Tire Changing Policy?

[harley00STC]

So I have a very stock 2000 HSTC and needed some new tires.  I'm certainly not going to pay the dealer's list price, so I ordered a set of OEM Dunloop WWW for both front and rear, online.  Got a very good price and free shipping from a site recommended here (Jake Wilson).

I called a local Indy shop to see what it costs to have the tires mounted and they informed me that their "New" policy is that if I haven't purchased the tires from them, they will only accept the wheels OFF the bike.  I cannot ride the bike to their shop and have them remove the wheels and change the tires.  The service writer tried to tell me that they have had problems with non-standard wheels.  I tried to explain to her that these are OEM wheels and tires.  She repeated the shop mantra.  I finally spoke to a service tech. and he admitted that they want me to buy tires from them.  Understood.  I'll keep that in mind for next time.  When I asked for their prices they were within $10.00 per tire as the online place.  My bad... should've checked locally first.

I called the local Harley dealer and they have no problem mounting my new tires on the bike.  And here's the kicker... same price as the Indy shop, $50.00 per wheel.

So has anyone else run into this "tire changing policy"?   

[tbird]

Shops around here will mount them, but they add $20 to their normal mounting price to make up for the lost profit from the sale of the tire.

[CraigArizona85248]

My policy is that I don't ask anyone to install any parts I didn't buy from them.  But then I don't ask anyone to install my parts (including tires) anyway.  Sort of like bringing your own meat to your favorite steakhouse and asking them to cook it for a reduced rate.

-Craig

[harley00STC]

I guess times aren't that bad...  If you're a service shop, you service motorcycles.
The fact that the dealer has the same price with the wheels ON the bike tells me they need the work and the Indy doesn't.
I do change my fluids, filters, brakes, etc...  Doing the tires does require a few extra tools that I probably only need once every 18 months.

[ceduby]

A business acquaintance of mine just opened up a Yamaha shop. I asked him how much to change the tire for me if I brought the tire in, he said no charge. He even told me I could use the lift to remove the wheel, (didn't need it as I already had the wheel off). And he had the wheel with the new tire delivered to me at work. It's not the norm for sure but sweet deal for me. I even plan on buying some supplys from his shop. Now the H-D dealer 2 blocks away wouldn't touch it unless I bought the tire from them. Last year it was 237.00, and I brought the wheel in, to buy a tire, tube, repack wheel bearings, and have the new tire  installed. This year 113.00 total for everything. Not a bad savings. Next time I'll pick up the wheel myself and give the mech a 10 spot.

It seems to be getting more and more the policy of not changing the tire unless you purchased it from the shop. Maybe it's a liability thing or profit. Maybe a little of both. I dunno. My plan is to purchase some spoons and do it myself in the future.  What are y'all using to break the bead??

[CraigArizona85248]

Yeah... I change 2 sets of tires a year so I put my tire irons to good use.  I also hate waiting around for tires (or any work) to be completed.  My local dealer charges $70/tire (on or off the bike).  I've never checked with any local indy shops for their price but I'm sure it's cheaper.

-Craig

[CraigArizona85248]

ceduby,

I use this device in the photo.  Got it 27 years ago or so... no idea what it cost me at the time.

[ceduby]

I'll have to keep an eye out for something like that or similiar. Thanks Craig

[Rags722]

So has anyone else run into this "tire changing policy"?   

Yup, and why not. I don't take eggs into a diner and ask them to cook 'em for me.  I wouldn't insult my Indy by walking in with someone elses tires unless I asked him in advance if it was OK with him.  I'm willing to pay my Indy a few bucks more to be sure he's there for me when I need him.  Pee on the Indy's and Dealers long enough and don't be surprised when they tell you they aren't accepting work requests from "select customers".
I know one company my wife worked for even had a code for PITA customers and had a line item fee for every order they placed to cover the cost of doing business with them.  It was something like RBB ( real ball buster ) and they would put RBB right on the invoice.  I know at least one customer was told what it stood for and why they were being charged the addition fee

[PoorUB]

It seems to be getting more and more the policy of not changing the tire unless you purchased it from the shop. Maybe it's a liability thing or profit. Maybe a little of both. I dunno. My plan is to purchase some spoons and do it myself in the future.  What are y'all using to break the bead??

My guess it is a bit of both.
Have you ever looked into the Harbor Freight tire changer? You can buy the changer with the motorcycle adaptor for ~$80 om sale. The buy the Mojo Lever and Mojo Blocks for another $100 and you have a darned nice tire changer for ~$200

As to the OP, I am surprised you did not shop the dealer and indy first, see what their prices are, and to see what policy is for changing carry in tires.

[thunderalley3]

I am not sure how it is in all states, but I know in mine, if you are carrying the required garage keepers insurance, most carriers state that all parts must be purchased from the shop to be installed, and that no welding of any kind is to be performed. I know many that ignore that, but guess what, I am not losing everything I have worked for over the last 30 years to make $20 on a tire install, especially when I have no idea where that tire has been or where it came from. I let some small things slide, but when it comes to any safety related component, brakes, tires, wheels,rotors,shocks etc. I am going to have someone else named on the lawsuit along with me when that tire blows and your family wants money. If you carry it in the online discount house has already covered there bases, and delivered it to you, and I will be the one holding the entire bag as I installed it, and must have used improper equipment or procedure, just ask a lawyer where they would go to get you money. NOT, especially for $20. Do I want and need the money, absolutely, am I willing to risk all to get it, absolutely not. I travel alot and had an issue with a wheel, from hitting a hole a couple years ago. I took it to a dealer, they had to order a wheel so I left it there for a couple days and got a lift from a buddy that had a bike for me to ride. When I went back to get it the service manager asked me why I did not tell him that I could fix it, as the owner had met me before and said it was no problem to use a lift. I told him I appreciated it, but I was just a customer, not an employee and I would not ask to do that. Did I appreciatte it, yes, but I would not feel right about it. I paid my bill, tipped the tech and finished my trip.  just my own beliefs,,,

[Garry in AZ]

I figure that if you're tying to save as much money as possible by buying tires online, (with unknown date codes) then you are also probably frugal enough to want to save the money and change them yourself.
I believe in supporting the local indy, and so I buy my tires from him, (2-3 a year) I pick them off the rack myself to be sure they're fresh, and have him install them. I take him the wheels, as I prefer to do all my own bike work. Since I'm a loyal customer, I can buy two fresh Dunlop tires, installed, for under 400 bucks.
If you don't have the room, tools, or desire to change your own or even take off the wheels, that's fine. But I'd then naturally expect to pay a little more than someone who changes their own, or at least brings in the wheels. That is the price you'd have to pay, whether at a dealer or the indy shop. But I agree with the others... I don't bring my own steak to the restaraunt, and expect them to cook it for me. 

Just my opinions.... not meant to disparage anyone else.

Garry

[harley00STC]

As I said in my first post, my bad for not checking with the local Indy shop first.  I was going on my previous experience with an Indy shop across the state that encouraged me to get my tires online.  He couldn't be bothered with carrying (ordering) so many different tires for different bikes.  For him, it wasn't worth the effort.  He wasn't intersted in being a parts house, he was a mechanic.
As to the analogies of bringing in your own food, there are many restaurants that allow customers to bring in their bottle of wine and then charge a "small" corkage fee.  I never tried that with beer 

[Garry in AZ]

LOL... Beer opening.... don't give me any more ideas...  Good luck with your tires.

Garry

[ceduby]

I agree with supporting your local Indy, I would too if there was one within a reasonable distance. And I really wish there was one. I could of used them several times.  I guess that's the price you pay for living out in the sticks. Ain't nothin local.  But that little brown truck goes anywhere.

[truck]

I agree with supporting your local Indy, I would too if there was one within a reasonable distance. And I really wish there was one. I could of used them several times.  I guess that's the price you pay for living out in the sticks. Ain't nothin local.  But that little brown truck goes anywhere.

I hear you duby, I hear ya.

[CraigArizona85248]

I have a good Indy within 8 miles, but they don't carry the tires I need.  They can order them but I still don't get to read the date codes.  If I order them myself, I get them delivered to my home.  I hate riding home with tires strapped on the back of my bike.  Those things are a pain to secure to the bike.  It's just easier all around to have them delivered directly to me.  I do use my Indy for all other consumables, cables, shop supplies, chains, sprockets, etc.  I bought a new set of clutch friction discs from them just two weeks ago.

-Craig

[Glenn W]

So much depends on the dealer's personal feelings. A lot of indys are getting hurt by bare bones web stores shaving profit down to nothing so they refuse to mount anything not purchased there. Others shrug and say, "What the heck, my equipment is just sitting there-just drop off the rims & tires and I'll do 'em up when I get a few minutes. Pay me cash and take the old tires with ya and we're good. I knew a shop that would be fine with mounting up lightbars, LED stuff, whatever, for folks that weren't handy with tools and brought the stuff in. I can see both sides. I prefer to pull my own wheels so do light PM & check out the brakes, but stopped wrestling tires years ago. I'd rather drop off the wheels & pick everything up balanced & ready to put back on the bike.

[apendejo]

I don't get it, if the indy shop or even the H-D dealer is being hurt by by declining sales of parts due to bare bones webstores I think he would be more than happy to work for labor rates when a customer brings in parts to be put on. Somebody has to pay for the tire change machine, Snap-on bill, rent, electricity, insurance etc.
It may also mean the difference of keeping your b-mechanic kid employed. I can think of lots of reasons to just do installs, I can also think of a few caveats that would go on the work order that the customer signs.
AP

[codyshop]

I can only speak of my own personal experience.  Our liability insurance expressly forbids us from installing parts that we did not sell ourselves.  We simply cannot risk it, period.  At least if a tire we sell you is defective, fails, you die and your widow sues our ass, we can in turn pass the suit on to our supplier(s).  Ray

[harley00STC]

Well... like I said originally, I should've checked with the Indy first.  Should've, could've would've...

For my next post, let's discuss uh.... OILS!!!!

HA HA HA, Capt Chaos strikes again!

[codyshop]

Oh, and we don't charge any labor for M&B if you bring in the wheel.  Ray

[PoorUB]

Well... like I said originally, I should've checked with the Indy first.  Should've, could've would've...

For my next post, let's discuss uh.... OILS!!!!

HA HA HA, Capt Chaos strikes again!

[ChopperBob66]

That's funny. Just came in from garage after changing front tire and see this discussion.

I do all of my own work. The only time the bike left the house during the build, was to have the seat made. I do believe in supporting your local hard working Indy shop; but, the budget is just too tight. And there is a certain amount of satisfaction doing the work yourself.

Changing tires; I just use your basic C-clamp (8" jaw, screw type). Clamp down on the tire and the bead will pop on one side. Then open the clamp back up, put a 2x4 on the rim on the side where the bead is broke loose. Then crank it down on the unpopped bead.
Note: the 2x4 is used to spread out the load across the rim, so you don't bend it while pulling against it with the C-clamp.
A couple of tire irons, and a spray bottle of soapy water gets the job done fine. Been doing it that way for years.

[JBarrettB]

I'm an indy. I'll mount tires purchased from outside sources as long as they are 'correct' for the application. I'll also have the customer initial the repair order where it states, 'We are not responsible for parts purchased form outside sources. This includes tires.'.
Generally, wheels only are mounted for $30.00 front or rear. On the bike, rear $60.00, front $45.00.
I am one of very few in our area that will mount tires not purchased in house.

JB

[L-]

JBarrettB,

You make sense, matter of fact a lot of it.  I live 40 miles from dealer. 100 miles from better dealer.  I have extra front and rear rim and used to drop them off at the shops with the tires I bought from Ron Ayers.   Then they quit and I dropped them off at the foreign bike shops and then they quit.  There is a brand new "Bike Shop" 20 miles away now.  But he is closed at odd times and you drive down there and find notes on the door that he will be off today or out until blah, blah time.  So, on a gut feeling I went to an automotive tire place 300 feet away and asked if they mounted motorcycle tires.  "Yep".  So I let them have my mounted front tire and wheel to break down and remount. They did it for $7.00 dollars and it is not leaking anymore.  He will do all motorcycle tires for $25.00 but no balancing.  Sweeeet.........   Oh, I may stop in the other shop if he is ever open.

L-

[Snuff™]

Craig,

How do you balance your wheels? or what piece of equipment do you use to balance you wheels?

-Snuff

[lasmittys1]

I'm an indy. I'll mount tires purchased from outside sources as long as they are 'correct' for the application. I'll also have the customer initial the repair order where it states, 'We are not responsible for parts purchased form outside sources. This includes tires.'.
Generally, wheels only are mounted for $30.00 front or rear. On the bike, rear $60.00, front $45.00.
I am one of very few in our area that will mount tires not purchased in house.

JB

 I'm with you JB, if it's correct for application, front and rear tire match, I install them on the rim or on the bike. Every wheel gets wheelbearings greased and new seals. If I don't buy the tire I don't pay the taxes on that product. And if they pay in cash, more better.

[lonegoosehonking]

 This is an age old discussion. For those who stress liability issues I completely understand. It always puzzles me how we as individuals expect to be paid a fair wage. Then when we want to contract someone to do a job for us we try to low ball it. Compound that by expecting a first rate job no less. What happens if by some chance a wheel gets nicked or scratched. Things like that can happen. I have changed hundreds of tires . Had a clamp on a buddys wheel miss the rim and scratch it the other night. Had to sand paper it out and polish it. Crap happens even to the best of us. My point is pay a fair price for the job, its the respectful thing to do for someone who is treating the job with care. Own a business and learn the value of someones sweat and tears. Just my opinion but what the hell do I know.

[x52gnr]

My policy is that I don't ask anyone to install any parts I didn't buy from them.  But then I don't ask anyone to install my parts (including tires) anyway.  Sort of like bringing your own meat to your favorite steakhouse and asking them to cook it for a reduced rate.

-Craig

Exactly   

[codyshop]

This is an age old discussion. For those who stress liability issues I completely understand. It always puzzles me how we as individuals expect to be paid a fair wage. Then when we want to contract someone to do a job for us we try to low ball it. Compound that by expecting a first rate job no less. What happens if by some chance a wheel gets nicked or scratched. Things like that can happen. I have changed hundreds of tires . Had a clamp on a buddys wheel miss the rim and scratch it the other night. Had to sand paper it out and polish it. Crap happens even to the best of us. My point is pay a fair price for the job, its the respectful thing to do for someone who is treating the job with care. Own a business and learn the value of someones sweat and tears. Just my opinion but what the hell do I know.

Very well put.   Ray

[JohnnyM]

I buy tires and have them mounted at an independent shop.  This indie is in his 60's and has made his living working on bikes all his adult life.  He has a great reputation.  The HD mechanic that does tires is at least 20 and is the newest guy in the shop.  For me it's not a question of price it's a question of quality work.

[low_rider1979]

Craig, how are you balancing the wheels?

[Hossamania]

Just wondering if you buy car tires on-line then take them to the local Tires Plus for mounting and balancing?

[lonegoosehonking]

Brings up a question re. someone who buys there tires online and brings them to a shop. Should a person that buys tires from you be given special consideration vs. someone who who buys online?  Or how about he guy that comes in and says Joe.....what tires do you like for my Electra Geezer, what works the best? You give him your opinion based upon your customers feedback and he buys from some place online without getting a quote from you? Is that reasonable?

[truck]

Just wondering if you buy car tires on-line then take them to the local Tires Plus for mounting and balancing?

Not Tires Plus, but my local garage allows me to have internet tires sent to him so he can mount and balance them.

[Hossamania]

Interesting Truck. Guess I'd never thought of that. Is the cost savings worth it? What about warranty issues?

[Thorns]

Harbor Freight tire changer with the motorcycle adapter, and a NoMar wheel balancer.  There is so much info how people have modified the tire changer not to scratch the wheels, but I found all you need is to cut a plastic oil bottle in to strips and tie wrap them into where the wheel is clamped in the tire changer, do the same with metal mount/demount bar.  Works great!  Now, I change my tires on my schedule, and it was paid for on the 4th tire change...it's been free sailing for the last year.  I've even moved up to chrome wheel weights...

Thorns

[CraigArizona85248]

Craig, how are you balancing the wheels?

I use Dyna Beads.  I'm on my fourth set of tires reusing the same beads.  They have worked great.  Prior to that, I static balanced using a static balancing stand and the wheel weights that attach to the spokes.

Or how about he guy that comes in and says Joe.....what tires do you like for my Electra Geezer, what works the best? You give him your opinion based upon your customers feedback and he buys from some place online without getting a quote from you? Is that reasonable?

That's just plain wrong and not reasonable in my book.

I'll go on record as saying I believe all you guys who do this for a living deserve to make a fair wage at it.  My reasons for changing my own tires are three fold:

1) I don't have a vehicle to transport my wheels back and forth to the shop to get the tires changed.  So it would mean I have to make an appointment, drive 20 minutes to the closest shop.  Wait for the work to get done.  It's much easier for me to just do the work myself.  I've changes literally thousands of tires (I probably averaged 3 or 4 a day from 1980 until 1984, six days a week) so I've got the technique down and don't have to fight the tires.

2) I enjoy it.  Not because I'm cheating anyone out of a fair wage, but because I get satisfaction from doing my own work.  Even the dirty grimy low-tech work like changing tires.

3) This is probably the best part of all... I'm back on the road and riding faster then if I had someone else do it for me.  I don't have to drive to the shop... I don't have to answer customer questions and phone calls that interrupt me.  I just do the work and then I can ride.

Bottom line... if I didn't enjoy the work, I'd happily pay someone to do it for me.  I pay a guy to take care of my yard and I pay a lady to clean my house.  Why?  So I can spend my free time riding!   

-Craig

[Big Dan]

Local automotive tire and battery shop mounts mine for 8 bucks apiece (I force him to take 10). I asked the owner about buying tires from him, and he said he can't get any decent prices on bike tires and that I oughta just keep buyin' 'em online and they'll mount 'em for me. Needless to say, when one of our cars or trucks needs tires, that's where I buy 'em.

[mkd]

just bought two www dunlops,tubes,and the rim bands for my springer at the local dealer and had both wheel bearings pulled and repacked,the total bill with a 13% discount on parts and labor was $552.00.i thought that was a great plenty to pay!although i do feel better knowing someone knew what they where doing.i understand the change part but how do you balance a mc tire?

[Advntr]

Who are you going to call when you have a problem with the tire you bought on the internet   Ghostbusters???

[f-x-d-w-g]

I've been using a manual bead breaker and balance stand that I bought online about 5 or 6 years ago for $168.  I've since ridden over 75,000 miles so I've recouped my expenses nicely.

Just looking for a link to the tools I found this method to mount tires by hand without tools.  I wonder how well that would work with tubes stuffed into the tires before mounting...

http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=299597

[Big Dan]

mkd,
I just started using Dyna Beads for balancing.

Advntr,
I've never had a problem yet. I order 'em when I'm close to needin' 'em. If I ever got one that was obviously bad (or very old), I'd have time to send it back for replacement before I absolutely had to have it. If I ever get one that is found to be problematic at install, I guess I'll just take the rim down to my local dealer and then I'll be forced to pay their price for a new one. Then I'll send the bad one back for replacement. If I ever have one go bad on the road, it won't matter who I bought it from; nobody's gonna send a truck 500 miles to come get me nohow.  

[xxxflhrci]

I support my household first....I learned to do it myself. I bought a HF tire changer for the bead breaker and a couple of tire spoons.  Equipment set me back less than 100 bucks....  Not only, do I like to save $$, I like being about the change a tire on my time instead of around somebody else's schedule.

[PoorUB]

Who are you going to call when you have a problem with the tire you bought on the internet   Ghostbusters???

The company I bought it from, of course! Are you trying to say that internet companies do not back what they sell?? (granted some suck, but most will stand behind their product.)
I have bought a few tires on the 'net and not one of them was over six months old. With the money I have saved doing it myself I will not get too bugged if I get a bad tire and have to eat it. Every tire I put on myself is $50-$75 in keep my pocket instead of giving it to the dealer.

[Bigs]

The H with 'em, change your own. I'm going down to Florida and service my boys RK. That includes putting on 2 new Dunlaps, change oil, and lube cables and steering. Harbor Freight has a bead breaker for motorcycle tires ($20 - item # 98875), got some Dyna Beads. and a set of Motion Pro Tire Irons. Never had a problem changing tires in the past and don't expect to now. Only problem - 950 mile run.
   Bigs

[truck]

The H with 'em, change your own. I'm going down to Florida and service my boys RK. That includes putting on 2 new Dunlaps, change oil, and lube cables and steering. Harbor Freight has a bead breaker for motorcycle tires ($20 - item # 98875), got some Dyna Beads. and a set of Motion Pro Tire Irons. Never had a problem changing tires in the past and don't expect to now. Only problem - 950 mile run.
   Bigs

That's not a problem, it's just a real hard one day ride or an easy two day ride.
I suggest two days, those 1,000 mile days are hard on a guy.

[Bigs]

Truck:
I wouldn't mind riding down but having my wife following me might be a problem. I have to take tools down and we will only be there for a few days and then back home. Usually 14 hours with stops.
   Bigs