Rear tire cost info for anyone that wants to know

Went to my garage and found my rear tire flat with a screw in it. 2015 Spyder F3. Tire was the original stock tire and had 14,333 miles on it. Dealer said he wouldn't plug it and said he would only replace it. I plugged it myself to get to the dealer, but didn't trust it for the long haul. $189.99 cost of Kenda tire, $60.00 labor, $2.00 tire balance, $2.00 tire disposal, $18.75 tax (Leon County, FL), $272.74 total. BTW, Dealer has a sign posted at the shop that they only install tires purchased at the dealer.

This post was not meant to complain about the cost or my dealer. I was only providing information for those that didn't have that expense yet. Plus, I think it's important to support your local business and local Spyder dealer when you can. Otherwise, they go away.

Know you can do better and there are a ton from florida here that will get you the information and location to get the job done. Seems the labor and other add ons are good price if on the spyder sadly there are those that will not do tries not recommended for motorcycles or sold at thier shop....:thumbup:

I'm sorry. It appears they had an extra screw to use on you.

Find a dealer that will install an auto tire that you bring them or learn to remove the rear wheel yourself. Then take it to an auto shop that will remove the old tire and mount the new one. You will save a lot of money either way.

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Originally Posted by JKMSPYDER

Find a dealer that will install an auto tire that you bring them or learn to remove the rear wheel yourself. Then take it to an auto shop that will remove the old tire and mount the new one. You will save a lot of money either way.

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:agree: …. any decent auto tire will get you at least DOUBLE that mileage ...…….. plus auto tires are far safer,.... imho ….good luck …. Mike :ohyea:

Another dealer just like the one I had in Alaska. Find another...at least you have that option.

Spyders and motorcycles in general are an expensive hobby. I have the Altimax and Federals on my bike. I bought all three for less than $180 and installed myself. My dealer will install whatever tires you bring him. He says a dollar is a dollar and he won't turn away a paying customer over a tire sale. Pays to call around some times.

What is the issue here? Yes, the Kenda tires are expensive and crap but the dealer treated you pretty good on labor and other fees. We charge more than that to install a rear tire. Dealers are in business to make money, not to give stuff away for free.

14K on a Kenda is great. Mine showed cord at 11K. Don't know how handy you are but changing a rear tire is relatively easy. But, you need specific tools to do it. 36mm socket or wrench. >floor jack<. one thing to note, for caliper removal you can shut off the bike with the parking brake NOT engaged and in 30 seconds, the beeper will stop. I bought the jack, torque wrench, socket and wrenches for less than it cost to pay a dealer fee. But I've been wrenching for 60 years and even ran a parts house with my own custom parts. My dealer would not mount anything but the Kenda bought from them of course. I found a >Power Sports House< that mounted it for cheap in SC. YMM

>36mm socket which works with the oil filter too<

>1/2 inch torque wrench / breaker bar<

>36mm box/open end wrench<



https://youtu.be/fuRgt7bt5PI

No issue and no complaint for me here. I was just providing information for anyone who wanted to know the cost of a rear tire and its installation.

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Originally Posted by Rattlebars

14K on a Kenda is great. Mine showed cord at 11K. Don't know how handy you are but changing a rear tire is relatively easy. But, you need specific tools to do it. 36mm socket or wrench. >floor jack<. one thing to note, for caliper removal you can shut off the bike with the parking brake NOT engaged and in 30 seconds, the beeper will stop. I bought the jack, torque wrench, socket and wrenches for less than it cost to pay a dealer fee. But I've been wrenching for 60 years and even ran a parts house with my own custom parts. My dealer would not mount anything but the Kenda bought from them of course. I found a >Power Sports House< that mounted it for cheap in SC. YMM

>36mm socket which works with the oil filter too<

>1/2 inch torque wrench / breaker bar<

>36mm box/open end wrench<



https://youtu.be/fuRgt7bt5PI

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I did watch that video. But it was easier for me to whip out Visa.

I think the price you paid was about right. What the dealer saved you in low labor costs were made up by overcharging you for the tire. It all evened out. (Except a lot of dealers will overcharge for both labor and tire cost). As others have said, you can do better and get a lot better tire by finding a better dealer or learning to DIY..... Jim