Tire change cost? Are they serious?

shortyg83 · July 14th, 2015, 11:29 AM

So I called two bike shops near me to see about getting my tires changed. They are quoting like 55 each tire if they are on the bike or 40 if they are off.

Does that seem normal to you guys? As it is 5 times as much as I get charged for a car tire. I know the rear tire may be a little bit harder considering they have to remove the chain. But really how big of a job is this that they are charging this much?

DEFY · July 14th, 2015, 11:40 AM

That's cheaper then what I been quoted for here, $65 for front and $75 for rear.

Jono · July 14th, 2015, 11:42 AM

I think that's about what I payed for my KLX. But they charged more because it has innertubes

shortyg83 · July 14th, 2015, 11:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DEFY

That's cheaper then what I been quoted for here, $65 for front and $75 for rear.

Yea actually checking the 55 was for my front and 65 for the rear. But yea still more expensive for you.

I am just not sure where I see this cost? Can it really take that long to do?

subxero · July 14th, 2015, 11:46 AM

$25 + tax + tire disposal for each wheel if you just take in the wheel here. So over $30 for sure, not sure what tire disposal fee is, I generally do it myself.

shortyg83 · July 14th, 2015, 11:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by subxero

$25 + tax + tire disposal for each wheel if you just take in the wheel here. So over $30 for sure, not sure what tire disposal fee is, I generally do it myself.

I think tire disposal fee here is like 5 bucks per tire.

csmith12 · July 14th, 2015, 11:50 AM

Seems par for course nowadays....

DEFY · July 14th, 2015, 11:52 AM

Car tire disposal around here is like $4 bucks a tire. Not much then for a bikes, also got to add in labor costs. It probably takes about 15 mins for front perhaps 30 mins plus for rear. At most an hour and a half.

Proteus · July 14th, 2015, 11:56 AM

I paid $130 for front and rear on the bike, and that was in line with other shops around here +/- $15.

shortyg83 · July 14th, 2015, 11:57 AM

I guess I will be removing the tires my self to save some money. Is there a how to on this site that list bolt torque and such?

Rifleman · July 14th, 2015, 12:02 PM

Damn, I wish you were near me... I'm getting a No-mar next month. I'll be doing tires in the Chicago burbs for $20 and beer. We can pull them in my shop swap the rubber and I have a static balancing stand.

but yeah, that's about right. I've paid $50 just for a dynamic balance on 2 that were removed from the bike.

Proteus · July 14th, 2015, 12:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rifleman

Damn, I wish you were near me... I'm getting a No-mar next month. I'll be doing tires in the Chicago burbs for $20 and beer. We can pull them in my shop swap the rubber and I have a static balancing stand.

but yeah, that's about right. I've paid $50 just for a dynamic balance on 2 that were removed from the bike.

Man I should have waited to get new tires!

NevadaWolf · July 14th, 2015, 12:16 PM

I found a shop here that would do it for $25 each if I brought them in. Got a bit of a discount cause I kept the old tires so was under $50 when all said and done for both.

I need to get my know how up to snuff on changing tires myself.

DCMoney · July 14th, 2015, 12:22 PM

Check craigslist, not kidding. I did tire changes on there for a year or so, started with my Nomar till I upgraded to a pneumatic machine, (all paid for by tire changes).

Charged $15 a tire balanced. Made a lot of money doing this. Still do it for friends but don't advertise any more.

No Mar is a great company, I work about a mile from them and have friends that work for the company.

From this

To this!

DEFY · July 14th, 2015, 12:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DCMoney

Check craigslist, not kidding. I did tire changes on there for a year or so, started with my Nomar till I upgraded to a pneumatic machine, (all paid for by tire changes).

Charged $15 a tire balanced. Made a lot of money doing this. Still do it for friends but don't advertise any more.

No Mar is a great company, I work about a mile from them and have friends that work for the company.

I have a guy around me that uses the NoMar, I was trying to get my hands on the machine at my brothers work, works for Ford. They have one for bikes but they don't have any mechanics that can run it lol.

Trailerboy531 · July 14th, 2015, 12:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shortyg83

. I know the rear tire may be a little bit harder considering they have to remove the chain.

You've never removed a rear, have you?

cbinker · July 14th, 2015, 01:06 PM

i have always wanted a No-Mar, just never put the money aside for it.

csmith12 · July 14th, 2015, 01:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DCMoney

To this!

DCMoney · July 14th, 2015, 01:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by csmith12

They're not that expensive, especially if you compare it to NoMars top of the line changer, which is still 100% manual.

I do my car and truck tires on it too and other peoples, just can't balance them, YET...

http://www.gregsmithequipment.com/At...1-Tire-Changer

dcj13 · July 14th, 2015, 01:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rifleman

Damn, I wish you were near me... I'm getting a No-mar next month. I'll be doing tires in the Chicago burbs for $20 and beer.

Cool! I'll be envious of your No-Mar. I have to live with the HF tire changer (with Mojo blocks, a Mojo lever, and a No-Mar lever) and a Beemer Balancer.

You're gonna charge people? We have tire changing parties with beer, but no money changes hands.

accumack · July 14th, 2015, 02:19 PM

I pay $35 including tax off the bike for both tires changed balanced and old tire taken. They want $100 and a week if on the bike. Also make sure your wheels and tires are cleaned it may get you faster service I've been put ahead of grungy wheels and tires and thanked.

dcj13 · July 14th, 2015, 04:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NevadaWolf

I need to get my know how up to snuff on changing tires myself.

Are you somewhat mechanically inclined? Do you have any friends who ride and want to go in with you on some of the equipment?

If so, you ride enough that it will definitely be in your best interest to change your own tires.

shortyg83 · July 14th, 2015, 07:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dcj13

Are you somewhat mechanically inclined? Do you have any friends who ride and want to go in with you on some of the equipment?

If so, you ride enough that it will definitely be in your best interest to change your own tires.

I am not against investing in equipment. What are you guys using to balance these if you mount them yourself?

dcj13 · July 14th, 2015, 08:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shortyg83

I am not against investing in equipment. What are you guys using to balance these if you mount them yourself?

There are lots of static balance sets available on the internet. I use a Beemer Balancer and have had tremendous success with static balancing. There are a number of forum participants that swear by Dynabeads. I am not one of them.

cuong-nutz · July 14th, 2015, 08:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DCMoney

Check craigslist, not kidding. I did tire changes on there for a year or so, started with my Nomar till I upgraded to a pneumatic machine, (all paid for by tire changes).

Charged $15 a tire balanced. Made a lot of money doing this. Still do it for friends but don't advertise any more.

No Mar is a great company, I work about a mile from them and have friends that work for the company.

From this

To this!

BAUSE

DCMoney · July 15th, 2015, 05:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shortyg83

I am not against investing in equipment. What are you guys using to balance these if you mount them yourself?

Nomars static balancer.

Changed plenty of cruiser tires that used dynabeads and I love them because I don't have to balance them! Do they work? Hell if I know, but the owners think they work so thats all that matters.

sharky nrk · July 15th, 2015, 07:12 AM

And this is why I have a HF/Mojo/NoMar changing setup, and wheel balancing stand. Pieced it together from a couple of different places and I have about $200 in the whole setup. Had it now for less than a year and have changed 8 or 9 tires.

In less than a year it has more than paid for itself now, I can change, flip, swap, whatever, from my own garage. It takes some stress off of my morning at the the track. FYI any ninjetters in the Austin, TX area need tires changed I am happy to help. Maybe throw a buck or two in the bucket for weights and lube but use of the machine and my time would be free.

LNasty · July 15th, 2015, 01:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sharky nrk

And this is why I have a HF/Mojo/NoMar changing setup, and wheel balancing stand. Pieced it together from a couple of different places and I have about $200 in the whole setup. Had it now for less than a year and have changed 8 or 9 tires.

In less than a year it has more than paid for itself now, I can change, flip, swap, whatever, from my own garage. It takes some stress off of my morning at the the track. FYI any ninjetters in the Austin, TX area need tires changed I am happy to help. Maybe throw a buck or two in the bucket for weights and lube but use of the machine and my time would be free.

damn, would be about a 4 hr trip for me, which after gas would not be saving any money. I need to get a setup like that.

sharky nrk · July 15th, 2015, 01:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LNasty

damn, would be about a 4 hr trip for me, which after gas would not be saving any money. I need to get a setup like that.

Yeah I was really hesitant about getting it and if it was going to work and whatever ....... but ........ it really is not bad after you get the technique down a bit. Setup works pretty well and I have gotten proficient enough at it that I would not hesitate to do someone else's tires now. I am confident I won't scratch anything and can knock one out is about 15-20 minutes now. I imagine the NoMar manual changer is even better, but the website prices on all the NoMar stuff I would need to match my current setup is literally $1000

GregS · July 15th, 2015, 05:07 PM

CycleGear does them for $20 a wheel. I ended up getting my own NoMar because with 1 street bike and 2 track bikes I go through tires regularly.

Motofool · July 15th, 2015, 07:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shortyg83

I guess I will be removing the tires my self to save some money. Is there a how to on this site that list bolt torque and such?

You don't need to remove the chain because it remains wrapping the front sprocket and resting over the swingarm after you remove the axis of the wheel, move it forward and un-wrap the chain from the rear sprocket.

Take a look at this and change the units in the top window to suit your torque wrench:
http://faq.ninja250.org/torque/ex250j/

For pre-gen Ninjas, but close enough:

http://faq.ninja250.org/wiki/Mountin...tires_yourself

http://faq.ninja250.org/wiki/Removin...the_rear_wheel

http://faq.ninja250.org/wiki/Reinsta...he_front_wheel

Quote:

Originally Posted by shortyg83

I am not against investing in equipment. What are you guys using to balance these if you mount them yourself?

You will need two or three irons, a puller for valve stems, a long lever (wood or pipe), a solid point of support, some shade and space to work and plenty of rubber lubricant (Napa autoparts).

http://faq.ninja250.org/wiki/Tire_Mo...Hints_%26_Tips

Hope you ride for many years to come and replace many tires yourself.

Have fun and learn !!!

Trailerboy531 · July 16th, 2015, 11:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Motofool

You don't need to remove the chain because the sprocket remains attached to the swingarm.

wat.

allanoue · July 16th, 2015, 11:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Trailerboy531

wat.

you are reading it wrong

Sirref · July 16th, 2015, 11:34 AM

sprocket's bolted to the wheel last I checked...

does anyone do this differently?

edit: thank you al, didn't realize he meant the other sprocket

Bob2010 · July 16th, 2015, 12:00 PM

This is exactly why my tires aren't installed. Granted the '10 and even my 09 have less than 3500 miles on the bikes themselves , and the original tires still have tread, I would just like these installed just to say the tires are new.

I mean I could take them off and have someone do a backyard install but they wouldn't be balanced.
Then I have to listen to people say "you're not going over 80moh on a 250, you don't need to balance them"

Sucks. But when you have to buy 4 tires and pay $250 to install them , it's kinda a kick to the nuts

DCMoney · July 16th, 2015, 12:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bob2010

This is exactly why my tires aren't installed. Granted the '10 and even my 09 have less than 3500 miles on the bikes themselves , and the original tires still have tread, I would just like these installed just to say the tires are new.

I mean I could take them off and have someone do a backyard install but they wouldn't be balanced.
Then I have to listen to people say "you're not going over 80moh on a 250, you don't need to balance them"

Sucks. But when you have to buy 4 tires and pay $250 to install them , it's kinda a kick to the nuts

I do "backyard" installs and balance them, as do most that posted in this thread that change their own tires.

Bob2010 · July 16th, 2015, 01:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DCMoney

I do "backyard" installs and balance them, as do most that posted in this thread that change their own tires.

Yeah... That's great for you and everyone else. My comment wasn't an insult, it was word for word what it's like for me trying an alternative to a shop.
unfortunately, I don't have any 250 locals to help with a "backyard install" so I had to turn to the squid crowd 600+

Hence why I made the comment about the balancing. He didn't have a balancer so I would have to take it to a shop regardless afterwards and the comments ensued etc etc

So I'm not sure what your post meant ?

DCMoney · July 16th, 2015, 01:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bob2010

Yeah... That's great for you and everyone else. My comment wasn't an insult, it was word for word what it's like for me trying an alternative to a shop.
unfortunately, I don't have any 250 locals to help with a "backyard install" so I had to turn to the squid crowd 600+

Hence why I made the comment about the balancing. He didn't have a balancer so I would have to take it to a shop regardless afterwards and the comments ensued etc etc

So I'm not sure what your post meant ?

Yeah I get it. Hopefully you can find someone else, after I started doing changes on CL another 5+ guys popped up and started doing it too.

Bob2010 · July 16th, 2015, 01:19 PM

It's a shame. I shouldn't have to feel like my bike is any less important then a 600 or higher bike. The comments I deal with when I bring it anywhere are enraging to the point to where I've given up for now.

Be nice to know some locals - my car forum buddies are far easier to deal and less judgmental, as it is with you guys

Trailerboy531 · July 16th, 2015, 02:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by allanoue

you are reading it wrong

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sirref

sprocket's bolted to the wheel last I checked...

does anyone do this differently?

edit: thank you al, didn't realize he meant the other sprocket

I considered the front sprocket - which is connected to the motor...

Either way - chain no big deal

July 14th, 2015, 11:29 AM	#1
shortyg83 ninjette.org member Name: Greg Location: carbondale pa Join Date: Jul 2015 Motorcycle(s): 2011 ninja 250r Posts: 19	Tire change cost? Are they serious? So I called two bike shops near me to see about getting my tires changed. They are quoting like 55 each tire if they are on the bike or 40 if they are off. Does that seem normal to you guys? As it is 5 times as much as I get charged for a car tire. I know the rear tire may be a little bit harder considering they have to remove the chain. But really how big of a job is this that they are charging this much?

July 14th, 2015, 11:40 AM	#2
DEFY ᗧ•••ᗣ•ᗣᗣ•••ᗣ Name: Nick Location: NY Join Date: Nov 2013 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Ninja 250R and 2014 Triumph 675R Posts: A lot.	That's cheaper then what I been quoted for here, $65 for front and $75 for rear. __________________________________________________ Spoiler for topic: It might just be the [you] tag

July 14th, 2015, 11:46 AM	#5
subxero dirty boy Name: Joe Location: Johnstown, PA Join Date: Sep 2012 Motorcycle(s): I don't even know anymore?? Posts: A lot. MOTM - Apr '14	$25 + tax + tire disposal for each wheel if you just take in the wheel here. So over $30 for sure, not sure what tire disposal fee is, I generally do it myself. __________________________________________________ I love the smell of burning pre-mix in the morning I don't think I'm a lot dumber than you thought that I think that I thought I was once.
	1 out of 1 members found this post helpful.

July 14th, 2015, 11:50 AM	#7
csmith12 The Corner Whisperer Name: Chris (aka Reactor) Location: Northern KY Join Date: May 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2010 250 (track), 1992 250, 2006 R6 (street/track), 2008 R6 (track) Posts: Too much. MOTY 2015, MOTM - Nov '12, Nov '13	Seems par for course nowadays.... __________________________________________________ Goal: Shake A Million Hands \| Look through the corners \| Track Day Prep \| Closest track? \| The Mid-Ohio School

July 14th, 2015, 11:52 AM	#8
DEFY ᗧ•••ᗣ•ᗣᗣ•••ᗣ Name: Nick Location: NY Join Date: Nov 2013 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Ninja 250R and 2014 Triumph 675R Posts: A lot.	Car tire disposal around here is like $4 bucks a tire. Not much then for a bikes, also got to add in labor costs. It probably takes about 15 mins for front perhaps 30 mins plus for rear. At most an hour and a half. __________________________________________________ Spoiler for topic: It might just be the [you] tag

July 14th, 2015, 11:42 AM	#3
Jono ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Jono Location: Memphis, TN Join Date: Sep 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Triumph Street Triple, 2009 KLX250SF, 2003 Suzuki SV650S (Sold), 2006 Ninja 250 (Sold) Posts: A lot.	I think that's about what I payed for my KLX. But they charged more because it has innertubes

July 14th, 2015, 11:56 AM	#9
Proteus Daily Ninjette Rider Name: Steve Location: Hollywood, FL Join Date: Jul 2014 Motorcycle(s): 2012 Ninja 250R, 2015 Vespa GTS 300 IE Super, 1989 Honda Elite 80 (SOLD) Posts: 402	I paid $130 for front and rear on the bike, and that was in line with other shops around here +/- $15. __________________________________________________ Check out my music at http://www.proteusmusic.com

July 14th, 2015, 11:57 AM	#10
shortyg83 ninjette.org member Name: Greg Location: carbondale pa Join Date: Jul 2015 Motorcycle(s): 2011 ninja 250r Posts: 19	I guess I will be removing the tires my self to save some money. Is there a how to on this site that list bolt torque and such?

July 14th, 2015, 12:02 PM	#11
Rifleman Old and slow Name: Lohman Location: Aiken, S.C. Join Date: May 2014 Motorcycle(s): Suzuki TL1000R, Honda CBR600F3, Ninja 250 Posts: 889	Damn, I wish you were near me... I'm getting a No-mar next month. I'll be doing tires in the Chicago burbs for $20 and beer. We can pull them in my shop swap the rubber and I have a static balancing stand. but yeah, that's about right. I've paid $50 just for a dynamic balance on 2 that were removed from the bike. __________________________________________________

July 14th, 2015, 12:16 PM	#13
NevadaWolf Certified looney toon Name: Teri Location: 39°52'40.7"N 118°23'53.8"W (Northern NV) Join Date: Jun 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2012 Ninja 250, 102k+ miles -- 2014 CB500X, 42k+ miles Posts: A lot. Blog Entries: 16 MOTM Jul '13, Jul '14	I found a shop here that would do it for $25 each if I brought them in. Got a bit of a discount cause I kept the old tires so was under $50 when all said and done for both. I need to get my know how up to snuff on changing tires myself. __________________________________________________ <-- Linky Hey Unregistered! The code [you] shows the username currently logged in. IBA # 56020 AMA # 521481 Fun Rides! ][ My Videos ][ My Gear Hold yourself to the same rules you expect others to follow.

July 14th, 2015, 12:22 PM	#14
DCMoney ninjette.org guru Name: Andrew Location: St Louis Join Date: Sep 2013 Motorcycle(s): Ducati 1198s, Triumph D675, Suzuki SV1000s, `08 Ninja 250, `11 Ninja 250, Suzuki GS750 Posts: 368	Check craigslist, not kidding. I did tire changes on there for a year or so, started with my Nomar till I upgraded to a pneumatic machine, (all paid for by tire changes). Charged $15 a tire balanced. Made a lot of money doing this. Still do it for friends but don't advertise any more. No Mar is a great company, I work about a mile from them and have friends that work for the company. From this To this! __________________________________________________ MCRA.com
	1 out of 1 members found this post helpful.

July 14th, 2015, 01:06 PM	#17
cbinker Track Clown Name: Chris Location: Kingman, AZ Join Date: May 2012 Motorcycle(s): '08 250R, 21 MV F3 800, Kawasaki 400 build Posts: A lot. MOTM - Sep '15	i have always wanted a No-Mar, just never put the money aside for it. __________________________________________________ TEAM ALFALFA www.apexassassins.com

July 14th, 2015, 02:19 PM	#21
accumack ninjette.org member Name: jim Location: texas currently in Temecula Valley CA Join Date: May 2013 Motorcycle(s): honda crf230l & 2013 ninja 300se wife has Honda crf230l & honda cbr250r repsol Posts: 222	I pay $35 including tax off the bike for both tires changed balanced and old tire taken. They want $100 and a week if on the bike. Also make sure your wheels and tires are cleaned it may get you faster service I've been put ahead of grungy wheels and tires and thanked.

July 15th, 2015, 07:12 AM	#27
sharky nrk Fighting Texas Aggie '05 Name: Neil Location: Hutto, TX Join Date: Feb 2009 Motorcycle(s): '07 ZX6R, '08 Versys, '09 250R Track, '93 F2/F3 Track Posts: A lot.	And this is why I have a HF/Mojo/NoMar changing setup, and wheel balancing stand. Pieced it together from a couple of different places and I have about $200 in the whole setup. Had it now for less than a year and have changed 8 or 9 tires. In less than a year it has more than paid for itself now, I can change, flip, swap, whatever, from my own garage. It takes some stress off of my morning at the the track. FYI any ninjetters in the Austin, TX area need tires changed I am happy to help. Maybe throw a buck or two in the bucket for weights and lube but use of the machine and my time would be free. __________________________________________________ Keep it rubber side down and enjoy the ride Get healthy - Get Fit - Change Your Life Click Here Or PM Me To Find More - Advocare

July 15th, 2015, 05:07 PM	#30
GregS ninjette.org member Name: Greg Location: San Antonio Join Date: Dec 2014 Motorcycle(s): Ninja 300, GSXR-750, Ducati M1100 Posts: 185	CycleGear does them for $20 a wheel. I ended up getting my own NoMar because with 1 street bike and 2 track bikes I go through tires regularly.
	1 out of 1 members found this post helpful.

July 16th, 2015, 11:34 AM	#34
Sirref Private Joker Name: Ben Location: Towson, MD Join Date: Nov 2012 Motorcycle(s): '99/'01 Ninja 250 "sketchy", '13 Ninja 300 "yoshi", '03 GSXR 600 "merlin" Posts: A lot. MOTM - Mar '14	sprocket's bolted to the wheel last I checked... does anyone do this differently? edit: thank you al, didn't realize he meant the other sprocket __________________________________________________ I see you over there seeing me, do you see the me I think you see?

July 16th, 2015, 12:00 PM	#35
Bob2010 ninjette.org sage Name: Bob Location: NY Join Date: Jul 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2010 Ninja 250 2009 Ninja 250 Posts: 730	This is exactly why my tires aren't installed. Granted the '10 and even my 09 have less than 3500 miles on the bikes themselves , and the original tires still have tread, I would just like these installed just to say the tires are new. I mean I could take them off and have someone do a backyard install but they wouldn't be balanced. Then I have to listen to people say "you're not going over 80moh on a 250, you don't need to balance them" Sucks. But when you have to buy 4 tires and pay $250 to install them , it's kinda a kick to the nuts __________________________________________________ 2010 Red Ninja 250 2009 Black Ninja 250 -If you ride like lightning,you're gonna crash like thunder-

July 16th, 2015, 01:19 PM	#39
Bob2010 ninjette.org sage Name: Bob Location: NY Join Date: Jul 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2010 Ninja 250 2009 Ninja 250 Posts: 730	It's a shame. I shouldn't have to feel like my bike is any less important then a 600 or higher bike. The comments I deal with when I bring it anywhere are enraging to the point to where I've given up for now. Be nice to know some locals - my car forum buddies are far easier to deal and less judgmental, as it is with you guys __________________________________________________ 2010 Red Ninja 250 2009 Black Ninja 250 -If you ride like lightning,you're gonna crash like thunder-

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