The trouble mounting a CT / Darkside

[cbutteris]

None of the threads on going darkside mentioned that NO DEALERS want to mount a CT, at least not in this area. Got my Bridgestone CT mounted today but just because I was able to ask a favor.

I made some comments a while back about the tire dealers, how they get all agitated when you tell them you plan to mount on a motorcycle. (they usually ask)

And then the MC dealers - they don't want to mount these for a couple of reasons: 1) liability they say, for a non-standard application, 2) because they want to sell the tires, my opinion, or 3) because they don't know anything about it so they assume it's a stupid idea.

So if you are thinking about a CT you might want to make sure you have a way to get a it mounted before buying that tire.

Anyway, mine is on and so far all is good. Will give it a thorough test on the No. Central Rally ride this weekend.

Went with the dynabeads too. -C

[ringadingh]

A few guys have mentioned that they had trouble finding a shop tomount the car tires. There's at least one shop in my area that will do it for you, and probably a couple more.
I mounted my own tire on the rim, and its been working good.

[Rasta]

Welcome to the darkside! If you have not ridden on one before, take it easy so you can get a feel for it.

When I was going Darkside, of course the first step was finding a tire. After deciding on the tire I wanted I went on the hunt…first on the web, then local tire dealers!! One of the people I talked to was the tire sales person where I work…stops in once or twice a week. Told him what I was looking for and he told me he would get back to me. I waited and ……I waited. I even called his cell a few times with no call back. Now I am pissed at this guy cause I thought he was a cool guy! Mean time I have gone to another dealer we deal with and they can get what I want but I am waiting for that fool to get back to me. Finally I just told the other guys to go ahead and get it for me. They had even researched “Darkside “ for me and printed out pages and pages of info for me!! A few days later the tire comes in and that afternoon I fight with it to get it on. A couple days later I take the bike to them and they come running out to check it out and they are impressed!

Mean time weeks go by and I don’t even talk to that fool when he comes by…no smiles from me! Finally after a couple of months he is talking to a co-worker and he tells him he can get him anything he wants…..that’s my chance! I jump in and tell him that he can get anything that other people want but me. He tells me that he asked his boss and they said they could get it but when the boss asked him for what, the boss just told him we are going to stay away from that! Which is just fine with me. They have the right to make that decision but for F---s sake have the decency to tell me so I am not standing around with my thumb up my butt !!

[cbutteris]

One thing I didn't mention, I talked with the mechanic for a while when I picked up the bike. He told me he had never seen that before and thought it was a great idea. Said he might just mount one on his own bike.

[kingpin]

Most any "Used Tire" shop will mount them for you. That's where I went, and the guy did a greaat job. Cost me $10.

[Jared]

Originally Posted by kingpin

Most any "Used Tire" shop will mount them for you. That's where I went, and the guy did a greaat job. Cost me $10.

+1

A motorcycle shop is not going to mount it but any car tire shop can mount it.

[cactusjack]

Of course no dealer is going to mount it for you.

I got mine mounted at a place that does blinged-out rims/tires for autos and trucks. They have the right mounting equipment that won't damage expensive wheels.

[gary-o]

I had my Dunlop SP5000 mounted at the local Honda dealership, no charge. They heard about the concept before (and Dynabeads) but had never seen either of them, until now. They were impressed.
I'll drop by the dealership next fine day and show them what it looks like on the bike. I just took the tire & rim to them as I was servicing the swing arm during the change-over.

[cbutteris]

Originally Posted by Utah Motorcyclist

+1

A motorcycle shop is not going to mount it but any car tire shop can mount it.

I would have been farther ahead to borrow or rent a lift to remove the wheel myself, then find an auto shop.

Even though it was a 'favor' to have the entire job done at the shop, I got tagged for $133. That's about 1.5 hrs at $82 per.

Still glad I got it done though, and it won't have to be changed for quite a while!

[danimal2]

Originally Posted by kingpin

Most any "Used Tire" shop will mount them for you. That's where I went, and the guy did a greaat job. Cost me $10.

+2

Used tire shop. He wanted to charge me $5. I gave him $10.

[markclark57]

Mine was done at the dealer where we purchased 2 motorcycles in about the same year. They started with "I'm not sure about that" until I told them not to expect any more business from us if the answer was "no". It was amazing how nice they got when a $30K customer threatened to walk. The 205/60-16 GYTT that I picked up at Discount Tire ($140.00) was mounted at minimal cost with the diff. service and balanced out at 0.00 oz. I later added Dyno Beads anyway since they tend to reduce wear and provide a smother ride. I have 12K miles on the tire so far and it still looks new.

[Yellow Jacket]

I bought a Harbor Freight Tire Changer with the Motorcycle Adapter before my Nomad needed new tires. Change them myself. P.S., I've been using a CT on the rear since the original tire wore out.

[Bud2rat]

I had my Bridgestone mounted at the local Honda dealership. He's been mounting them on Goldwings for awhile. He charged $17. I removed the tire and rim myself. I've got about 8,000 miles on mine. Ride Safe.

[pooker]

It's not that hard to do it yourself!!!!!
http://s71.photobucket.com/albums/i1...n/Dark%20Side/

[traveler]

Welcome to the Darkside . I changed mine myself ,wasnt real easy but i was very proud of my accomplishment . rides really good too.