Front Tire Change

[Rams]

Just curious, I need to put a new front tire on one of my Valkyries.   I've been doing some shopping around getting quotes.   I'm honestly somewhat shocked how much they want.   Lowest price I've seen is $125.00.  The price almost drops in half if I do the removal and mounting back on the bike.   Just curious what's it cost in your areas?   BTW, no one needs to remind me about how cheap I am.  

Edited:  Oh, forgot to mention, I already have the new tire so what I'm paying for is just the labor.

This has me seriously considering one of those motorcycle tire (manual versions) fixture/machines.

Rams

[Pluggy]

Off the bike, mounting with balance is $40 at a one-man motorcycle garage in Barbeque, NC.  He does excellent work.  I never asked the "on the bike" price. 

[turtle254]

Just curious, I need to put a new front tire on one of my Valkyries.   I've been doing some shopping around getting quotes.   I'm honestly somewhat shocked how much they want.   Lowest price I've seen is $125.00.  The price almost drops in half if I do the removal and mounting back on the bike.   Just curious what's it cost in your areas?   BTW, no one needs to remind me about how cheap I am.  

Edited:  Oh, forgot to mention, I already have the new tire so what I'm paying for is just the labor.

This has me seriously considering one of those motorcycle tire (manual versions) fixture/machines.

Rams

Try this --- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ooZePMY2EAQ

[Sweet Cheeks]

With the tire off the bike, the shop I use in Pueblo CO charges $40 to mount and balance a tire.

I've never had them do the removal and installation, so I have no idea of the charge for that.

[mbramley]

My local Honda MC dealer charges 40.00 for mounting and balancing.

[Rams]

OK, thanks for the responses.   

I've always taken the front tire/wheel off previously but was hoping to avoid getting down on my knees this time.   Discovered I'm allergic to that pain.     Guess I'll suck it up and go that direction.   I was simply surprised by the asking price.   

Rams

[HayHauler]

Just a note as to what I do.  I remove the brake rotors before taking in the rim to get the new tire put on.  I had one shop bend a rotor while replacing a tire one time, so I remove them every time since then.  I didn't find out that it was actually bent (slightly) until I was miles down the road on my test ride after putting the front end back together.
I use the blue Lock-tite when putting the rotor bolts back in.

My $.018875

Hay 
Jimmyt

[h13man]

About the only independent and recently Kawasaki dealer of Christian faith, $45 roll in w/ tire disposal 15 mos. ago. Offered to install the beads also but its a pain in the arse with the 90 degree stem so relegate that to myself.  They been doing my tires since 07'.

[h13man]

 

18 yrs., 5 changes, 3 different bikes which is 10 tires total. Was $35 ea. in the beginning and always $5 disposal.

[Rams]

Haven't decided on the labor issue yet, kind of depends on how my knees feel and when the weather is right.   Ordered balance beads for this tire change, don't like stick on weights.   The balance beads ordered through Amazon.   Could not find any locally and the tire shop doesn't stock them.

Rams

[h13man]

Did have issue with the stick on weights when reinstalling the rear tire on the Vulcan. Fortunately I seen the spot and was able to do a re-stick. Beads from that day forward.

[Rams]

Tire is mounted; balance beads are roaming around inside that tire.   Have put about 300 miles on that tire since it was mounted, absolutely no issues.   Thanks for the responses.   

Rams

[h13man]

On a note, I check pressure @ 10 and 2 o'clock position due to beads hanging up in the 90 degree valve stem thus I do a blow out before doing the actual check. Last time I installed a valve core that keeps beads out of the stem but on the 90 degree it seemed to restrict the air a tad but...

Update: Still have issue with the rear stem with the "restricters" in place but no issue with the front w/o a restricter in them. Honestly I'd be surprised the beads will help on rear tire mileage but a experiment in progress but it always have balance for sure.