New whitewalls

[greenbarn]

about motorcycles. He's ordering my Shinko WWW tires ($110 for front, $115 for rear) and said he will be able to put them on next week. Including tires, he said I can expect to pay around $340 for everything and it should only take a day or two (he said they are really busy this time of year). Does this sound like an OK deal?

Sounds like you've found "Your Shop".  That sounds like a pretty decent deal, depending on the details.  The *cheapest* place I've found so far online for the shinkos is Chaparral, and they're $85 and $105.  If your 340 includes (like PC said) tubes and rim liners, which it should (you said "everything"), and if it includes them installing the tires on the bike (EG, you're not taking the wheels off and taking them in to them),  then I would think that's pretty decent.  Of course you could do it yourself cheaper, but if they're not charging you more than they they have in the job, then they're not making any money, and they're not paying any bills, so they won't be around long.

Personally, (but I'm biased) I think you're much better off with a small shop like this - they're not all great of course, but the small family-run shop has more to gain by treating you right and keeping a long-term customer.   

[pcarrell]

He quoted you a good price for the tires and it sounds like $340 is not leaving a lot of meat on the bone for them.  Did you have them get rim strips and tubes too?

Sounds like he's looking to win your business!

[Reveen]

Well, I took you guy's advice and went to a few shops just to feel them out. One was more of a "chopper" type shop, more geared towards total customization. They weren't the friendliest and kinda gave me the vibe of "people come here for custom paint and bikes, not ordering and putting on tires." Another place is just massive metric/Victory/Polaris/Indian dealership with everyone running around busy with seemingly no clue what they are doing (lots of fresh out of high-school looking kids working there.) I read reviews online and multiple people have said that their prices suck and will take much longer than other shops for the most simple jobs.

I ended up really liking a shop that is owned/operated by a father and son. They are both very nice and helpful, and actually took the time to chat with me for awhile about motorcycles. He's ordering my Shinko WWW tires ($110 for front, $115 for rear) and said he will be able to put them on next week. Including tires, he said I can expect to pay around $340 for everything and it should only take a day or two (he said they are really busy this time of year). Does this sound like an OK deal? I told them I'm looking for a shop for all my bike maintenance needs (that I don't feel comfortable doing myself), so I would most likely be a repeat customer . . . he really seemed to value that and told me that he appreciated me giving them a shot over the big dealership in town. Even if I do end up spending a tad more than somewhere else, I'd rather give my cash to these guys, as they offered great customer service.

[Drift1]

OH YEA HOW THIS WORKS  ...... I don't even park in the parking lot anymore I just pull the bike right in the garage weather I'm there for service or just to BS for awhile . In fact the owner has giving me permission to store the bikes there this winter season free of charge .

[CDNRatMan]

  Really it does work, as Pc said you get to know the people you trat them nice and then after a bit they will be really willing to help you out, anyone working customer service knows this.

[Reveen]

Reveen, if I may, can I give you a little advice?  Ok, I'm going to anyways!

You obviously have several bike shops in your area.  That's a good thing!

My advice is to find one where you like the people and the atmosphere is laid back.  Spend some time there and buy a few things from them.  They don't have to be big things, but maybe smaller items that they might have a good profit margin on.  More importantly, spend some real time and talk to the people there.(just don't hang around too much and become a problem)  If it's a privately owned shop, they'll probably be more apt to spend time conversing with you.  A privately owned shop will also have more leeway on pricing over a dealership.  Hang around the place once in a while.  Maybe after a while, just swing by with some McDonalds or something for the guys for lunch, even though they aren't working on your bike or anything.  In a few months, just watch how things get a little cheaper, you get dib's on new merchandise, and when your bike comes in the shop, you somehow magically get pushed to the front of the line.  Besides that, you'll make some great new friends!

***I gave Drift1 this same advice a few years ago.  Just ask him if it works.***

Thanks for the advice! I like your plan. I sent out a few online "request a quote" things yesterday to a few shops, but I think Im more of an 'in person' type of guy. I already know one place I DONT want to give my money too, just from interactions in the past. I have about 10 or so different options to choose from, so maybe I'll just show up at some of them this afternoon to check them out to see if I can get any vibes from the place. I want my bike to go somewhere that the mechanics care and want to please their customers.

Again, thanks for the advice, I appreciate it!

[CDNRatMan]

      Did they not put new locks on the doors of that place?

[pcarrell]

Reveen, if I may, can I give you a little advice?  Ok, I'm going to anyways!

You obviously have several bike shops in your area.  That's a good thing!

My advice is to find one where you like the people and the atmosphere is laid back.  Spend some time there and buy a few things from them.  They don't have to be big things, but maybe smaller items that they might have a good profit margin on.  More importantly, spend some real time and talk to the people there.(just don't hang around too much and become a problem)  If it's a privately owned shop, they'll probably be more apt to spend time conversing with you.  A privately owned shop will also have more leeway on pricing over a dealership.  Hang around the place once in a while.  Maybe after a while, just swing by with some McDonalds or something for the guys for lunch, even though they aren't working on your bike or anything.  In a few months, just watch how things get a little cheaper, you get dib's on new merchandise, and when your bike comes in the shop, you somehow magically get pushed to the front of the line.  Besides that, you'll make some great new friends!

***I gave Drift1 this same advice a few years ago.  Just ask him if it works.***

[Reveen]

These tires look great. I'm going to be purchasing some within the next two weeks . . . just working on getting a few quotes for installation from a few different places in town. How much can I expect to pay (not including actual tire price)?

I've heard some places will add a fee if you bring in your own tires instead of buying directly from them. I'm trying to avoid that.

Bike looks stellar . . . really mates well with the classic look of the Drifter!

[CDNRatMan]

  PC.... I am not sure if my left leg could take the weight or the stress of the bike so will stick with what I know I can handle in a bad situation

DR you do what you need to do and don't let peer pressure drive you.....

[DrifteRizzo]

Looks like the Shinkos are going to have to work for me right now...the price fits my budget right now (saving up to hopefully get an 800 this year!)
Thanks for the input everyone!

Rizzo

[pcarrell]

Well I am of the mind and it is just my opinion but the Drifter and really the 800 needs white wall tires, it is just not right with the plain black tires. So if I can not get WW's then I will get them in what I can and if need to pay a bit more so be it....

.....or you could just get a proper 1500 and get drunk on power......

[CDNRatMan]

   Well I am of the mind and it is just my opinion but the Drifter and really the 800 needs white wall tires, it is just not right with the plain black tires. So if I can not get WW's then I will get them in what I can and if need to pay a bit more so be it....

[greenbarn]

Ratman when I was looking for www's for the 800 last season to put on MA-DEUCE I looked at these shinko's to try them out , but as we all know they don't make the rear . I called Shinko to inquire about this and was told the wasn't a demand for this size , hence the reason I went with the Metzler .

I'm going to try these out as well . The price is right up my alley , unless Mr. GB can work his tire magic and get us all a discount 

Unfortunately, for whatever reason, the m/c tire market and the automobile tire markets to not seem to share the same distributors.  I have about 6-8 wholesale distributors I get car/truck/semi tires from, and NONE of them handle m/c tires or tubes, or bicycles either.  A couple of them DO sell a few ATV tires, which is weird, but they can't get bike stuff.  Go figure.

I'm thinking of getting the Shinkos myself- they are a lot cheaper than the Metz or the Contis.  However, like I see in the auto tire industry, you usually  (but not always) get what you pay for.   If I could get, for example, one extra season from the Contis or Metz's then $ per mile, it might be worth it to spend a little more up front.  I still haven't seen a "mileage" review on the Shinkos.

[Drift1]

Just too bad they do not have a WWW in the 140/90-16 for the 800........

Ratman when I was looking for www's for the 800 last season to put on MA-DEUCE I looked at these shinko's to try them out , but as we all know they don't make the rear . I called Shinko to inquire about this and was told the wasn't a demand for this size , hence the reason I went with the Metzler .

I'm going to try these out as well . The price is right up my alley , unless Mr. GB can work his tire magic and get us all a discount 

[jmbo]

Have about 300 miles on my new Shinko WWs. Love how they handle. Especially love the way they track.  My old Dunflops tended to track road cracks (Tramlining or Nibbling). The Shinkos do not.

[CDNRatMan]

  Just too bad they do not have a WWW in the 140/90-16 for the 800........

[Cotton Mouth]

I know this thread is a little old, but...what is the wear like on these Shinko tires?  I am in need of some new tires and these fit the current budget, but I don't want to suffer for saving a few bucks.  I have Metzler 880 WWW on now and want to keep the look. Has anyone put sufficient miles on these to judge their quality?

Thanks

Rizzo

Rizzo, check out this video comparison with Shinkos 777 vs Dunflops  - I am riding the 777 aggressively  and they handle very well, only about 500 on mine though, no complaints.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?annotation_id=annotation_439306&feature=iv&src_vid=mGtTgBgbGUI&v=IVd0UlzdogQ

[DrifteRizzo]

I know this thread is a little old, but...what is the wear like on these Shinko tires?  I am in need of some new tires and these fit the current budget, but I don't want to suffer for saving a few bucks.  I have Metzler 880 WWW on now and want to keep the look. Has anyone put sufficient miles on these to judge their quality?

Thanks

Rizzo

[moosewayne]

well if you ask you shall recive

http://www.hdwheels.com/New%20Product.htm

http://www.jakewilson.com/p/1753/35752/Moose-Racing-Tire-Pen?term=red wall tires

check Cokers because they used to sell them too

Just got off the phone with hdwheels.com  $500+ per tire??
Imma go buy some paint pens......

[CDNRatMan]

well if you ask you shall recive

http://www.hdwheels.com/New%20Product.htm

http://www.jakewilson.com/p/1753/35752/Moose-Racing-Tire-Pen?term=red wall tires

check Cokers because they used to sell them too

[moosewayne]

The is no scientific study on per sa but red ones will get you something else...family forum.... and of course now the dumb a$$ question why would you paint your white walls red, just order them in red.....

Where might one order these red walled tires?

[CDNRatMan]

   The is no scientific study on per sa but red ones will get you something else...family forum.... and of course now the dumb a$$ question why would you paint your white walls red, just order them in red.....

[moosewayne]

Also proven fact White Walls make the bike go about 5.5 mph faster then black wall tires......

Has there been any scientific study to determine if white walls painted red go even faster?

[Drift1]

Ratman thanks for the scrub daddy tip now I'll have to search for these and report back .