FJRiders.com

Hey guys,

Just had a rude awakening with a quoted price for Pirelli Angel GT here locally (metro Atlanta)

$265 + $25 (install) rear A spec
$174 + $25 (install) front

This is with wheels off the bike.

Like $522 plus disposal.

I mean, I know Pirelli are pretty proud of that tire, but holy hell, thats expensive, especially when I can have a set of Bridgestone T30GT's heavy spec sent to me free shipping @ $263.88.

Whats the deal?

The Rear "A" Spec is $180 and the front around $130 from Americanmototire, your price indicates "local" inflation.

$313.92 using both A Spec as it looks like they are available in A spec front as well (from your suggested vendor)

I wanna try to support my local dealers, but thats almost $167 (per set) markup.

I have to invest in a NoMar if nothing else but to be sure its done correctly. I kind of enjoy working on it anyway. I did the suspension pivot point cleaning and lubing. Squeaky dry.

Every year I go through this, and its getting tiring. .

Wonder if I'm just too cheap though. Trying to keep people employed is expensive, but I just can't afford to support EVERYONE like that. I'd pay more, but I want it done with extras, like cleaning the rims completely.

Or have them take off, inspect and lube the criticals during the change, like a complete (tire) service.

I try to support my local dealer, but I will be the first to tell them what I can get it online for, delivered, and that I expect them to be in that ballpark. I have a good relationship with them and they know that if they get within 10% that I will buy it from them.

Most of the times they can't match the tire deals I can get online, but they will still mount them at a reasonable price (reasonably enough that my cycle hill tire changer doesn't get a lot of use) and they get my other business. I've heard horror stories about the price of Yamalube and Yamaha Filters from dealers, you won't get that at my dealer....and that's why they're my dealer.

Changing your own tires not only saves you money, but also lets you swap in a new set in an evening rather than having to do it when the shop is open.

Geezer wrote:Changing your own tires not only saves you money, but also lets you swap in a new set in an evening rather than having to do it when the shop is open.

AND, it also helps you create new cuss words! However, now that I knocked my first set out, I'll never pay to have another installed, and I'll buy them anywhere I want!

Thanks guys, and I certainly agree, especially if you puncture the sidewall of your newly installed tire.

No Mar Classic on the way as we speak!

I just said UNCLE and took the plunge. Couldn't take the pain any longer.

Been waiting two weeks for some of these local dealers to firm up prices, and its all phone tag stuff.

Sad because I really want to support them, but I live in a customer service environment and I can see right through the shit.

I think I'll assemble the local guys and have a tire changing party at my house when I'm operational.

I have the parts manager's cell number, when I need something I just text him directly. He also passes right by my office on the way home at night and will deliver my parts....can't beat service like that.

Thats awesome. Those kind of dealers I'd give all my business to if given the chance.

But I'd like to see some honesty up front, and I mean just a fair shake.

I'm into four phone calls to one dealer, keeps saying they'll call back, been saying that for three days.

But honestly, I've been shopping for my stuff overseas. Dollar has been strong, and most of the time, its coming from China anyway. The only American job I jeopardize are the ones who are either too busy (most likely the deal) or could care less.

In the end, I still feel guilty. Stupid I know. . .

I decided to go with the Bridgestone T30GGT again. I really like them and they kind of fit my style of riding, which is mostly slab and loaded up with bags.

The No Mar Classic came today and I put it together (hitch mount) only to have it start raining on me.

No hurry though. I puss out (riding betsy) when its this hot. This will be my first DIY tire change and I'm going to take my time, let the tires set out in the sun to get nice and hot. I don't want to tear up that bar tip. The Classic is really heavy duty. Think I'll thank myself later once I get good at all the angles.

I have the Cycle Hill with the 'roll on base'. I like it but I am lazy and still take the tires to the shop if I have the time.

If I had the kind of dealer relationship you have with yours, I fully understand why you would. Its really nice to have relationships like that. Again, I love to support local business, and I preach about it ALL the time. So I do feel a little hypocritical.

But they were supposed to order tires for me, said they would, and I've made three phone calls and. . crickets crickets crickets. .

Still waiting.

During me waiting, I purchased a No Mar Classic,it was delivered, I put it together, then ordered tires, they were delivered, then installed both tires with perfect balance and even lubed the suspension pivot points.

Still no phone call.

But its cool really. For me, they did me a favor because my wife didn't argue with me about this, and she often does. HA!
When she heard one dealer quote some $$$ prices, and the run-around at another vendor, the No Mar was on the way!

I deal with hipster service for coffee, its worth it to me. I'm a caffeine addict. But not things in the mechanical world. I want old school pros only.

Its all good tho!

depending on the volumes of coffee you go thru, it might be cheaper to invest in your own machine for that, too... talk about dealer markup!!! lol... btdt...


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Mattthehoople wrote:Its all good tho!

I am glad it worked out for you.....I would suggest you take a look here next:

http://www.marcparnes.com/

I have the Bike Master static balancer and so long as it's on a flat, level surface, it does pretty good. It has adjustable legs (like a clothes washer) and a buble to indicate level.

I wanna say I paid $95? Can't remember.

Next up for me is a throttle body sync. I don't have the tools for that yet.

Mattthehoople wrote:I have the Bike Master static balancer and so long as it's on a flat, level surface, it does pretty good. It has adjustable legs (like a clothes washer) and a buble to indicate level.

I wanna say I paid $95? Can't remember.

Next up for me is a throttle body sync. I don't have the tools for that yet.

I have the Bikemaster balancer. It is much more sturdy than the Harbor Freight balancer, and it works well. I recently paid $130 through Cycle gear. I am sure it could be found cheaper, but any place around here that will sell stuff not specifically geared toward bikes with decrepit tractor engine clones will get my business if possible.

NO Mar is the shit. I am awesome at changing tires all thanks to 0Face