Time for a new set of tires

[Mzomaxrph]

I have about 13K miles on my tires on my 2021 DCT tour. I have been looking at getting the Rabaconda tire changing kit and changing them myself. Both of the closest Honda dealerships quoted me about $750 for a new set of Bridgestones which is basically MSRP on the tires and free installation. Wingstuff has the same model Bridgestones for about $450 with a manufacture’s rebate of $50. My questions to all of you are; Do most Honda dealerships price tires this way? Do most of you just let a shop do the work or do you do them yourselves? After watching Fred Harmon’s and Cruiseman’s videos as well as several videos demonstrating the Rabaconda system, I feel like it is something I could do. Any advice on purchasing the tires or doing the tire change is also welcome.

[GoldWingrGreg]

In the past, professional shops used to make money on the tire sale, and they'd discount the labor to install them, if the tires were purchased from them. However, since many m/c owners now buy their tires online, many shops no longer discount the tire mounting and balancing. Bacically, the consumer has been cut out of discounts on both ends, and often once "his" tires are installed, the end result of paying higher labor charges and less for tires, ends up where the consumer really saved little to nothing. Often it leave the consumer feeling like he got screwed by the shop ... thus, since many shops don't want that reputation, they'll choose to only install tires that are baught from them, that way the customers end up saving a little.

To really save on tires, a person has to have their own tire equipment. But the end result is probbaly again no sayings.

[raven41951]

Didn't want to start a new tire thread and this one has the right title.

I just had a new set of Excedras put on my '21 DCT with 12,000 miles. I had intended on doing so and this year's inspection (required in Mass) showed the front tire needed replacing. I expected so because I saw the severe cupping on the original E4s(E5s?). I have felt and heard the cupping for the last several thousand miles. I kept the tire pressure at spec and at my age I don't do crazy riding, just loafing along with the occasional burst. I always try to warm up the tires at the beginning of the ride and like the cow path roads to distribute the wear.

Anyway, I have been unhappy with the OEM Dunlops. No, I did not check the mfg date code on those or the new exedras (which I will do soon). The Dunlops seemed to ride rough no matter the pressure and outside temps. My first run on the Bridgestones was quite the opposite. Firm grip on the pavement when cornering and a smooth quiet ride.

I'll try to keep you posted.

[GoldWingrGreg]

I'll try to keep you posted.

Coming from the passenger/LT truck tire industry, the day I bought a new 2004 Wing, that had OEM Dunlop D250s on it, and I made my first turn from the dealer out onto the highways, I instantly knew I didn't like those tires. 3 years later, when I bought a new 2007 Wing from the same dealer, and I made the same turn out onto the highway, I knew that I like the Bridgestones. Although I currently don't ride a 6th gen, and after reading the history books on Honda, I now know why that is.

Regaurding your issue, and I'm sure the same is true ... the Bridgestones give the rider more confidance, especially in the rain, and the OEM Dunlops don't. I too agree about the E4s riding harsher. Because of the tires cord, they also flat spot when parked, and they can take about 15mins of ride time before becoming round again.

[raven41951]

Thanks for the reply. I thought it might be me.