Forums > Maintenance > Metzler tires

Its a moot point what anyone thinks about what they should cost.  You've got two options usually.  You can buy the tires at some discount from an internet supplier who will most likely drop ship them to you from Parts Unlimited at a price a bit over wholesale plus modest shipping cost, or you can go to a dealer you are building a relationship with and pay what he asks.

In the grand scheme of things, I used to do my own tires, but I don't anymore.  Its worth giving the dealer the business when you need him to know you for something else more significant.  Plus although tire dismounting and mounting isn't rocket science, its grundgy work. I can balance with the best of them. I have a static balancer at home and a dynamic balancer at the lab. I've got a No-Mar Pro tire changer at the lab too.  I've done enough tires.

If you're willing to do your own mounting and balancing, you can find deals by googling or checking out the back pages of Cycle World, Motorcyclist, etc.

If you'd rather not do your own work, call around and ask the dealers.

Most dealers I am familiar with do not want to mount tires that you bring in from outside due to liabililty issues.  If there is a problem with the tire, they don't want you thinking that they are going to stand behind the problem just because they mounted them for you.  Some dealers will do the mounting with tires you supply, but will require that you sign a waiver.  You still look like a bad customer if you're there taking away their profit on the tires, so I would rather just pay the extra $100 and let them do a turnkey tire change.

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Die Entropie des Motorraddes wird immer groesser. Most roaches are created unintentionally. IBA #27546

It depends on what Metzler you are looking at.  I use Z6's.  I paid $122/$170 for my RT tires (front/rear) from the dealer plus tax and $60 to install ($100 if you make them remove and remount the wheels).

I paid 115/152 from motorcycle superstore (no shipping, no tax).  I mount them with the No Mar tire changer.  It takes a bit of work at first, then you get the hang of it.

The reason I mount my tires is not to cut the dealer out.  Their price is fair.  The problem is that if I want to get the maximum miles from my tires, I incur downtime waiting for the dealer to do the work.  If I do it myself, I can run them to the last safe mile and then pop a new set on that night.  No appointments, no hassle.  It will take a while for the no mar to pay for itself but at two sets of tires a year it will happen.

Robo

PS-The RT and K bikes take special tires.  Make certain you get the right ones if not going to the dealer.  The KRS rear tire is a "C" model tire as shown on the Motorcycle Superstore website.

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As the true locals say, "Bay Uum Vay" is the only way.

Thanks for the info Robo.  I am having a dealer provide and install z6's for me next week.  I am taking the bike to NC to ride the twisties next month and the new rubber will be nice. As for the "C" designation,  I will call the shop and confirm tomorrow. Thanks again Robo.

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As the true locals say, "Bay Uum Vay" is the only way.

Hey happy to help.  I should add that those prices were a year ago and I would expect them to be 10% more by now (tires are going up!).  Also, my price reflected a 10% 'points' discount (the dealer gives you 10% of the price to spend in the store).  So if your prices are 20% more, that's about right.

Also, if you are looking for someone to meet up with there are a lot of us in the NC area that, depending on your dates, might be willing to ride with you if you want the company.

Regards,

Rob(o)

Really glad you mentioned the"C" tire designantion.  I bought the bike used and it turns out I have a Metzler 170/60 ZR 17 on the rear now.  All the parts guy did was look at the old tire and ordered the same one.  When I called the owner of the shop this am, he told me a 180/55ZR 17C is the OEM tire size and reordered the correct tire. Thanks for the tip.

I'm part of a group of six that ride the NC backroads twice a year but I do get up there more often.  I'll let you know the next time I plan a short trip. Thanks for the help with the tires and the invite to ride. North central Florida is pretty flat but there are some beautiful roads thru the horse farms that are nice to ride and of course the East Coast is cool.  Not much excitement but if ever this way, give a shout.

 

Jim

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As the true locals say, "Bay Uum Vay" is the only way.

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As the true locals say, "Bay Uum Vay" is the only way.

Hey Robo; With T/S Fay straddeled over Florida for the past week dropping historic amounts of rain, I put off taking my bike in for the tire change. During that time, I did some more research and found out that the"C" designantion for the rear tire on my K requires a larger (1/2") rim so I am staying with the original 17 rear.

Sun is out today for the first time in over a week and I think I'll put a few miles on the old tires this afternoon. Thanks again for your help.

Jim

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As the true locals say, "Bay Uum Vay" is the only way.

I have a r1200rt and the dealer is suggesting that I replace my tires after 11,000 miles. I don't ride hard but they say they are cuping. Any comments on this? They said I may get a couple thousand miles more but I'm off on a 3,000 mile trip so I'm a bit parinoid about leaving them on.

I used to get cupping on the front tire of my R1150R. Some people say that cupping can cause judder or wobble in the front end of the bike, but I never noticed any ill effects.

Just the same, 11K miles out of a set of tires is nothing to complain about. If it were me, I would put on some fresh rubber and enjoy the trip. The first foggy, dewy, morning you encouner, you'll be laughing instead of tip-toeing around and wondering about your tires.

Steven

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The dealer near me quoted me $300+ for the rear tire not including labor.  Should I be looking somewhere else?  At that price I don't care what they think.  I'll buy online and have another shop install it.

 -SFB

Another alternative is to have an indy shop provide the tires.  This means that you should have a pretty good idea what you want before you go in so you can assess the information the sales person is giving you.  In all likelihood you may find the indy guy is more knowledgable than a dealership associate since they deal with all makes of bikes.

In any event, I've found that the tires are generally a bit cheaper and the installation is about half of what the dealer charges.  They don't usually hit you up for shop supply fees either.

Anyhow, as has already been said, the cost of tires is cheap compared to the cost of tire failure.

Here is the "C" tire for $172.
Southwest Moto Tire has a very, very good reputation amongst my friends who do their own tires.
BTW, if you buy more than one tire, shipping is free.

I've tried replacing one tire at a time, but I don't like it. I can really feel the tires working against each other when one is new and one has several thousand miles on it.

I don't mind paying a little extra in order to have a good relationship with my dealer.
$128 is kind of a lot of extra. Might be worth it. Might not.

I'm fortunate that my dealer has no objection to mounting tires that I buy elsewere.
Just the same, I usually buy from him. His prices aren't bad, and I like the good vibe.

Steven

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I just paid, a few months ago, $159 for a rear Metzler Z6.  $300?  No way!  My dealer will mount tires as long as you leave the wrapping on them that proves they are new and unused.  I'd try another shop and if not happy buy online and pay for an installation.  Or, of course, set yourself up to install your own as many of us do and you are inclined.