Tire questions

[Easy Rider]

Originally Posted by RichInFla

The local cycle shop can find one brand, Kenda, that has both front and back (mentioned in previous post). However, they said they will mount and balance, but they won't remove the wheels and/or reassemble.

Is this a "real" Suzuki dealer ??
I repeat and emphasize: Look for another dealer.
Most would be happy to take your money for doing the WHOLE job.

Removing and replacing the wheels is not really a big deal.....if you have, oh say 10 years experience, working on cars and other mechanical things. Even a rookie can do it with a manual and some confidence. BUT.....getting them back on right is ***REALLY*** important so, yes, I would highly recommend that you get some help and/or experienced guidance.

Kudos for being able to make a realistic assesment of your own capability.
Many get in WAY over their head and THEN yell for help.

[RichInFla]

Originally Posted by Easy Rider

Is this a "real" Suzuki dealer ??
I repeat and emphasize: Look for another dealer.
Most would be happy to take your money for doing the WHOLE job.

No, this is a local cycle shop, not a dealer. Local dealer in my area is called "House of Power", and I've heard nothing but bad things from over a dozen people. There may be one farther away, but I have nothing to transport it. After reading the posts, don't really want to drive it.

Heck, if you were in the area, you'd get my business !!

[Easy Rider]

Originally Posted by RichInFla

There may be one farther away, but I have nothing to transport it. After reading the posts, don't really want to drive it.

Nope. I used to do all that stuff myself; not anymore. Just a grease monkey now.

So, let's take a different tact. For things like tires and chains....the basic stuff.....all Jap bikes are a lot alike.
Is there a Kaw or Honda or Yamaha dealer close by? If so, give them a call. They might be happy to get your business.......AND they might be able to find other tires too.

Good luck.
Sometimes I forget how lucky I am to have a good dealer close by.

[samato]

Any dealer or online source should be able to order you the OEM (stock) tires. If you go here:

http://www.bikebandit.com/houseofmot...0-2003/o/m6282

and click on "Wheels/Tires/Final Drive" you will see the following:

10: TIRE FT(110/90,
(110/90-16) 1482958-001 Enter 0-99 $146.33

26: TIRE,RR(130/90,
(130/90,) 1487535-001 Enter 0-99 $139.68

For me that was too much to spend on tires so I went with the Kenda's (100/90-16).

I had no previous mechanical experience but following the owner's and service manuals plus watching some You Tube how to videos, I was able to change the tires, tubes, and rimstrips with no problem. There really is not much to it but it is better safe than sorry I suppose. It's amazing what you can learn on the internet these days. With the help of this site and You Tube I've so far been able to change the tires, oil, brake pads, make some ammo can saddle bags, and probably a couple of other things I'm forgetting. I will say that figuring out tire and tube sizes was pretty confusing for me, especially dealing with metric/standard conversion. It was also pretty ridiculous how much research I had to do just to order tires, tubes, and rim strips.

[patrick_777]

Originally Posted by samato

t was also pretty ridiculous how much research I had to do just to order tires, tubes, and rim strips.

Some of us sick bastards out here actually find that intellectually stimulating. :yes:

[samato]

Now that IS sick! O_o

[patrick_777]

Note, I said intellectually stimulating...

[jonathan180iq]

That kind of true for me too, minus the intellectual part.

[RichInFla]

Originally Posted by Sarris

Rich;
The 100/90-16 is an alternative for the 110/90-16, just a hair smaller. The first number is width in millimeters, the second is the sidewall height stated as a percentage of the tread width. The last is the rim size in inches. So, get the 100/90-16 if the 110/90-16 isn't availabe.
The 110 is 110 mm wide and has a 99 millimeter tall sidewall, the 100 is 100 mm wide and has a 90 millimeter tall sidewall. Just a little over 1/4" smaller in sidewall height.
No big deal, do it.
:)

Okay, I did it. Kawasaki dealer about 20 miles away found the Kenda's. One in NY and one in NV. Ended up with the 100/90-16. I dropped her off today. This is what they were charging, just wondered if I'm getting hammered. The front tire was about $52, and the back was about $63. Tubes were $13 and $19. They charged $50 per tire to mount and balance. It was $35 if I just brought them the wheels, but in previous post, I know my limitations mechanically.
Thanks.

[Sarris]

The prices aren't too bad, they always nail you on the labor. I bought Pirelli and paid $108 for the front, $91 for the rear, $8 each for the tubes, and $25 each to mount and balance them. Total out the door including tax and old tire disposal fees was $265.

This was done at a local independent shop with a regular service so they didn't hammer me on the tire mount & balance (they normally get $50 each without the service). I did opt for high mileage touring tires. Pirelli Sport Demon in the front and Pirelli Route in the rear in the factory recommended sizes.

Glad you got her done.