. is Cycle City. Tires are there bread and butter. Tires are below retail and mounted free if purchased there. 15.00 + 12.00 for balancing if you buy elsewhere. Service while you wait. usually 15 min. on weekdays.

 

[trmn8er]

A great Mom n' Pop in So. Orange county Ca. is Cycle City. Tires are there bread and butter. Tires are below retail and mounted free if purchased there. 15.00 + 12.00 for balancing if you buy elsewhere. Service while you wait. usually 15 min. on weekdays.

Good to know. I too am always looking for a place that does not rip you off on the install. I'll keep this post filed for when I need tires!