Tires

[wev567]

Can anyone recommend somewhere to get tires during EOM? Might need a set....

 

[slapnpop]

The service quality in the tri-cities area is what drove me to changing my own tires. You're best bet would be MR Cycles in Asheville, about 1.5 hours away.

 

[SliderR1]

Can anyone recommend somewhere to get tires during EOM? Might need a set....

As a local who changes his own tires, I second what SlapnPop said. In a pinch, I'd try Ken's Cycle in Johnson City. They are usually so busy they don't answer the phone, so you have to just go there. Kingsport Cycles would be my second choice. I have no idea if either keeps any sport touring tires on hand, though.

There is a Cycle Gear in Knoxville, too, but it is on the far west side of town...

 

[BikerGeek99]

Depending on your route, you could stop in Freedom Motorsports in Princeton, WV. They helped several of us at EOM '08.

They had me in and out with a new rear tire and front & rear brakes in 45 minutes, for less than $200.

 

[Patriot]

or like many/most, do it before you leave - either order up some mail order and have a local shop mount them or buy them and have them mounted at your local shop. Get the old ones back if they have some good miles left and you can put them back on later if you want.

Just a thought

I would never "waste" time on a trip worrying about or getting replacement tires...lost time and usually big $$$ spent that way without any guarantee being good to go when needed.

I think you'd save all around just getting new tires at home and keeping the old ones around for future use.

just my 1.5 cents

let's ride safe and be careful out there,

Mike in Nawlins'

 

[HaulinAshe]

We can do some scouting of the area, but as it's just been said, your best approach is be prepared with fresh rubber before you leave.

Grumpy has a good relationship with the Yamaha dealer in Hendersonville NC, roughly 89 miles away and not that far off several of the routes. That's not going to get anyone a price break, but it might mean getting treated fairly and serviced quickly.

I do understand the reluctance to dismount a good set of tires. Many people are paying 1/4 to 1/3 the price of a new tire for mounting & balancing. It makes re-mounting tires a dead expense for them. The only thing worse is seeing belts on the rear on Sunday night and knowing that you have to do 600 miles of slab on Monday to get home, while all the motorcycle dealerships are closed!

 

[Canadian FJR]

What about Wheelers ?

https://www.wheelersperformance.com/

Ken always treated us great.

Canadian FJR

 

[HaulinAshe]

What about Wheelers ?
https://www.wheelersperformance.com/

Good spot for those going as far as The Dragon or riding southwest of the hotel.

At 162 miles from the hotel, it's a stretch from the other regions. Something like Asheville or Hendersonville would be a good choice too.

 

[HaulinAshe]

Here's Grumpy's findings about Harper's in Hendersonville NC...

Here's the deal with Harpers. They carry a fair inventory of cruiser tires and sport bike tires, but basically nothing for the FJR. There are 2 mc warehouses in town and if you can tell Harpers what you want before 11:30 am, they'll have the tire at the shop by 2:30 that afternoon. Their phone number is 828 692 1124 and Bob is the service manager while Jessie is the parts guy.

 

[JHMZ71]

Talked to Ken yesterday at Ken's Cycle Center and he told me they keep some tires for the FJR in stock and if someone knows they are going to replace them to give him a call beforehand and he will get them ordered. (423)477-8596 He said they sold 500 pair during the BMW event last month in Johnson City.