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SuzukiSavage.com
/cgi-bin/YaBB.pl General Category >> Rubber Side Down! >> Tires N Tubes /cgi-bin/YaBB.pl?num=1177082867 Message started by youzguyz on 04/20/07 at 08:27:47 |
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Title: Tires N Tubes Post by youzguyz on 04/20/07 at 08:27:47 I have been following the Tire threads with some interest, as the time has come for me to probably get some new ones. Got a 2002 Savage with OEM tires (IRC). Date stamp on the tires put them in 2001. Good tread (5100 miles). minor sidewall cracking. Looking at putting on Dunlop 404 tires. Getting the right size is no problem. 100/90-19 for the front, 140/90-15 on the rear. Front tube, not a problem. Bikemaster 3.25/3.50-19. Back tube.. well. According to all I am seeing, I need to look for a 5.50/6.00-15. Can't find one.. at least exactly by that size. (Well.. Bridgestone does make one that exact size, but it is only on a site where the shipping is a bit much) According to one place, Metzeler says their 160/180-16 tube will work in a MU90 tire. (Which is what a 140/90-15 is.. according to yet another place). My question(s).. Is it critical what size tube you get? In which dimension? What will Fit and Work and be Safe? Also, any thoughts on needing to balance a wheel after putting on new rubber? Tricks? Necessary? Have a dealer do it? Newbie me.. Thanks |
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Title: Re: Tires N Tubes Post by praetorian on 04/20/07 at 09:05:27 M local suzuki dealer told me on the phone yesterday that they did not have in stock the size tube my wheel used, but that they had one a little bit smaller that they would use and it would be just fine. I said "no thanks" and went to the local Kaw/Yam/Star/BigDog dealer. They had the right size and were charging 20% less for the labor than the Suzuki place. |
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Title: Re: Tires N Tubes Post by Rockin_John on 04/20/07 at 10:53:49 My opinion: Tubes of other size will work, and any other dimension besides the wheel diameter can be a couple sizes off without usually being a problem. Even the diameter can be different and they will work with good depenability. However, if (and there is always an "if") the tire and tube are for a motorcycle (and these are) I highly recommend sticking to the correct 15"/16"/17" diameter. The other dimentions I wouldn't vary by more than one step. I'd gladly pay another $10-$15 to not have a high speed blowout. Even on a bike as light as the Savage, the experience can be traumatic. :-/ |
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Title: Re: Tires N Tubes Post by georgekathe on 04/21/07 at 11:19:23 cannot give advice on suitability of different size tubes but yes, balancing is needed when fitting new rubber. |
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Title: Re: Tires N Tubes Post by Max_Morley on 04/21/07 at 11:54:34 That size tube shouldn't be a NOS item, can not think what the dealerships are thinking tying up a bike by not having one in stock. I try to keep an extra one around for each end as they are boxed and should not break down like the tires. I've not had good luck with Chinese rubber goods and would not buy one of theirs except in an emergency. Tiawan, Japan and German seem OK. Anyone want a brand new 20 YO Metzler Marathon 110/90 x 19 for a hanger queen. Max |
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Title: Re: Tires N Tubes Post by WD on 04/22/07 at 23:26:02 The bike will handle better with 90/90-19 and 130/80 or 90-15 tires. A 4.60-15 tube will work fine. MU is the width designation, meaning 140mm. Don't use a 16" tube on a 15" wheel. It will crease, and as it ages, stress fracture. I had Dunlop (actually Sumitomo) 404s on my Vulcan. I just sold it with 30K miles on the tires, and they had close to 50% tread left... The stock Bridgestones were junk at 8800 miles. Still better than IRCs... Chinese tires are junk. Chinese tubes are junk. Buy them only in an emergency. Avoid BikeMaster like the plague. I used to be in the bike business. Trust me on this stuff, I know what to avoid. -WD |
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Title: Re: Tires N Tubes Post by PerrydaSavage on 04/23/07 at 00:29:41 Thanks for that WD ... just picked up a 90/90-19 Dunlop D401 Elite for the front of my scoot and was wondering what to replace the back with, as the stock tire size seems as rare as hens teeth 'round these parts! Thanks again! |
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Title: Re: Tires N Tubes Post by georgekathe on 04/23/07 at 10:21:54 I bought my tire (a 404) online from bikebandit but know lots on site buy ex Ron Ayers. had good selection. price was a heck of a lot less than buying locally, facotring shipping versus extra price locally + local/state sales tax. they also have a wide selection of tires - much more than you'd find locally without a lot of hassle driving around (Unless you live in a pretty small town then I'd say even less likely to get what you want) |
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Title: Re: Tires N Tubes Post by Holodeck on 04/23/07 at 18:30:23 2nd on bikebandit, good price and very fast shipping. |
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Title: Re: Tires N Tubes Post by youzguyz on 04/24/07 at 06:06:40 Thanks for all the feedback and info.. much appeciated! :D For this go round (my first), I am going to bring the wheels to a local shop and have them mount the Dunlop tires that I buy through them. That way I will have somebody I can go and see if something ain't right. While I am sure I could do it myself (based on all the info here), I'd rather watch someone do it first. Thanks again! |
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Title: Re: Tires N Tubes Post by georgekathe on 04/24/07 at 13:32:58 think good that you are taking wheels in & not whole bike - from my point of view shops charge too much to take wheels off bike. also in my view they do a good job of balancing (may get shouted down on this - won't be first time in my life! :) arguably better than most can do @ home. |
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Title: Re: Tires N Tubes Post by youzguyz on 04/24/07 at 13:40:11 yeah.. they wanted $98 if the wheels were on the bike, and only $52 if not. That's just simple wrenching to pull the wheels.. and I want to take a look at the rear brakes and blow the dust out the drum anyway. |
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Title: Re: Tires N Tubes Post by justin_o_guy on 04/24/07 at 14:09:49 Well, I am pretty sure you are a big boy & really don't Need a Mommy or Daddy, I know I don't, but I am gonna poke my nose in here & hope it doesn't get (deservedly) bent. That "Dust" is the result of grinding on some nasty materials & needs to not be inhaled in any amounts. I wipe mine out with a rag & toss the thing, & I have a compressor & air blower. I hope you are taking proper precautions here. |
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Title: Re: Tires N Tubes Post by youzguyz on 04/24/07 at 14:21:41 No offense taken. I kinda figured it was asbestos (and/or some other related evil) and not a good thing to inhale. While I wasn't planning sniffing it up to see what it smelled like.. I do appreciate the reminder! ;D |
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Title: Re: Tires N Tubes Post by barry68v10 on 04/24/07 at 16:23:15 Quote:
I would agree, unless you use dynabeads or some similar method... |
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Title: Re: Tires N Tubes Post by georgekathe on 04/24/07 at 21:21:44 wow - $98 to take wheel off & do tire & $52 to just change tire still sounds steep - the place I take it to charges about $50 to take wheel off & change tire, around $25 to just change tire. might want to call around. |
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Title: Re: Tires N Tubes Post by justin_o_guy on 04/25/07 at 01:08:25 $50.00 is out of sight. Even if you didnt buy it from them, that's twice what it ought to be. What's their hourly rate? How long does it take to mount a tire on a rim? If their hourly rate is $200.00 then at 15 minutes you have spent that 50,, I know, there's the machine & it's not figured like other labor, usually, but still 50 bucks to mount a tire? For that kind of $$, if I couldnt find someone to do me better close by, I would be forced to get the tools I need to be able to do it myself, & I dont mean just bars & soapy water. There are some tire tools out there & if a guy is gonna ride & use tires, 50 bucks every time to mount one will pay for tools pretty quickly. I would be spending about 150 a year at that rate, 2 rear & 1 front. OHH, I wouldnt buy from them. If they gonna shaft me like that on mounting the tires, naah, I'll buy tires from an online source & they wouldnt make a dime. I DO buyt stuff from a local shop, He's a cool dude & doesnt screw me. I buy stuff from him knowing I can get it online & save a few bucks, but I want the guy to make a living so he will be there tomorrow, but I dont want him trying to make enough to retire on every sale,,If he did that, I would shop online. |
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Title: Re: Tires N Tubes Post by youzguyz on 04/25/07 at 01:30:15 I should clarify. The $52 is for BOTH tires.. as was the $98. So, if ya'll are talking about a single wheel/tire price, that $52 is close to reality. |
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Title: Re: Tires N Tubes Post by justin_o_guy on 04/25/07 at 03:55:08 If I but a tire from a shop & they want more tna 15 to 20 to mount it, I would feel like they were "Mounting" me a bit, but would most likely do it, unless I could find a better price, but I wouldnt go spend a lot of $$ to get set up to do my own over it most likely, might depend on how much I liked the folks at the shop. I still think thats kinda steep, even tho you cut what i thought you were paying in half, Heck, you know hes making $$ on the tire sale, & hes ordering that in, so its not like he has his $$ tied up in inventory & has to make a set profit margin on it to stay afloat. Maybe he IS cutting you slack on the tire price. I have no idea, but hjes sure not going easy on the mounting price, my opinion, might be the going rate where you are. You CAN take the tires & go to another shop to have them mounted, thers no obligation to pay him for that, you know.. |
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Title: Re: Tires N Tubes Post by youzguyz on 04/25/07 at 05:07:51 Here is a comparison. Understand that I made the choice of getting the tires from the same place as I wanted to mount them. Yeah.. coulda got them online, paid a bit less, etc, etc. I am trying to build a relationship with this shop. All that said: All prices are for both front and rear. Tubes not mentioned.. does not effect difference. Suzuki stealership: Tires: just buy 'em $233 Tires: $117 IF they remove wheels and mount tires ($136) for a total of $253. Tires: $175 IF they mount the tires ($70) for a total of $245 Little shop down the street (3 blocks from work): Tires: $160 remove wheels and mount tires: $98 mount tires only: $52 So.. I feel the deal down the street is a LOT better deal! Maybe it is the area (San Antonio) |
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Title: Re: Tires N Tubes Post by justin_o_guy on 04/25/07 at 05:34:55 youzguyz wrote:
Yea, down the street you get tires, have them mounted & walk,err, ride away with 11 bucks in yer pocket, if you take the wheels in for them to change the tires. BIGGO savings. The Suzuki shop will do the whole thing, remove & replace wheels for 8 BUCKS more than if you pull the wheels & haul them in? Man,, somethng weird about the way they figure this. You spose you could find another time to "build this relationship"? Maybe you could just walk in & give the owner a couple O twenties? Heck, I do understand needing a good shop that you can trust & depend on for getting your parts & handling your service that you can't deal with yet. Maybe the Suzuki shop isnt worth the effort. I went to the one here, twice, & was unhappy both times. I went to every shop in the area & finally found one with an owner who isnt a jakkass. I feel a lot better knowing I can have things done IF I cant do it. But, with the folks on this forum & having a book & some tools, I think I can do any of the work that needs done. I may mess something up, I will spend $$ on tools, But, in the long run, not paying a mechanic will,, I Hope, save me some $$$. I will be paying the shop to change my tires, because the trouble is just more than I can deal with. It took me 2 days to do it. My shoulders arent in good shape at all & that didnt help, AT ALL! Good luck to you Mr. Youzguys. I hope you do manage to get a decent relationship with a shop. I understand paying a premium & being wasy to get along with in order to create a relationship. I would be cautious, tho, cuz he may see it as an opportunity to scalp ya, till you just pull up your pants & go home..Maybe he will be cool. You have my best wishes, |
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Title: Re: Tires N Tubes Post by azjay on 04/25/07 at 06:55:41 $20.00 to mount and balance 1 tire off bike, all three HD type shops in my town. |
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Title: Re: Tires N Tubes Post by KC65087 on 04/25/07 at 11:48:29 WE GOT A LITTLE MC SHOP HERE IN DESMOINES THAT WILL TAKE THEM OFF THE BIKE MOUNT AND BALANCE THEM FOR $30 EA. WOW WHAT A DEAL |
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Title: Re: Tires N Tubes Post by azjay on 04/26/07 at 17:56:12 KC65087 wrote:
that is a good deal! |
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Title: Re: Tires N Tubes Post by justin_o_guy on 04/26/07 at 19:18:39 You can strap tires on it, ride in, ride out & spend $60.00 _ tax. I call that decent. I would expect R&R time on the rear to be close to .25 hr & the front around .2, Those are only wild guesses, I wonder what the book says, But, labor is pricey. The part of that $60.00 that is removing & replacing gets close to 1/2 of the total, making the ( assuming I am even close on the labor) tires going on the rims about 17 or so each,, I would still most likely just want to haul them the wheels. that gives me a good chance to clean em up & inspect the spokes. I would be interrested in knowing what they charge that way. |
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Title: Re: Tires N Tubes Post by georgekathe on 04/27/07 at 12:16:43 actually, I can see them charging more for the Savage than my now sadly departed BMW R1100RT (2 bolts to get the caliper out of the way, 3 bolts to get the wheel off with the wheel already off the ground on the main stand) against the Savage - up on a jack/lift, take off the chain guard, slacken off the belt adjusters, loosen up & remove the axle, take off the brake line, etc, etc. some bikes have a slight surcharge in the shop I visit for taking off (rear?)wheels (don't know if the savage is one as I always just take the wheel/tire in for replacement. |
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Title: Re: Tires N Tubes Post by WD on 04/27/07 at 21:26:34 Those prices are a bit steep. The last shop I was with, you buy the tires from me, bring in the wheels, mounting was free, balance $8 per wheel (IF I felt like charging it). We would not remove the wheel except in extremely rare circumstances, i.e., 6 pack of Guiness, your only vehicle, Guiness, unsafe to operate, single malt scotch (at least 40 years old), Jameson, Bushmills, or getting flashed by a nice set... Ask Holodeck. He got lots of stuff from me. And hasn't been to the shop since I quit. I'd cut him deals on all kinds of stuff (even comped him a few parts because I was too lazy to update the computer). The mark up on bike shop tires is rather low. The distributors really crank up the prices. The online stores sell mostly blems and seconds. Or out of date stock. Learn how to read sidewall date coding or you might get taken. -WD |
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Title: Re: Tires N Tubes Post by justin_o_guy on 04/27/07 at 21:54:46 I kinda Like surprises, but I never though a blind date was a good idea for a surprise. I had no idea the tires I get online might be a "surprise". I figured it was rubber & round, just like the ones I get thru a shop. If a shop doesnt keep tires, but is a dealer, then when I get a tire from them, is it a second or a blem? |
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Title: Re: Tires N Tubes Post by WD on 04/28/07 at 08:49:41 Dealerships get their tires from regional distribution warehouses. Tucker Rocky, Parts Unlimited, Western Powersport, etc. And those tires are usually fine. There is the occasional "oops" sent out from the warehouse, but not often. Many of the online retailers do a bulk purchase on seconds and blems. The tires are usually just fine. Seconds and blems tend to have skewed tread or extra molding marks. Most people never notice them. The problem is, tires have a short shelf life. I found a bunch of NOS tires at the last shop I was at. The boss was selling them for $50, not bad for Metzelers. I checked the date coding, they were made in the 1980s. They looked fine, they felt fine...they would last about 100 miles before disintegrating. I'll pay a little more for a fresh tire. -WD |
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Title: Re: Tires N Tubes Post by justin_o_guy on 04/28/07 at 13:38:18 KNowing that makes being able to read a tires' "Birth Certificate" worth the effort of learning it. Where would a guy go to get that education? |
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Title: Re: Tires N Tubes Post by youzguyz on 04/28/07 at 16:49:05 justin_o_guy wrote:
Here some places with tire info http://motorcycleinfo.calsci.com/Tires.html http://www.ama-cycle.org/roadride/tires.asp You can be sure I will be checking the ones the shop got from the distributer. I'll be taking my wheels in Tuesday. |
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Title: Re: Tires N Tubes Post by justin_o_guy on 04/28/07 at 19:53:14 Thanks Youz.. |
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Title: Re: Tires N Tubes Post by justin_o_guy on 04/28/07 at 20:34:50 My front & rear, 2806 & 3306 respectively. I feel better, |
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