First tires - need some advise

[Bynan]

Just got my first bike (pic attached). The tread on the tires is a little low, so I'm starting to think about new ones. Never replaced tires on a bike before, so not sure which way to go here. With my truck, I just go down to Costco and get the best deal, but tires are way more important on a bike, so I'm looking for some guidance here. Is there a certain brand that is recommended? I think I want to get something with whitewalls to match the style of my bike. Does that change my options? Do most people just take their bikes into a local shop to get new rubber put on, or order online and bring the new tires into some place that can do it? Any feedback is appreciated.

Oh, and if it matters, the bike is a 2008 Aero.

[Scaredofmyownshadow]

Just put white walls on my 2002 ACE. Sizes are much more limited with white walls than black walls.


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[93gc40]

Tires, as with cars, comes down to price and desire (or the tires that just work best), 99% of the time. Proof NOBADY need to run 35" mud tires on a street driven truck. That said I prefer, the higher end, Metzeler and Avon tires for my Shadow. Many people have had very good results with the Cheap Chinese tires. Fact is anything will be better than the old tires. Do part of the labor yourself. Cost of having tires installed is offten about $20, if you take just the wheel to the shop, if you take them the whole bike that price will go to $100 for mounting. Most find the best tire prices online, untill you add in freight. So include local tire souces in your shopping. FWI, Car tire shops often can order tires for you at good prices, some can even mount and balance.

[-AJ]

white walls will limit your options.

i work in our family owned motorcycle shop as a mechanic and my dad, brother, and myself all run metzelers. its hard to beat them. great tire.. dad has them on 3 of his bikes, brother has them on his triumph and i have them on my vtx.

avon makes a good tire also. you can't go wrong with either metzeler or avon.

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.

[tgelphman]

I just had a new tire put on the back of my bike. Was too lazy to shop so just went to local shop and paid $300 for tire and mounting. Next time i will learn to do myself and shop around. One thing to note was the mechanic told me to be careful for the first 100 or so miles as new tires can be slick.

[-AJ]

Originally Posted by tgelphman

One thing to note was the mechanic told me to be careful for the first 100 or so miles as new tires can be slick.

this is true.. the new tires can be slippy for the first 100 or so miles. just need to watch your lean angles and be careful.

[spudbuzz]

Be prepared for sticker shock if you have never bought motorcycle tires before. There are no $50 motorcycle tires that will last you 40,000 miles, and the shop will charge you a lot more than $15 bucks a tire to mount and balance. With spokes, your bikes need tubes, when you replace the tires, so that is an extra expense.

If you buy the tires, tubes, and all the work done at a motorcycle shop, don't be surprised if they charge you $400+ for a cheap set of tires that will hopefully last 8000+ miles.

[Bens06Sabre]

just had the tire replaced on wifes 03 Ace 750, went with the shinko 230 tour master, can't tell you how many miles its going to last, but it feels and handles great, handles wet, uneven roads great, and the $$ not going to break the bank

[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.

[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.


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