silly question - tire changing for motorcycle

[ViviTheMage]

I am getting some new tires, my stock is getting a bit flat down the center.

My buddy works at a auto shop, they do car tires all the time, can it do a motorcycle tire/rim by chance?

I ask because shops are wanting like 50-60$ per tire. I've called about 7 shops, same pricing.

 

[Greenman]

I've never run across a car tire shop that would change a motorcycle tire. I assume that $50 price is with the wheel still on the bike. It's cheaper if you pull the wheel off the bike yourself.

 

[JulesMaximus]

Cycle Gear will usually do them for $20/wheel if you buy the tires from them (and their prices are reasonable). I think it is $40/wheel if you just bring them the tires and wheels.

 

[olds]

I've never run across a car tire shop that would change a motorcycle tire. I assume that $50 price is with the wheel still on the bike. It's cheaper if you pull the wheel off the bike yourself.

This. And they'll rape you if you don't buy the tires from them.

 

[ViviTheMage]

I've never run across a car tire shop that would change a motorcycle tire. I assume that $50 price is with the wheel still on the bike. It's cheaper if you pull the wheel off the bike yourself.

I asked both prices, off the bike is maybe 15-20$ less per wheel!

 

[wirednuts]

mechanic shops have car tire changers, which are usually not compatible with motorcycle tires. some are, but most arent. the prices seem fair to me.

 

[ViviTheMage]

mmk, i'll go with em...I was just hoping to have it done 'free' from a buddy who works at a GM shop.

 

[AMCRambler]

mmk, i'll go with em...I was just hoping to have it done 'free' from a buddy who works at a GM shop.

Pretty sure you can do a motorcycle tire on a normal tire machine. They just might not want to do it if they don't do it frequently because they're afraid of damaging your rim. My father in law told me he uses a regular tire machine to do the tires for his Harley Road King. They've got one where he works and let him use it after hours.

 

[Fenixgoon]

mechanic shops have car tire changers, which are usually not compatible with motorcycle tires. some are, but most arent. the prices seem fair to me.

if that $50/wheel price include taking the wheels off, dismounting the old tires, mounting the new ones, and balancing...that's not all that bad.

like wired said, some car tire changers work, others don't. it's hit or miss.