newbie tire question+

[trajun]

Hello, I am a new member. I recently sold my VTX 1800 and considering purchasing a 2003 Nomad from a local dealer.
My question....this bike needs new tires what tires are recommended by the group? I had wanted Dunlop Elite III put on but the dealer said there was not a OEM size, so hewould not put them on. Next choice was Metz 880's (I have had these). What do you suggest and are people putting on a larger rear on the 2003 than stock.
thanks
BTW....dealer wants $6500 plus tax (this includes new Metz) what do you think?

[dank]

I've run both the Elite III and Metzler 880. Both are great tires. I think the Elite III is slightly better in corners, but I liked the way the 880's correct the speedometer. You won't go wrong with either one.

Price depends a great deal on mileage and condition, which you didn't list.

[trajun]

The bike has about 16,000 miles and is in good shape...not top notch clean...has some cosmetic (small) blems here and there.

Have you run Elite III on a 2003. What size? This dealer would not go over OEM (Harley dealer).

thanks

[dkdixie]

You don't mention what extras the bike has but assuming not much or any, price is too high, especially from a Harley dealer.

[trajun]

It has windshield and lowers, passenger backrest and luggage rack, bags and passenger footrests, and engine guard....(I assume all but rack is stock)....the price is with NEW rubber.
Oh, seat is aftermarket mustang

[Todd]

Nothing wrong with the 880's...........

[phenrichs]

Sounds overpriced but from a HD dealer I am not surprised. I think that is a requirement of their franchise agreements. My buddy always told me its HD because every time he goes for parts its Hundred Dollars.
I have seen 07 with around 10,000 miles for $9500. I would definitely haggle the price or shop around. They are great machines and you would be better to go somewhere else for the tires but just about anything you choose (metz, Dunlop, avon) will be better than the stock stones.

[dank]

[quote author=trajun board=general thread=8594 post=146065 time=1231358042]
Have you run Elite III on a 2003. What size? This dealer would not go over OEM (Harley dealer).


I have the 180/70R-16 Elite III on the rear. No problems with the fit. It was installed at at Kawasaki dealer. But mine is an 06. I do not know if the rim size is the same on the 03.

[VulcanE]

Stock tire sizes on the 1500 are 150/80-16 front and rear. You can go up to a 160/80-16 on the rear. I do think the price is a little high, I bet if you do some negotiating, you could get a better price.

[paul]

Most recomendations I've gotten from riders of all types on different bikes are for the MetZ. I've put them on my Honda and the Nomad and have had no complaints.

I'm not so good about pricing, but almost two years ago, bought my 2000 model from a local mom/pop dealer with less than 6K miles and lots of fire and steel extras, light bar and VH pipes for 5500.00., and the paint and metal were perfect. Your guy wants a bit too much I'm thinking.

[formikec]

Pirelli MT/66 front and rear as recommended in the owner's manual (also listed are Stones, Metz and Dunlop).

I like the Pirellis. I think I'm outside of the norm, however, everyone else seems to "want" the Metz. Pretty sure the Pirellis are substantially less expensive than the Metz, though?

Isn't there anyone else on here that has tried the Pirelli MT/66?

[schoeney]

I bought my 2003 6 mos ago for $7400 (private party) but it only had 2500 miles on it. He was asking $8200. I was having a hard time finding any good used Nomads for sale in my area.

Of course I bought during peak season and right before the economy got really bad and the big bike market has softened alot since then so I would think you can negotiate the price down some.

I am planning on installing the Elite III's , OEM is 150-80-16 but others have purchased 160-80-16 (same as Gold Wing) for rear and 150-80-16 for front. These are both bias not radial.

You can buy the rear at Motorcycle Pro Shop for $149 + $9 shipping= $158 total. Install (you don't need to take whell off) at my dealer is $34.95 including balancing.

Good Luck!

[VulcanE]

Here's a quote from Kelley Blue Book

"Suggested Retail Value $7655 The Kelley Blue Book Suggested Retail Value is representative of dealers' asking prices and is the starting point for negotiation between a consumer and a dealer. This Suggested Retail Value assumes that the unit has been fully reconditioned and is in excellent condition."

This is the price for my area, and note, that it's for excellent condition, AND fully reconditioned, (that includes new rubber).

[phenrichs]

man schoeney where is your dealer??????

Most shops here (even the indy shops) want at least $50 a tire. One wanted $140 for both.

[schoeney]

OP...yeah I thought 34.95 was a good deal too, especially since they balance it and do ALL the work...I just drive the bike in. This is a Factotry authorized Kawasaki dealer. The strange thing is I don't even have to buy the tire there....weird set up, all their departments are set up as separate profit centers and don't have incentive to get the other departments business.

I haven't confirmed it but I heard Cycle Gear will do all the work as well for $20 if you buy the tire there. Call me paranoid but I would rather spend the extra bucks to have a Kawasaki dealer do it.