Triumphrat

lindsayt · 07-20-2008

So I'm replacing my rear tire since the wear bars are almost at the surface. My local shop checked with its two normal suppliers and got $145 and $168 for the Bridgestone BT45R 130/80-17 tire, which we all agreed was absurd. They suggested that if I could get it myself they'd only charge $5 extra for the labor vs. if they order it.

So I checked my usual haunts and was surprised by a couple things:

They were all WAY cheaper than what my dealer could get - $86 at American Moto Tire or $108 at Motorcycle Superstore. I'm ordering it from American Moto Tire, for a total (with shipping) of $98, so it's a hell of a deal. I've ordered from them before, and the tires came with the manufacturer's seal still on the tire, so it's not like they're factory seconds. I wonder why the price varies *SO* much.

But also, none of the online stores seem to have the BT45F 100/90-19 at all - it's like it's not available. I didn't check at my dealer since I wasn't planning to replace it, but when I looked online I thought it would be worth seeing what it costs, and they don't have it. Bridgestone still lists it; I hope I don't discover that I can't get it. The front will be shot within a couple thousand miles, so I hope I can get one then.

Anyway, thought you'd all be interested in this, and maybe might have some insights.

decobike · 07-20-2008

I've been caught twice now with my proverbial pants down. I just spent $214 at your dealer to replace my rear tire. It would have been way cheaper to run over to Eau Claire. Then the brake pads. Living where I do I really need to be more careful and keep some stuff on hand. Nobody in Duluth will touch my wheels though to replace a tire.

jp99tbirdnm · 07-20-2008

Try this site, www.motorcycleproshop.com $91.00 shipped.

propforward · 07-20-2008

I just did the rear on mine - I put on a metzeler lasertech on the back. The bike shop closest to me (moon motorsports in monticello) had no problem getting the tire, and the price they charged seemed close to what I saw online, though I did not spend a lot of time digging into it.

It was pretty spendy, and they still charged me full loose wheel price to fit the tire, despite the fact I left the wheel with them for the day. That bummed me out a bit - some dealers cut you slack if you leave the wheel with them since they can work around it - but hey they have to run a business.

I had them balance it, and also put a new inner tube in it, just 'cos.

All in 195 bucks. I reckon by what your saying you should come out at 150 ish once all is said and done. Not bad actually.

I'm surprised you are having difficulty finiding the front - the front wheel is not so unusual, it's the back that's a bit of a wierd size.

Sport demons for me next time though!

cgrossarth · 07-21-2008

I just had the rear replaced last week. Breaks down as follows:

140/80-17 Avon Roadrider rear 125.99

500/530-17 Tube 11.95

EPA Tire Disposal fee 2.00

Labor (mount and balance) 27.50

Sales Tax 9.66

177.10
I had this done at a local undealer shop. I removed the wheel

and took it in and left it, but it was done in 1 hour. Gerry,

at the 2 Wheel Bike Shop in Byron (Macon?) is a good

guy to me so far, and I assured that there was a front to

match. The front runs about $25.00 less. While removing

the rear wheel in our Georgia 95 deg heat, I was wondering

if saving $27.50 was really worth it. Gerry's air conditioned

shop with lift, pullers etc. really nice. I usually don't shop

the internet for things I can't install myself. I've been on the

other end of that stick, and I think I have a vested interest

in keeping Gerry around.

Clyde

lindsayt · 07-21-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by cgrossarth

I usually don't shop

the internet for things I can't install myself. I've been on the

other end of that stick, and I think I have a vested interest

in keeping Gerry around.

Clyde

I agree completely; but I think that these guys are already making just about no profit on the parts usually - the labor is where they get their cash - and the mechanic suggested it. The $5 extra fee may not *quite* cover the marginal profit they make on the tire, but I bet it's not too far off. After all, he was just paging through paper catalogs, finding the item and price, and reporting that price to me.