GStwin.com GS500 Message Forum

Main Area => General GS500 Discussion => Topic started by: badguy on April 23, 2006, 10:11:36 AM

Title: Tire mounting and balancing in MD
Post by: badguy on April 23, 2006, 10:11:36 AM
I know this is a long shot, but would anyone know a decent place to get a front tire mounted and balanced in southern MD for less than $40? 

The other day I called a local dealer and a shop (there aren't many around here) and was quoted $56.92 at one and $42.50 at the other.  This is for a tire that is brought in - not one that needs to be removed and reinstalled.  After searching, I saw older threads where folks were complaining about being charged $25 per tire...I'd love to pay that! 

I'm gonna check with a few auto tire places tomorrow, but I'm not sure what to expect.  I wish I had the equipment to do it myself.

Thanks in advance!
Title: Re: Tire mounting and balancing in MD
Post by: LimaXray on April 23, 2006, 10:37:21 AM
whoa... now I've never had a MC tire mounted before and don't know how much it's supposed to cost, but that price sounds insane... is there some reason it's so pricey? I pay $8 a tire for my cars to have them take off the wheel, remove the old tire, mount and balance the new one, and put the whole thing back on my car.  Can someone explain why the price difference? 

If you look on eBay, there are a few simple tire mounting machines for not much more then $100.  You could do it yourself and break even after only 2 tire changes.
Title: Re: Tire mounting and balancing in MD
Post by: badguy on April 23, 2006, 05:19:05 PM
Yeah, I have no idea why it would be so expensive.  I was thinking that if I couldn't find anything cheaper I'd just get a mounting machine and do it myself...I just need to find a place to keep it.  Thanks for the reply, I guess I'll figure something out.
Title: Re: Tire mounting and balancing in MD
Post by: oramac on April 23, 2006, 05:38:29 PM
check other shops besides dealers.  My Suzuki dealer was all set to charge me $32 per tire for carry in mount and balance, same as you.  I called around and found a Victory dealership that did it for $15 per.  Break out your phone book and call anyone BUT the dealers!
Title: Re: Tire mounting and balancing in MD
Post by: badguy on April 23, 2006, 06:20:16 PM
Thanks for the advice.  The place charging $42 is a Victory dealer.  I'm definitely calling around at lunch tomorrow since I should get the tire in the mail tomorrow and I wanna get back on the road as soon as possible.