Where is the cheapest place to buy tires online?
I just bought a Mich Pilot Road from Cycle Gear here locally in Marrietta GA for $134.99 plus 14.95 for mounting and balancing and 2.99 to get rid of my old tire. Though not a bad price I think I could have done better.
I have access to a tire mount and balance machine so next tire will be put on by me, I was just in a hurry today.
Thanks,
Matt
Sounds like you got a pretty good deal without alot of the headache. A Pilot Road 180 rear goes for @$115-$120 and then add on $10-20 for shipping. Sometimes you can find specials for a little cheaper or no shipping costs (usually for ordering front and rear together).
I usually use
SW Moto Tires or
AZ Motorsports. The only problem I've had is with AZ Moto who took forever (ok more like several weeks) to ship my tire on one occasion. I had used them many times before without problem and would be willing to try them again. SW Moto just happened to be a bit cheaper on the Pirellis last time I ordered. No problems with them so far...
Never used any of these, but I use them to price shop:
SportTour.comParts411.comAMTOnlineParts.comI called my local bike shop today to inquire about tire prices. As I expected, they wanted about $50 more for any tire I had already found online. Of course, when I asked about this, they told me that online tires are cheap for a reason. (I know that's just a load of crap) They also want $68 per tire to mount them and they will only mount tires they sell.
So, my question is... what are people's experiences with online tire purchases and where do I go to get them mounted? Mounting them myself is not an option.
Thanks,
Wally
Sometimes RonAyers has good prices, but I mostly buy from SWMoto. Cyclegear has M1 Sporttecs for $149.99 for a 120/180 set.
You did very good. Cycle gear is hard to beat. especially today, they are having a sale on M1s for 149.00 a pair, Thinkng I might have to stock up. All though I was able to arm wrestle my local dealer in where he matched the internet price. saved big bucks and the tax rate was lower than shipping so double bling, could have been the end of the season is why. The dealer policy at this place is they still got me on install, off bike was 19.95 a tire, not to bad if only they'd been more carefull in mounting, dinged the rim up they did pissed.gif On the norm most install for free "even cycle gear is", if you bought them there at least one dealer here does that, only thing it needs to be an in stock tire. It does sound like you did OK, I've heard of a lot worse.
maltnhops, Oct 28 2005, 08:20 PMwhere do I go to get them mounted?� Mounting them myself is not an option.
Try an independant motorcycle shop in the area. The big dealers will not have anything to do with mounting tires they don't sell for "insurance reasons." IIRC, the local indy shop here would mount and balance for $30 if you brought in the wheel.
I decided that I would rather scratch my own rims for free after a modest initial investment goofy.gif
maltnhops, Oct 28 2005, 10:20 PMI called my local bike shop today to inquire about tire prices. As I expected, they wanted about $50 more for any tire I had already found online. Of course, when I asked about this, they told me that online tires are cheap for a reason. (I know that's just a load of crap) They also want $68 per tire to mount them and they will only mount tires they sell.
Same thing with me. I'd like to support the local people but the one place wanted $186 + another $70 for mount/balance.. for the FRONT tire.
Talk about rape..
If you can find a local shop to mount and balance for a reasonable charge, try out some online places like competitionaccessories.com or similar.
I bought my PAIR of Michelins last spring for $199, and then found a local dealer that only charges $12 per wheel to install, with me taking the wheels off and dropping them off.
I believe Ron Ayers has similar pricing on tires, especially when bought in pairs. There are many others out there as well.
You guys would save a lot if you mounted your own tires! We usually mount them at a friends house, balance them on his balancer (stand with rod/bearings setup) and take em to our friend who is the service writer at a local shop. He'll usually double check out balance for free if he's not too busy, but if you deliver the wheels with the tire pre mounted they should cut you a deal on the fees. I've thought about making my own balancer but just haven't got around to it yet.
Just talked to the parts guy at the honda shop, looks like I can get a set of M1s for about $170 before tax, and they're in stock! Sure beats waiting a week or two!