How much to pay for tire install

[Triple J]

The dealers tend to charge around $50-60 per tire around here.

It blows my mind because I got my tires mounted at NTW for $15 each with tires that I bought online (Tirerack.com)

That's about what I see, although vendors at a track day will usually do it for $10/wheel. 

For the shops it was explained to me as a risk issue. If someone brings in tires from the internet the shop didn't make any money on the sale, but if the rider wads it on cold/new tires leaving the parking lot they may bring it back on the shop somehow. To offset that they charge a very high fee because they really don't want to do the work. It is worth noting that the shop that told me this would mount/balance your tires for free (off the bike) if you bought the tires from them.

I don't understand shops that charge $30+/wheel to mount when you bought the tires from them. It should be free, or at least very cheap. Hell, I can change a set of tires in about 1/2 hour in my garage...a tech that does it all the time can do it faster than that I would suspect.

[ducatiz]

For the shops it was explained to me as a risk issue. If someone brings in tires from the internet the shop didn't make any money on the sale, but if the rider wads it on cold/new tires leaving the parking lot they may bring it back on the shop somehow. To offset that they charge a very high fee because they really don't want to do the work. It is worth noting that the shop that told me this would mount/balance your tires for free (off the bike) if you bought the tires from them.

That's an absolute bullshit legal argument.  It's not like you made the tires at home, you buy new DOT approved tires of the correct size and put them on your bike.  Period.  Unless the shop mis-mounts them or allows you to put incorrectly-sized tires on your wheels without getting you to indemnify them, they would NEVER incur liability. 

The real reason is that the cost to mount them is loaded into their tire prices.  WHen I can buy the same tire online for $50-60 cheaper than the retails shop has them for, you see why they get irritated when someone brings tires in.

I priced a set of tires for my 600ss and found the Pilot Powers to be nearly 110 cheaper for the pair than the dealer. 

[Triple J]

That's an absolute bullshit legal argument. 

I would think so as well. Just reporting what i was told. In then end, the real reason is they don't want to mount them since you didn't buy them there, so they charge an outrageous fee.

Which is why I now own a tire changer. 

[ducatiz]

I would think so as well. Just reporting what i was told. In then end, the real reason is they don't want to mount them since you didn't buy them there, so they charge an outrageous fee.

Which is why I now own a tire changer. 

well you're in seattle, you smarmy bastard, so it doesn't help me at all!   

[Greg]

Whats the going rate for having new tires installed?  I found an awesome deal for a pair of Pilot Road 2 tires online and will need to get them installed. 

Come by my house and bring a 6 pack and we'll get it knocked out in no time 

[He Man]

One could argue that SSS should get a discount.

[Meerkat]

well you're in seattle, you smarmy bastard, so it doesn't help me at all!   

I thought you were gonna snag one of those harbor freight changers a while back   I was getting ready to invite myself over to put some new shoes on the daytona.

[LA]

I remove the wheels and take them to the dealer, buy their tires and they mount them for $20 ea.  I balance them at home because I want them balanced correctly.  The shop uses a machine that never leaves even a hint of a scratch and takes about 2 min. per wheel to remove and install the new tire.

I like to support a local shop and they give me good deals compared to what I can get online.  Until a couple years ago I used 4 or 5 rears and two fronts a year at least.

LA

[ducatiz]

I thought you were gonna snag one of those harbor freight changers a while back   I was getting ready to invite myself over to put some new shoes on the daytona.

I was!! And then I went to the store with my big ole 20% off coupon and ..well. something about it just skeeved me.  It really seemed flimsy.   I can't explain better than that. I have held off, I might save up for one of the better ones.

And now it's no longer in their catalogue..   Part # 42927 doesn't exist...

[speedknot]

Here's the deal.  Everyone around me charges roughly $150 to mount and ballance.  Thats with the shop taking the wheels off the bike.  I think I might just take the wheels to them and put the wheels back on myself.  Its funny how some shops will give attitude if you dont buy the tires from them.  I did give the shops a try with pricing the job if I bought the tires from them and it was astronomically high.  Even with paying full boat, dealer prices, they still wanted to charge the $150 install.

[ab]

I am lucky that a friend of mine does it for free for me.  He usually charges $20 to take it off and mount it.  We bought the tools together but I have no clue how to use.

There is another guy that has small business replacing tires for bikers.  He comes to you with his tools and mounts and balances it.  Cost about $50 last time I checked.

[ccm900]

$20 a wheel if you bring them in, $65 if you ride in at my local shop

[ducatiz]

Does anyone have an alternative to the No-Mar changer?

it's freakin' expensive.  I mean over the top. 

I can pick up a used air powered Coates shop changer for half what the No Mar sells for.

[Howie]

Same company, less expensive version
http://www.nomartirechanger.com/products/4

[Grampa]

Cycle Gear has locations everywhere and I've had good luck with them in the past.

I know a guy at the Bakersfield store. ;-)