Need new tires | GTAMotorcycle.com

Need new tires

NuggyBuggy

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What's the most cost-effective route to go? Order online, remove my wheels and take them to an independent shop? I quoted out some Michelin Road 6s for my Z400 at a few places and find they are more expensive per tire than the tires I put on my Lexus IS, and that was at the dealer. Anyone have a recommendation for a shop that would do this and not have a 3-week wait time for the appointment?
 
If you are equipped to do so, taking the wheels off can get you faster service (if you are willing to call around). It is easier to slot in some time on the changer & balancer then having them touch your bike. It is also cheaper, though sometimes not as much cheaper as it should be. Most places will give you a discount if you also buy tires from them, assuming that they have them in stock. Your bike seems to have 110/70s + 150/60s, so that's going to work against you (less common). Maximum cost effectiveness would be willingness to consider different models of tire / slightly older tires (I almost NEVER do this and just go straight for the tires I want)

Nobody is going to be able to make suggestions for availability though. This is peak "please fix my motorcycle" season, everyone is going to be hammered.
 
I've learned the most cost-effective route is buying rubber online and putting em on yourself. (I.e. Pete's)
But for some (including myself), that isn't usually a possibility due to lack of tools, knowledge, and confidence.
Taking your wheels off and bringing it to a shop (or a willing member on the forum/friend) that also sells tires and can get you the ones you want, I believe to be the most cost effective in that regard if you are able to take them off/on yourself.
But your location is important for recommendations. Whether directing you to GP, Rosey Toes, Pro6Cycle, that place out nearish Shwa, Holly Gully, etc... but as above, it's prime moto time in the GTA, everyone's swamped.

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Dear OP - Typically, it might help to know what part of town you're in ?
Ah, quite right. I live downtown, work near the airport, but my bike is about 20 mins north of Orillia. I'd be willing to go anywhere within the GTA->Orillia corridor and maybe as far as 30 mins or so east or west of it.
 
I've learned the most cost-effective route is buying rubber online and putting em on yourself. (I.e. Pete's)
But for some (including myself), that isn't usually a possibility due to lack of tools, knowledge, and confidence.
Taking your wheels off and bringing it to a shop (or a willing member on the forum/friend) that also sells tires and can get you the ones you want, I believe to be the most cost effective in that regard if you are able to take them off/on yourself.
But your location is important for recommendations. Whether directing you to GP, Rosey Toes, Pro6Cycle, that place out nearish Shwa, Holly Gully, etc... but as above, it's prime moto time in the GTA, everyone's swamped.

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I can take the wheels off, but understand that mounting tires is a pain, so not planning on going that route. Apologies for not noting my location - my bad. I am willing to travel anywhere between Orillia and Toronto and maybe 30-mins from that corridor.

Can car tire places mount moto tires?
 
If you are equipped to do so, taking the wheels off can get you faster service (if you are willing to call around). It is easier to slot in some time on the changer & balancer then having them touch your bike. It is also cheaper, though sometimes not as much cheaper as it should be. Most places will give you a discount if you also buy tires from them, assuming that they have them in stock. Your bike seems to have 110/70s + 150/60s, so that's going to work against you (less common). Maximum cost effectiveness would be willingness to consider different models of tire / slightly older tires (I almost NEVER do this and just go straight for the tires I want)

Nobody is going to be able to make suggestions for availability though. This is peak "please fix my motorcycle" season, everyone is going to be hammered.
Great suggestion. I am willing to bring the wheels in. I talked to the guys at Snow City who suggested bringing bike or wheels in and leaving it in their "first come first served queue". Thought there was a good chance of getting it done before any appointments they're currently scheduling.

I was hoping there might be smaller tire shops perhaps specializing in bikes that might not be dealing with as much of the "please fix my motorcycle" volume.
 
Ah, quite right. I live downtown, work near the airport, but my bike is about 20 mins north of Orillia. I'd be willing to go anywhere within the GTA->Orillia corridor and maybe as far as 30 mins or so east or west of it.
 
Great suggestion. I am willing to bring the wheels in. I talked to the guys at Snow City who suggested bringing bike or wheels in and leaving it in their "first come first served queue". Thought there was a good chance of getting it done before any appointments they're currently scheduling.

I was hoping there might be smaller tire shops perhaps specializing in bikes that might not be dealing with as much of the "please fix my motorcycle" volume.
Pretty sure GP Bikes in Whitby will price match Fortnine/ Pete's Superbike pricing on tires.

You could drop the rims there.

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I can take the wheels off, but understand that mounting tires is a pain, so not planning on going that route. Apologies for not noting my location - my bad. I am willing to travel anywhere between Orillia and Toronto and maybe 30-mins from that corridor.

Can car tire places mount moto tires?
It's not that difficult, more finesse than anything. Decent tire irons, a (good) amazon static balancer and some patience will get you there.
If you are equipped to take the wheels off you're halfway there
 
It's not that difficult, more finesse than anything. Decent tire irons, a (good) amazon static balancer and some patience will get you there.
If you are equipped to take the wheels off you're halfway there
Breaking the bead is the hardest part.

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I would recommend Pro6Cycle by Kipling and Lakeshore in Etobicoke, but only if you're looking for Dunlops since they have a huge stock and are also a prime distributor, also great people, and were cheaper than F9' listed pricing.

If you're looking for specific tires tho, see above comments haha

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A C clamp works .
Depends on the size of tire, or the size of c-clamp.

I use a 2x4, drilled for a carriage bolt, and make an angled piece about 8" long, braced with plywood. Put the rim on 2x4 blocking.
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Breaking the bead is the hardest part.

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That's easy if you know how to do it. If you have another MC handy, any kickstand will easily break a bead.
 
That's easy if you know how to do it. If you have another MC handy, any kickstand will easily break a bead.
Depends. I've had old sport touring tires that were an awful ***** to break.

I've had worn out soft sport tires that were easy.

Some dual sport tires are simple. My wr has a dunlop d606 that has a terribly stiff carcass. I'd bet I could ride that out of the bush flat...

I've done grom tires with a bench vise.



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I use a bench vice to bring the beads together into the hollow when mounting tires.
I use a simple bead breaker unit i bought off Amazon for $75, works like a charm. I've changed 170 GT tires with no issues.

Tubeless tires are easy, tube types harder, moped tires are a *****.

I have a simple static balancer too, use it mostly to find heavy end of unstamped rims. I haven't needed or used weights for 20 years.

I dont know why people are afraid to change their own tires... it's easier today than it was 40 years ago when tires used tubes and most motorcyclists did it themselves.
 

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