I got the shaft by Honda dealer

[macdoesit]

Took my front wheel off took to dealer for new tire, tire was 128.00 no problem, labor was 58.00, when I got back home called and ask what is labor for  front tire change and balance wheel on the bike . 58.00 This is in Oklahoma.

Need my own tire changer and good balancer any suggestions?

[Mildew]

Just create a press with a fulcrum and take little bites to get the tire on is what I've always heard. I really don't think balancing is  necessary because I've read about it and I have never gotton a different wear pattern or ride from a tire that wasn't balanced.  personally, I use the bias ply rear on the front only because of the longevity and the money.  I take it to a dealer because it's easier and total cost is still under a hundred $

[art]

Had a new tire instaled last week .tire-$91 mount an balance$17.In Medford ,Or. That I can live with

[ohblackwater]

What kind of tires are you guys buying for that kind of money?  I bought a Dunlop E3 Radial last month and it was just over $200 for the rear.  Dang...y'all are making me jealous! 

[john]

                   ???                              

[Bigwolf]

Need my own tire changer and good balancer any suggestions?

You could make yer own changer.  This guy did: http://valkyrie-owners.com/SMFORUM/index.php/topic,10360.msg72013.html#msg72013  I made my own changer using an old car rim and some scrap steel I had laying around.  I also made my own tire removal and instal tool or you could buy this one:  http://no-scufftiretool.com/  You could also buy a tire changer from HF for around $100.  Or you can keep looking for someone to change your tires that won't try to burn your piggy bank.

I clamped a piece of 3/4 inch steel rod to my workbench and slid the wheel onto the piece of the rod hanging over the edge of the table.  When the wheel stopped turning, I used an etching pen on the rod (one of those things that go buzz in the night would work just as well) to vibrate the rod ensuring the heavy side was all the way down.  After guessing at the needed weight, I gave the wheel a very gentle spin and again added a little vibration when it stopped.  I also added the Dynabeads to my front E3 but I used only 2 one quater ounce stick on weights on the rear with the 205/60R Falken.  It is all smooth as glass at least to 90 on the open highway.  I'm happy with it.

Bigwolf

[olddog1946]

Costs 50 bucks here (cheapest place) to have a tire changed if you take the tire and wheel in to them.
Over the years I have done many things by making due with tools that really weren't exactly designed for what I was using them for.. did learn that doing things that way will work, but may take 4 or 5 times more effort that having the right tool..
Since I am getting older as well as lazier, I now buy the proper tool to do the job..
I bought a No-Mar tire changer for christmas.. they certainly aren't cheap but work well and have used it on 5 tires, so It's 1/3 paid for already. Might have to start charging my buds to change tires and use it to make a few bucks, lol.
I bought my bridgestone bias ply back tire for the front from JC Whitney for 98.99 delivered.

[Chrisj CMA]

Many dealers cannot adjust the price for the R/R of the wheel.  Their price is set based on what the book says that time will be and all they do is hit a button.  I think you would have to have a prior arrangement with the manager and agree on how much of a discount you taking the wheels off would be.  But you cant assume they will just do it on their own.

I take my own wheels off too, and I pay the same as if I took the bike to them.  The price is good enough that I still get a good deal.  Well DID get a good deal, they told me after my last set of E3's mounted and balanced for $333 to expect a big increase next time

[old2soon]

I have a custom bike shop approx 25 miles from my house. $10.00 a wheel r and r and an extra $5.00 a tire disposal fee. Grand total-$30.00 out the door. And yes-took in the wheels i had taken off. He also installed my Dyna Beads. My Honda dealer on the other hand-$50.00 a wheel AND sign a waiver in their favor. Even with the 50 miles in my cage-still cheaper than the Honda dealer!! Ask around your area. You may have an independent dealer that works more reasonably. RIDE SAFE.

[Jack]

Just create a press with a fulcrum and take little bites to get the tire on is what I've always heard. I really don't think balancing is  necessary because I've read about it and I have never gotton a different wear pattern or ride from a tire that wasn't balanced.  personally, I use the bias ply rear on the front only because of the longevity and the money.  I take it to a dealer because it's easier and total cost is still under a hundred $

I have never balanced my tires on my Valkyrie.  Rides and wears fine.

[hubcapsc]

I've tried all kinds of things...

1. soap or rubber lubricant is important. I once used too much Dawn when installing
    a motocross tire on my dirt bike, and the aluminum rim was corroded next time
    I went to put on a tire... on the other hand googling for where to find rubber lubricant
    is a horrifying experience 

2. Studly tire tools make all the difference. I used the same old wimply little 8 inch
    dirt bike tire tools on my Valkyrie until just a couple of tires ago.



3. $100 for one of these balancers... works great...


http://marcparnes.com/

4. Here's a way to break the bead on the road... it is hard, but doable...



    Here's how I do it at home...



-Mike

[gordonv]

I bought 3 of the 24" tire irons from HF, along with their tire lube, forget the prices, but it was very inexspensive.

I used to install CT when I was a kids, using the old fashioned car jack handles and steel rims. I also used to use the large air machines in a wrecking yard when I worked there. If you have the room and friends, look into buying one of those machines mentioned, charge $20, buy some bulk ceramic beads (dyna beads) for balancing. Everyone will be happy.

I used it to mount the GYTT CT on my spare rear rim. 2 mistakes. It was cold, you should soften the tire by leaving it out in the sun for a while (or by a heater). Also use somekind of shield on those irons, like hard plastic tips, and get a someone else to help you. A spare set of hands would have save me from scratching my rim, nothing bad, and it was a spare for an IS, so you wouldn't see it anyways behind the bags, but I know it's there.

One other thing, VERY important, replace the valve stem! BIGGEST recommendation is to go to a metal screw down one, then you should have to keep chaning it. I bought the billet aluminum one.

[art]

I bought a kenda 150-70-17 rear tire for the front an took the wheel to the motorcycle superstore in Medford ,Or. as my last post .the honda dealer was just about $25 more .You can order the same tire online for $90.99 and the rear on the front tire gives me about 12000-13000 miles.You just need to shop around.I found out about using a rear tire on this forum.

[fudgie]

Set up a appointment today. $30 mounted and balanced. I gotta drive 30 mile but its all good. Been 5 yrs since I was there. I usually have a HD mechanic do it at his little shop. He took ill and not sure if/when he will open back up.

[YoungPUP]

Just had my new front done $20 out the door, same guy did my rear last year. Accidentally put the tire on backwards (counter monkey heard Vtx not Valkyrie) so he had to remount it. Didn't charge me for that one for the inconvience.

[Hawkeye]

Extreme Tire in Southport, NC charges me $10.00 for tire change and balance w/wheel-tire brought in.  These guys take about 5 mins a tire - in and out in a flash - none of this "come back in a couple of hours" business.

[sugerbear]

$30 bucks here custom bike shop 3/4 mile from my house. mount and balance and disposal of tire. while i wait 

thinks it's fun putting on a car tire. his wife is nice to talk to while i wait. 

[John U.]

If you're using tire irons to do the mounting, cut some pieces of plastic bottle. Water bottles are too thin but liquid tide bottles work very well. Just place a piece between the tire iron and rim to avoid marring up the rim.
The pressure will wreck the plastic piece so you will need to keep a supply handy.

[JaysGone]

Being new here and just resurecting a very dead 1999 Valk.
It needed rubber so I got a Kendra rear in 150-70-17 about $95 and a Chinese Sunny brand rear light truck tire in 195-65-16 for $129
Dealers down here in So Florida are all from the go Darkside and you will crash and burn.
So finding someone who will mount a CT is difficult.
Anyway found an independent shop who lectured me and then charged $50 to mount and balance the rear.
Of course he added a note on the bill. Rear tire used not recommended.........
The front rim I just took to my usual shop and paid 25$$.
As soon as I remounted the wheels added a bottle of Ride-On to each wheel and off I went. I left on the lead weights as it cant really hurt and if they fall off the Ride-On will rebalance itself anyway.

For tire mounting you have to shop around as to prices.

Makes a big difference around here as to if the rims on or off the bike too.

[Tim R]

Check out this thread  http://www.valkyrieforum.com/bbs/index.php/topic,22071.0.html
you will find mine that I built it is based on the No-Mar design and works great. I put the whole thing together for less than $200 I even bought some of the parts and supplies from No-Mar one of the guys posted the pics for me at that time, but you will get the idea from the pics and reading the whole thread. See info posted by Tim R and Walkure he put up my pics for me.

I just went back and checked and found that some of the links I am referencing in that earlier thread are no longer good here are some more recent ones that work
Bead breaker attachment from Cycle Hill  http://www.nomar-secure.com/product_p/ac-breaker-blue.htm
Rim Clamp spools from Cycle Hill  http://www.nomar-secure.com/product_p/ac-tallposi-clampspools.htm
Tips to make your own spoons just attach them to 1/4" x 2" flat steel of length that you want http://www.nomar-secure.com/product_p/warranty-spoonbar-tip.htm
Tips for Mount dismount bar these require minor modification, but these do not have a purchase restriction http://www.nomar-secure.com/product_p/warranty-mt2-b.htm
Tire lube this stuff works great, I know you could use dish soap, but it is corrosive and I felt guilty not buying as much as I could from No-Mar I thought it was the least I could do since I was stealing their design for myself way cheaper with their parts.  http://www.nomar-secure.com/product_p/sp-lube-paste.htm

Check out their videos and changers if you can't build it yourself then buy one you won't be disappointed http://www.nomartirechanger.com/

I am not affiliated with No-Mar

[Rocketman]

What kind of tires are you guys buying for that kind of money?  I bought a Dunlop E3 Radial last month and it was just over $200 for the rear.  Dang...y'all are making me jealous! 

I'm waiting for an answer on this one too.  I can get a tire mounted for ~20 bucks or so, but the difference between 20 and 50 for mounting is miniscule compared to the difference between 90 and 200+ for the tire itself.

[KY,Dave (AKA Misunderstood)]

What kind of tires are you guys buying for that kind of money?  I bought a Dunlop E3 Radial last month and it was just over $200 for the rear.  Dang...y'all are making me jealous! 

I'm waiting for an answer on this one too.  I can get a tire mounted for ~20 bucks or so, but the difference between 20 and 50 for mounting is miniscule compared to the difference between 90 and 200+ for the tire itself.

+1 

[HayHauler]

I bought a kenda 150-70-17 rear tire for the front an took the wheel to the motorcycle superstore in Medford ,Or. as my last post .the honda dealer was just about $25 more .You can order the same tire online for $90.99 and the rear on the front tire gives me about 12000-13000 miles.You just need to shop around.I found out about using a rear tire on this forum.

Art has the answer.

Hay 
Jimmyt

[KY,Dave (AKA Misunderstood)]

I bought a kenda 150-70-17 rear tire for the front an took the wheel to the motorcycle superstore in Medford ,Or. as my last post .the honda dealer was just about $25 more .You can order the same tire online for $90.99 and the rear on the front tire gives me about 12000-13000 miles.You just need to shop around.I found out about using a rear tire on this forum.

Art has the answer.

Hay 
Jimmyt

Thought they were getting a stock size 180/70/16 rear tire for that kind of money. Thanks, Dave 

[wild6]

My current rear tire was purchased new from CostCo for $95 out-the-door.
I put it on myself (with the help of some 4 letter words).
It's now 2 years and 35,000 miles later and it still has some usable tread left.

Bridgestone Potenza G019

[KY,Dave (AKA Misunderstood)]

My current rear tire was purchased new from CostCo for $95 out-the-door.
I put it on myself (with the help of some 4 letter words).
It's now 2 years and 35,000 miles later and it still has some usable tread left.

Bridgestone Potenza G019

I've ridden darkside and have no issue with it, but we are talking stock size and motorcycle tire for sub $100. We know you can get a cartire for cheap.

[wild6]

I've ridden darkside and have no issue with it, but we are talking stock size and motorcycle tire for sub $100. We know you can get a cartire for cheap.

Sorry, just got carried away.

[toetruck21]

A guy with an auto shop four blocks from my house will mount and balance for $8.  If you are in Wahoo NE and need a tire changed look up Ozzy Auto Clinic.  I used Ride-on on my last tire change so no balancing was needed.  Trying to find a good front tire now.  Looking at $174 for an Avon from Dennis Kirk online.  These tires for under $100, are they good and do they last?

[Rocketman]

I bought a kenda 150-70-17 rear tire for the front an took the wheel to the motorcycle superstore in Medford ,Or. as my last post .the honda dealer was just about $25 more .You can order the same tire online for $90.99 and the rear on the front tire gives me about 12000-13000 miles.You just need to shop around.I found out about using a rear tire on this forum.

Art has the answer.

Hay 
Jimmyt

Somehow, I missed that.
Hmm.  I'll have to ponder on that before I jump on it.  I don't hear much about handling of Kendas, etc.