First tires - need some advise

[kokopellioh]

I paid $65 a wheel for my last tire service. New (correct sized) tube for the Shinko in the rear, new Metzeler & tube in front ran the bill right up there.

I don't know what the going rate is in other locales, but I got bearings lubed, shaft lubed, brakes adjusted for my $130. Oh yeah, installation and balancing.

[adlowe]

Originally Posted by Bynan

Went down to my local shop today and it looks like I'll need to replace them at the beginning of the new year. Quote for Dunlop OEM was about $360. Quote for Metzeler ME880s was about $400. Ouch.

Will most likely get the Metzelers.

Is Dunlop OEM for your bike D404s?

Paying $40 more for ME880s is a TREMENDOUS bargain; they are easily twice as good all around -- ride, handling and durability. I run mine at the high end of Metzeler's recommended PSI range and love them. You could not pay me to put POS D404s on a bike that I'd ride.

You've got spoke wheels. Make sure the quoted price includes new tubes and rim flaps. Since the bike is new to you, DEFINITELY get them. (I do every time.)

You could probably cut $100 or so off the price of the change by doing it yourself. Tools, equipment and supplies you'd need would cost about all of that -- but you'd only have to buy them once. If you got serious about equipment, you could easily drop $400 to $1,000. (I'm not that serious about it.)

[Bynan]

Originally Posted by adlowe

Paying $40 more for ME880s is a TREMENDOUS bargain;

That's what I thought as well. He gave me a $70 discount. Not sure why? New rider, new customer maybe? I bought my helmet there as well, so maybe it's a customer loyalty discount? Anyway, I'm not going to pass that deal up.

He's charging me $107 for the front and $172 for the rear, and I could not find anything online cheaper than that, so I'll definitely take it in there when my current tires are done.

I don't see a line item on the estimate for tubes or rim flaps, so I'll make sure to ask about that. Thanks.

[adlowe]

Originally Posted by Bynan

That's what I thought as well. He gave me a $70 discount. Not sure why?

Heard the Metzeler is releasing ME888s real soon (January?). Don't know what it will offer besides improved life, in answer to Michelin's new tire. Discounts on ME880s would be an obvious result. I'll be needing new tires in about a year so there should be plenty of feedback on ride and handling. If it isn't good enough, I might still be able to snag a pair of ME880s somewhere.

[Rainsong]

Originally Posted by -AJ

white walls will limit your options.


give your local independent shop a chance if you have one. often they can beat the online price or be really close.

bringing your wheel in to the shop will cut the cost. we charge $20 for that. 40 if you ride the bike to the shop.

Ditto. My local Yamaha dealer had the Metzler Me880's for less than Motorcycle Superstore. Mounting was $60 since I didn't want to bother taking the wheel off.

[Rainsong]

PS - the Metzlers are great and I notice it's what Triumph is putting on the Thunderbird.

[John Hopkins]

Avon Venoms suit me, they do everything I ask of them..As to being careful for the first 100 miles yes..take them out on a dry road, keep the speed down, lean into both left and right hand curves and you will see a slight color change and the spikes will vanish, after that the bike will stick to the road like glue.

John

[adlowe]

Originally Posted by John Hopkins

Avon Venoms suit me, they do everything I ask of them..

Everybody I know who has tried them says the same thing. I only know one guy who has had both ME880s and Venoms and he says they are pretty comparable all around. Last time I asked about it, he still had Venoms and was thinking they'd last him a few more miles than the ME880s did.

[Earthling789]

Originally Posted by Sgoatley

Take a look at Kendra kruisers. They're a little cheaper and a really great tire. I did some checking before I bought mine and noticed a lot of people online had a lot of great things to say about them so I took a chance. I love them. They provide a great ride and have great wet and dry traction. I really doubt I use another brand for the value/price. I also put dyna beads in my tires and those are an awesome way to balance.


Sent from my iPhone using Motorcycle.com Free App

My choice too... for $300 and change, I've put tires on two bikes and balanced using DynaBeads. Local shops charge an arm and a leg to mount MC tires... around here, I was quoted everything from $25/each if I brought in the rims, to upwards of $100/each drive-in service. Considering I bought the tires online (free shipping) and mounted them myself, I feel like I made money

If the shop is willing to sell and install Metz 880's for $400, that is a bargain, considering buying the tires online, plus tubes, plus rim-straps, then add in labor separately... now you're looking at $500 or more.

I've got nothing against Metzeler or Avon, I considered them myself, but after taking a chance on Kenda Kruz tires... all I can say is WOW, I'm sold on the ride, handling, and wear. I've got over 5K on my VT700's tires now... the rear is hardly broken in, and the front still has plenty of life left in her... Expecting 10K or more, easily on these tires! I've no clue on the wear of these tires on my heavier Sabre, but for the first thousand miles, I'm still impressed!

[paulclark911]

Put a new rear tire on my 97 ACE 1/2 way through this riding season and just ordered a new front tire today, $174.00 for the rear and $154.99 for the front. 50 bucks to mount the rear and 30 for the front. Not cheap but don't skimp on the only thing between you and the road. I bought the OEM Dunlaps, checked prices on all brands, was limited because I wanted whitwalls. My bike came with a new set of Dunlaps and they lasted 12,000 miles, when I changed them out they were redy to go but the Dunlaps ride nice and I never had a problem.