Tire change in Europe?

[FIDOSOL]

I was wondering if anyone in Europe knew how much a tire change is going to cost me. Specifically Germany. I'm asking now so I have a few months to save up for it.
I know the tire price is going to effect the total so I'll be sticking with Pirelli Scorpion Sync tires. Although to be honest I have no idea how much they cost in Europe.

 

[xtremelow]

If I was in your situation I would go with a tire they have in stock nothing that you need shipped to you unless you can find a great cost including shipping just to shave costs.

As far as the tire change it will greatly matter to if you remove the wheels and bring them in or just bring in the bike and have them do the labor.

If you do the wheel removale yourself I would expect $35 for the tires change (total) but converted to Euros it will be more like $50, but price will vary between shops a bit. Also the cost of the tire too which can also vary greatly depending on the shop and how hard you look. Figure a set of tires can cost anywhere between $200-$400 a set, then remember you have to convert everything to Euros and since the US dollar is down so much that will only bring the price up for you.

The first time I had my tires changed I dropped my bike off at the dealer the day I went on vacation and picked it up afterward and had to drop $420 in all.

Last time I did the wheel removale myself and purchased tires on my own and total cost was $210. Huge difference, and considering how easy it is to remove the wheels saving the extra $210 was a no brainer.

 

[FIDOSOL]

I don't have the resources to remove my own wheels at this point in time, what I'm going to do the week I get back is probably take it to the dealer unless I can find a good bike shop that is closer (not likely). Pirelli Scorpion Sync tires should not be that hard to get.

 

[xtremelow]

If you dont have the tools you really cant do much other than bit the bullet and fatten up the dealers pocket.

I just couldnt believe the price they charge to remove the wheels. It was something like $95 each or 2hrs labor and I can literally remove my back tire in 2 minutes, and the front in about 3 minutes. Then they throw in an additional 1/2hr labor for the tire change itself.[down]

 

[drunk_uncle]

I currently live in Europe and going to pick my Uly up from Karlsruhe H/D in Stuttensee on Tuesday. Do you currently live in Germany and where will you be doing this? Also, are you a soldier getting stationed here? The reason I ask is because as an American Soldier we are exempt from the 19% sales tax with the proper form. Just hit me up Tuesday evening German time. [email protected]

 

[Dinuns1]

not to jack the thread but Xtreme , an hour for a tire is not out of line at a shop whose gonna bring the bike in the shop , up on a lift ,strap down then pull the the wheel and swap tires and then balance . not to mention if you put an unnoticable scratch in the wheel so you gotta be careful as shit not like when your working on your own stuff . but then shops gotta pay for getting rid of the old tires they got the ovrhead of running everything so . its not out of line just a business no one tryna get rich jsut making a living ive seen shops get 1/2 hrs for sportbikes and 1 hr for harleys .

 

[xtremelow]

Oh believe me I know how shops work as far as pricing goes I use to work at a Truck Access. Shop but none the less if you are looking for the most cost effective route it sure isnt going to a dealer.

I brought my wheels and tires into a smaller shop and they charged $35 to swap out the old for new and dispose of the old tires.

But since a shop goes off a booked time for pricing most of the time the customer is the one to get hosed. As I stated above on the prices and or times it was by the book and also as I noted it can be done it much less time. I also know the flip side that if they run into any issues and it takes longer or damages occur they are liable too.

I guess it just comes down to having the tools and knowledge to be able to save the cash. I absolutely hate paying for labor at shops since I know you arent always paying for the labor rather the pricey lift, uniforms, building, health insurance, etc. I know the price is justified at a shop but it doesnt mean it is the best route.

 

[LeFox]

buy your tires online and fitting mostly costs about 15€/tire (weights included)

 

[poppinsexz]

If your a soldier- My base had a shop for the soldiers to use? They provided tooling and you did the work. I don't know if that was specific to my base but you could check into it.

 

[FIDOSOL]

poppinsexz - there is an autocraft shop at hohenfels but it doesn't have the necessary equipment to properly do a tire change on a bike.

 

[LeFox]

there are not-so-expensive-do-it-yourself-tools available for the change itself...

click

 

[islandigital]

When i have to change my first set, there is nobody on island that i trust to balance correctly. thats why im going to use these....

http://www.innovativebalancing.com/

No balance required. perfect balance as the tire wears.

 

[fahren]

island, I've heard good things about the beads. There is also a lot of brouhaha (I love to write that word out!) about them on various forums (badweb, avrider...). Some swear by them, others poo-poo them. I'd love to get your impressions once you do a change.

LeFox, don't you love Webbikeworld?!

 

[germanxb]

Hey Fidosol,

Concerning the price I can tell you that I paid approx. 250Euros for a new rear tire (Pirelli, changing included) at my local HD-Dealer in 2008.

If you tell me where you are stationed (I´m close to Wiesbaden Garisson) and what you´re looking for I might be able to ask my sister´s new boyfriend if he can help out. He´s a(HD)mechanic and knows a tire dealer (just brought new tires for a Honda my dad´s restoring).

Ah and just forget to mentioned. At Ramstein AFB there is a also an HD Dealer on Post. So you might check that option also.
Regards from snowy Germany.

 

[FIDOSOL]

I'm stationed at Hohenfels, and I will need a front tire and rear tire changed out, would like to stick with Pirelli Scorpion Sync's as they have been an outstanding tire so far.

 

[fahren]

F,
When was the last time you checked the wheel bearings? If you happen to have the tires changed at a place where they have a dynamic balancer, that'll tell you in a second if the bearings are ok, just by the sound. Good to look at every time the wheel is off.

 

[keppi]

@ FIDOSOL register at XBORG-Forum the german XB Buell Forum...http://www.xborgforum.de/
ask your question there...in english also, should no problem...and than, meet some crazy German Bulligans in real life.

 

[drunk_uncle]

Damn, a day late and dollar short for me. I have been in Germany for three years and before possibly meeting some Buellers here. Now I am gone in two monthes. Bikes get boxed up on Wednesday.

 

[FIDOSOL]

thanks Keppi