Author Topic: Other dealers changing tires  (Read 1447 times)

Offline nwguy

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Other dealers changing tires
« on: May 10, 2021, 08:35:07 PM »
Do you think most motorcycle shops, except Harley, would change tires on a 2008 Norge?
Current:  08 Norge, 06 Suzuki Burgman, 06 Yamaha Morphous

Past:  3 Buell Lightnings, 02 BMW R1150RS
05 Ducati Multistrada, First gen Kawasaki Concours, Kawasaki Vulcan 1500 Classic, 02 Honda ST110, Aprilia Falco, Suzuki VX800, Yamaha Radian, Suzuki TS185, Yamaha RD400

Offline Kiwi_Roy

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Re: Other dealers changing tires
« Reply #1 on: May 10, 2021, 08:37:00 PM »
They will for sure if they are supplying the tires, it might be a different story if you buy them on-line.
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Offline John Warner

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Re: Other dealers changing tires
« Reply #2 on: May 10, 2021, 08:41:16 PM »
I would think any Bike Dealers will do it for you, if you're paying!

Most car tyre and exhaust places will do them as well, at least in the UK they do.
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Offline Gliderjohn

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Re: Other dealers changing tires
« Reply #3 on: May 10, 2021, 08:53:18 PM »
Years ago a friend was traveling a fairly long road trip on his Guzzi. Due to that he had brought an extra tire and tube with him. His tire pretty much went away in a somewhat remote area where the only dealer around was H-D. He stopped there and asked if he could get the tire mounted. Was told $25 which was requested up front. He paid and was directed to the tire machine where he had to mount his own tire.
GliderJohn
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Re: Other dealers changing tires
« Reply #3 on: May 10, 2021, 08:53:18 PM »

Online moto-uno

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Re: Other dealers changing tires
« Reply #4 on: May 10, 2021, 09:22:28 PM »
  Lucky guy  :thumb: . Peter

Offline bodine99

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Re: Other dealers changing tires
« Reply #5 on: May 11, 2021, 06:14:23 AM »
Most indepentant shops will. Some don't care if you bring the whole bike, or just the wheels and tires. Check with your local brick & mortar shop. They buy tires from pretty much 3 major suppliers.

Offline Bulldog9

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Re: Other dealers changing tires
« Reply #6 on: May 11, 2021, 08:17:30 AM »
I generally use private shops for tire changes, but have used 'other' brand dealers over the years. Never turned down. I bring the tires and rims, they do the swap. $80 with tubes, $70 tubeless. Twice I have had to have emergency replacement tires on the road, and found great support from the MC community of dealers. Once from a Harley dealer who called other 'metric' dealers in the area to get me a set of tires. They did a great job, used balance beads and nitrogen for no extra charge, had me back on the road in less than 2 hours.

I 'tried' to use my local Guzzi dealer, but they wanted $300 just to swap tires with me bringing tires & rims. $150 an hour labor for each tire.... Still wanting to support and understanding the situation, I asked how much if I ride the Griso over, but the tires from you and you do the install. The answer was $700 for a new set of PR5's, and I'd have to leave the bike for a week........... Yeah, no thanks.

Took it to my usual local shop. $70 to mount and balance and a 45 minute wait.
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The Departed: 2017 MGX, 2014 Norge GT, 
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Offline Wayne Orwig

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Re: Other dealers changing tires
« Reply #7 on: May 11, 2021, 08:39:47 AM »
Just change your own.
Scientist have discovered that people will believe anything, if you first say "Scientists have discovered...."

Offline Mayor_of_BBQ

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Re: Other dealers changing tires
« Reply #8 on: May 11, 2021, 08:46:04 AM »
Just change your own.

He'll be on the road. Bead Breaker is not exactly in the roadside tool kit!


As to the question, I use MR Motorcycle here locally. It's a big multi-powersport dealer with many locations. They have had me in and out in 15-20min when I took the wheels and tires to them, for I think $30 or $40 (F&R)
Chad (Shadrach) in Asheville NC
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Offline Vagrant

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Re: Other dealers changing tires
« Reply #9 on: May 11, 2021, 08:47:45 AM »
I pulled into a Harley dealer in NC on a harly with cords showing and I'm 300 miles from home He refused to get me in because "he was too busy installing chrome" so his customers could go to Myrtle beach. WTF!!!
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Offline ampm7

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Re: Other dealers changing tires
« Reply #10 on: May 11, 2021, 10:32:31 AM »
I just take my wheels off and take them to my local Yamaha dealer and they put my tires (that I purchase online) on and they install them for $35 a tire with balancing. Because they are Guzzi's I don't want them fiddling with the rear end. Since they do a lot of dirt bikes, they are constantly changing tires.
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Offline DougG

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Re: Other dealers changing tires
« Reply #11 on: May 11, 2021, 10:48:51 AM »
Hi nwguy,                                                                                                  5-11-21

Just to add to the confusion...I took my 2017 Cali 1400 to a BMW motorcycle dealer in Asheville, NC.  I picked them because BMW's have a swing axle...no chain.  Of course, my bike has a dual swing axle.  I figured that it was close enough, they would be able to deal with it and the next MG dealership is 2.5+ hours away.

On the phone they assured me that they have a MG specialist on site.  I brought the bike in (with rear tire) and they called me later that day and said it was ready.  When I picked up the bike, I spoke with the mechanic who changed the tire.  He said that it was difficult to change and it took more time than normal.  They charged $40.  I have ridden the bike several hundred miles since with no problems, no leaks, good balance.  I'm satisfied with their work, however, next time I will ask for their definition of a "MG specialist".

Be well, stay well,
DougG
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Offline Mayor_of_BBQ

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Re: Other dealers changing tires
« Reply #12 on: May 11, 2021, 11:13:23 AM »
Hi nwguy,                                                                                                  5-11-21

Just to add to the confusion...I took my 2017 Cali 1400 to a BMW motorcycle dealer in Asheville, NC.  I picked them because BMW's have a swing axle...no chain.  Of course, my bike has a dual swing axle.  I figured that it was close enough, they would be able to deal with it and the next MG dealership is 2.5+ hours away.

On the phone they assured me that they have a MG specialist on site.  I brought the bike in (with rear tire) and they called me later that day and said it was ready.  When I picked up the bike, I spoke with the mechanic who changed the tire.  He said that it was difficult to change and it took more time than normal.  They charged $40.  I have ridden the bike several hundred miles since with no problems, no leaks, good balance.  I'm satisfied with their work, however, next time I will ask for their definition of a "MG specialist".

Be well, stay well,
DougG

I like Eurosport a lot, I know the owner (worked for him for several years when he owned a regionally famous BBQ restaurant). They do have one tech who worked at an MG dealer for a year or two, but that dealership haddnt sold guzzi since the mid 90's (this guy would have been a teenager at the time) and have been out of business since about 2010 (primarily a Triumph dealership). They were never a big MG mover in any case. It was more of a mom-n-pop hole in the wall. I'm sure he is a fine mechanic but I wouldnt say guzzi specialist by a long shot. I'm sure the Triumph shop had some guzzis in for repairs, being a former dealer who sold them.
Chad (Shadrach) in Asheville NC
1979 LeMans CX-100 (battle axe)
2007 Breva 1100 (Sport 1200 tribute)

Offline Wayne Orwig

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Re: Other dealers changing tires
« Reply #13 on: May 11, 2021, 12:13:01 PM »
He'll be on the road. Bead Breaker is not exactly in the roadside tool kit!

Why not?
Scientist have discovered that people will believe anything, if you first say "Scientists have discovered...."

Offline DougG

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Re: Other dealers changing tires
« Reply #14 on: May 11, 2021, 12:21:21 PM »
Hi Mayor,                                                                                  5-11-21

Thanks for the insight. 

Be well, stay well,
DougG
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Offline OldMojo

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Re: Other dealers changing tires
« Reply #15 on: May 11, 2021, 02:34:26 PM »
Hi nwguy,                                                                                                  5-11-21

Just to add to the confusion...I took my 2017 Cali 1400 to a BMW motorcycle dealer in Asheville, NC.  I picked them because BMW's have a swing axle...no chain.  Of course, my bike has a dual swing axle.  I figured that it was close enough, they would be able to deal with it and the next MG dealership is 2.5+ hours away.

On the phone they assured me that they have a MG specialist on site.  I brought the bike in (with rear tire) and they called me later that day and said it was ready.  When I picked up the bike, I spoke with the mechanic who changed the tire.  He said that it was difficult to change and it took more time than normal.  They charged $40.  I have ridden the bike several hundred miles since with no problems, no leaks, good balance.  I'm satisfied with their work, however, next time I will ask for their definition of a "MG specialist".

Be well, stay well,
DougG

Sounds like it went well. And $40 to change a tire on-bike is peanuts. Most places are at least $25 per wheel carry-in.
Changing the rear on a 1400 is no simple task.
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bobrebos

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Re: Other dealers changing tires
« Reply #16 on: May 11, 2021, 02:42:12 PM »
I needed a rear tire replaced on my Gold Wing a few years ago while on road. (Nail through sidewall)  Harley Davidson dealership told me they refused to put a tire on a gold Wing.  Waited a day until Honda dealership was open and got a new tire, and it installed in an hour.  Very happy with the Honda Dealership in that case.  I will not comment on the HD dealership. 

Offline willowstreetguzziguy

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Re: Other dealers changing tires
« Reply #17 on: May 11, 2021, 02:47:42 PM »
A comparative industry...

We had a lot of custom home builders in Amish country PA for many years. When Building homes slowed down dramatically, they added home remodeling and additions to their offerings. Previous to that, the major builders left that to the little guy. But when money got tight and homebuilding slowed they change their tune. I wouldn’t be surprised if motorcycle dealers change their tune on putting on tires purchased elsewhere. If they are smart they will adapt to changing times And welcome new customers, if not, goodbye.
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Offline Wayne Orwig

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Re: Other dealers changing tires
« Reply #18 on: May 11, 2021, 03:21:34 PM »
I needed a rear tire replaced on my Gold Wing a few years ago while on road. (Nail through sidewall)  Harley Davidson dealership told me they refused to put a tire on a gold Wing.  Waited a day until Honda dealership was open and got a new tire, and it installed in an hour.  Very happy with the Honda Dealership in that case.  I will not comment on the HD dealership.

My local HD dealer refused to even SELL me a tire, for a non-HD, for me to take home and install. Thus my went to a different brand, and to Guzzi.

On the other hand, the Guzzi dealer in Dahlonega would do whatever it took to help out a rider, no matter what brand.
Scientist have discovered that people will believe anything, if you first say "Scientists have discovered...."

bobrebos

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Re: Other dealers changing tires
« Reply #19 on: May 11, 2021, 03:40:56 PM »
My local HD dealer refused to even SELL me a tire, for a non-HD, for me to take home and install. Thus my went to a different brand, and to Guzzi.

On the other hand, the Guzzi dealer in Dahlonega would do whatever it took to help out a rider, no matter what brand.

Wow, thats just plain crazy of that dealership!

Offline Vagrant

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Re: Other dealers changing tires
« Reply #20 on: May 11, 2021, 04:27:49 PM »
No, that's just typical HD dealer philosophy! Screw them until they buy our product. I sold my last one in 97 and even though I wouldn't mind a couple of the new ones, "NO WAY IN HELL"!
I sure miss Riders Hill!
 I suspect an enterprising man in a storage building location (a popular and cheap way of being in business in Az.) in the Atlanta market could make some good $$$ just doing tires. You order from whoever you want, ship to me, I install for X$. Nice and tidy and of course cash only. There is a guy in Tucson that basically does this.
God help the enterprising American!
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Offline Gliderjohn

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Re: Other dealers changing tires
« Reply #21 on: May 11, 2021, 08:23:45 PM »
There is a good Kaw/Honda dealer 10 miles from me. I buy my batteries, tires and other general stuff from them. The prices are generally just 5-10% above most internet prices, they instal and balance tires if bought there for $25. I think it is worth that extra cost for the convenience and supporting a local good guy motorcycle business.
GliderJohn
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Offline Motormike

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Re: Other dealers changing tires
« Reply #22 on: May 11, 2021, 08:47:17 PM »
Bought a No-Mar a couple of years ago.  Some tires are easy, some are tough.  Michelins are easy, the rest, not so much.

Offline kindoy2

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Re: Other dealers changing tires
« Reply #23 on: May 11, 2021, 08:56:37 PM »
Beemer shops are usually a good bet..they are used to shaft drives....but some shops of any brand I wouldn't touch with a 10 ft pole
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Offline Seventy One

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Re: Other dealers changing tires
« Reply #24 on: May 11, 2021, 09:28:28 PM »
I was 1,300 miles from home and needed a rear tire on my DR650. Deluxe H-D in Gillette Wyoming told me that they could order me a tire but they couldn't install it because their machines "couldn't handle a 17" rim".

Thankfully the kindhearted folks at Deluxe H-D sent me a local Can-Am dealer.

The Can-Am dealer was able to send me a place that actually sold motorcycle tires.

These days I change my own tires as well as any H-D tires that my friends bring over. I like to think I've cost them thousands of dollars in lost revenue.


Offline Scout63

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Re: Other dealers changing tires
« Reply #25 on: May 12, 2021, 05:43:15 AM »
I change my own. I only have vintage bikes with narrow tires. They are pretty easy to change with tire irons. I haven’t seen any need for a dealer in 20 years. With my bikes and boat, I just don’t feel as if someone else will be as careful with my things as I am.  Not necessarily true, but it’s how I am.
Ben Zehnder - Orleans, MA USA

Offline kballowe

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Re: Other dealers changing tires
« Reply #26 on: May 12, 2021, 06:06:05 AM »
We had a local multi-brand dealer that would drop whatever they were doing in order to assist a traveling motorcyclist.  They would even go and pick them up.

That place changed hands - and now it's the "get in line" philosophy. 

Our local Harley dealer stopped changing any tires on other-than-Harley.  They said that they only stocked Harley parts and didn't have the parts visibility into other brands - in case they broke something.  They also quit mounting tires that customers brought in with them.  The owner said that people would bring in used, dangerous, weather-cracked tires, etc. and then get upset when they wouldn't mount them, and so they just stopped that practice all together.

In recent history, I was at a Harley dealer and one of the staff pointed out a big cut in the front tire on our VStar1300.  It's a 130/90-16 and so they installed a very common MT90-16.  It's printed "Harley Davidson" on the sidewall, but I don't think that anyone will notice.




 

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