Buy Tires on the I'net?

[mikem317]

Who has purchased tires over the web? I know that some dealerships will moan about customers bringing in purchased tires from elsewhere because, naturally they want the business (labor AND PARTS).

Do tires have a shelf life?

Is it worth buying tires over the web and scheduling an appointment w/ the service dept.? Just buy the tires there too? Just eyeing for the best deal.

Also, I was wondering if I should do the tires/chain/sprokets BEFORE the winter storage or in the spring when riding season starts. What time is typically more busier for service depts. in NE?

I was also considering non-OEM tires. However, what PSI rating would be appropriate, the manufacturer of the machine or the tire? I'm sure this would ring true if I went w/ a tire other than what than OEM replacements.

[OreoGaborio]

Personally, last time i got tires (Pilot Powers) i bought em from Dave (aka Karaya One) and had em installed by Jim Pidgeon up in Manchester NH. Cost me 280 after all was said & done. Best 280 i've spent on my bike.

[BigShel]

Dont go to the dealer for tires...they will rape you with a smile......

[Karaya One]

Most shops have now recognized that interent tires are here to stay. The shops i deal with just charge double for a tire carried in "on the arm".

Tires don't have a shelf life as long as they are stored properly. They can last many years in the proper enviorment.

Keep them out of sunlight, and prevent them from freezing. We have tires that are many years old in our warehouse and do just fine when finally sold and mounted.

Try pricing with your shop first - some will work with you, and some won't. It's a trade-off with how much work you want to do versus how much you are willing to pay.

I would always consider non-OEM 99.9% of the time. The tire on that bike from the OEM is there to fullfill a budget, not that it was the best tire available at that time.

[Pearldog]

+1

-for tires from Dave and installed by Jim in Manchester...best $$..good folks all around.

[SVixxer]

I alway buy mine online. The savings is like getting a front tire free. Definitely do it.

[lee955i]

I refuse to buy tires from a dealer, and, I know my local one pretty well. He actually asked what we pay and they were cheaper than his cost (thanks to P.U. and T.R.).
I just mount 'em myself .
Cheers, Lee S.

[Karaya One]

Parts Unlimited and Tucker Rocky sell to on-line retailers and dealers. They play both sides of the fence.

When you buy a Metzeler on-line, it came from PU. They have the exclusive in the USA.

[Nikon]

Southwest Moto got me my tires for 223 shipped to my door. I can't complain about getting Avons for that price and I will buy from them again. If you buy 2+ tires you don't pay for shipping.

[TheIglu]

www.tireexpress.com

I got my Powers shipped for $225.99.

[R105]

generally online will be cheaper, even after the extra charge that a shop will charge you for bringing tires in that you've purchased elswhere.


my local shop charges $35 per wheel to unmount/mount new rubber/balance and dispose of old rubber.


Some shops will buy large quantities of a particular common tire to get a good discount and be able to offer them to customers. often they can only do this with one or two types of tires, and won't be able to compete with online prices on others.


I got a pilot power 120/190 pair for $137 shipped. I think 120/180s are in the $120ish range.


If you're planning on bringing the bike in to the dealer to have them do work, the fall/winter is a slower time of the year for them. Spring is THE busiest time. I avoid taking bikes to a shop in the spring. Hell, I avoid bringing my bike to shops at all costs regardles of the time of the year. But first few nice days of spring, everyone dusts off their bikes and wants work done for the beginning of the riding season.