Save $1,000 on Motorcycle Tires? - Why Motorcycle Tires are expensive

[@RoadReality]

I've heard about it, read about it, never seen anyone in person go to the Dark Side for their tires. Now, I'm not saying I'm going to say it's 100% a bad idea, because only the Sith deal in absolutes. It's just not for me. Of course, I ride 5-8k a year, so buying a set of tires once every 12-18 months isn't going to break the bank. Like someone else said, tires are your only connection to the road, so it pays to get what works for you and not scrimp.

[@Mr.Bell229]

I considered going to the darkside once. Rode my friends bike that had entered the darkside. Lol. I didn't like the cornering. It felt kind of weird. I useto pay the harley tax on the harley branded dunlops until someone turned me on to the American Elites. Basically, it's the same tire without the extra cost.

[@John_Ridley]

"You get used to it after a while." Yeah I get used to having a totally spanked-out pair of tires on my bike too. Then I replace them with new rubber and OMG it's like it's a new motorcycle. Darksiding is probably fine for people who go straight down the expressway 99.9% of the time. The contact patch is great when you're going dead straight. It's much SMALLER when in corners, which is when having a lot of contact patch is actually needed. There are decent stick style gauges. You have to pay more than 99 cents for them. Try the Milton S-921. It's accurate to 1 or 2 PSI. I don't use it in the shop but it's great to carry on the bike because it's small.

[@JoeGoeMotorcycleAdventures]

I have zero interest in going to the dark side. There’s a reason why they specifically designed the tires the way they did. I want to handle my motorcycle the way it was intended!

[@heybruh3274]

Amen!!!

[@curtis1951]

I think manufacturers could lower the cost of motorcycle tires. The same manufacturers make both tires. They could incorporate the cost. I think they just use the low volume as an excuse. It's a money grab. I've never put a car tire on a motorcycle but I have noticed that everyone that's against it, has never done it.

[@rickyhawkins7407]

I just got a quote to put two new tires on my Road Glide from my local HD dealer. $1100…😮 It only cost me $1250 to put 20x12.5x35 tires on my pick up. So I purchased my own tires. Removed my wheels. Took it all to an INDY shop to mount, balance, and install new bearings. And reinstalled on the bike myself. Saved almost $500 doing that way.

[@RidingandWrenching]

@@rickyhawkins7407 that's awesome. I will do the same thing when I replace my tires.

[@kman-mi7su]

I do the same and your first mistake was going to the dealer. I take mine off and take them over to cycle gear where I live. I buy my tires online and bring the rims and tires over to them. They charge 35 bucks a tire for a mount and balance. Usually, they can do it on the same day and if it's the middle of the week they usually tell me to look around the store and we'll call you when we're done.

[@AGRIV8TD1963]

That's what I do... Remove the wheel yourself, very easy to do, then take to bike shop to mount/balance, then reinstall them, yourself. Most bike shops get $180 per/hour for labor, why when it's so easy to do yourself.

[@AGRIV8TD1963]

​@@kman-mi7su Ditto!!!

[@hermanbrown4786]

Hello Q Agree with you sir 100% on all accounts, the bike tires are made better and the technologies is getting better for bike tires. We just got to have patience, by the way your CVO looks great, just one thing with your Tour Pack, please install the Tour Pack speakers pods. It will look complete and so much better and by the way you can use them for storage pods. Take care and stay safe God blessings to you and family.

[@georgew1751]

A car tire on a motorcycle greatly affects the handling--adversely. A motorcycle tire is designed as it is for a reason. Back in the 60's and 70's there were certain riders putting a car tire on the rear. They were good as long as they went in a straight line--slowly.

[@mrjkjhoedog]

The long standing argument between dark side and regular bike tires. Here’s my stance, what ever works for the rider. I’ve heard great things about going dark side and have seen multiple videos of dark side riders tearing it up on the twisties, so I don’t bash anyone going that route but with all the riding I do I don’t want to chance needing a tire and not being able to get it because a motorcycle shop won’t touch my dark side tires. So for that reason I’ll stay spending that money on tires. It’s like they say, gotta pay to play.

[@bigg2768]

Thought this idea died about a bazillion u tube vids ago.😢

[@dnice4431]

Hell NO I would never put a car tire on my bike. Just my opinion.

[@kman-mi7su]

Wheel bearings are often overlooked by riders so that is a good one to mention. I have to do both my bikes. I plan to do it this winter when the snow and salt are on the road and I'm not riding.

[@BogeyBiker]

This has been a topic of conversation with us lately. Thanks for the info!

[@RidingandWrenching]

I can see an application for people who only do long distance riding. It's still not something I would do but I respect those who do

[@Jim_Berry]

I would never put a car tire on a motorcycle.

[@3wheelmannc860]

I am going to do the "car" tire idea on my '21 trike when needed.

[@RidingandWrenching]

@@3wheelmannc860 I thought trikes had car tires? You should be good to go

[@williamwilliamson1096]

Nope! The painted arrows on the road down here in fla. get really thick before they finally repave. I can tell how worn my back tire is by how much the bike tips when I'm sticking my leg out to stop.

[@dugbucky3298]

thanks CUE! I'm run MC tires only. I just went out side and counted my used tires for the last 4 seasons. I have gone throught 9 rear tiers and 6 front tires. I cant imagine a car tire on my bike. I like to corner, accelarate, brake hard and of course PRACTICE slow speed on my Ultra. Tires are my only link to the road. I do run SHINKO tires. Why would I run a tire that wears faster (shinko)? becuase I know it also grips better. NO DOUBT! tires are cheap compareed to cashes. A rear car tire and front MC tire can not track corrctly while corneting, this will cause the rear to search back and forth on the edge causing rear weaving.

[@SlappyAdventures]

You know I love the double darkside.....but good video....10-4

[@RidingandWrenching]

@@SlappyAdventures that's why your cameo was at the end!😂

[@jessieholt9238]

I would never switch to a car tire on a motorcycle I feel they have a stronger sidewall and are speed rated

[@RidingandWrenching]

I know that most people will use run flat tires....they are supposed to have stronger side walls. Even so, I will not be doing that on my bike

[@qthebikeahaulic]

I just spent $430 for a rear tire only change end of August. That was with a free installation promotion they were running for the month. Don't get me started on the $185hr. shop labor rate. They only had Dumbslop tires in stock. Only got 11.3k miles out of original tire. Next time will buy Michelin Commanders ahead of time. I've had up to 18k on them before. Even if I still lived in Nevada with only flat, straight roads there is no way I would risk a car tire on my bike. Handling alone would suck let alone bearing stresses. Can't imagine how it would handle the roads here in the Ozarks/ lake's region of Arkansas.

[@qthebikeahaulic]

I put on about 30k miles a year before my recent retirement and move, that is between 3 bikes. Side note: I bought my 2022 Ultra Limited- Apex because my 2018 had 59730 miles on it and in conversation with a HD salesman/ friend of mine mentioned that at 60k HD considers that a "high mileage" bike at trade in and they cut the value in 1/2. Was going to buy a 2024 bike at retirement but traded the '18 because of it.

[@AGRIV8TD1963]

I have a Triumph Rocket 3 and my back tire costs me $400 to my door, then $40 to have a local bike shop to mount it. I only get about 3500-4000 miles on the back tire, with 280hp & 190ft/lbs of torque at the rear tire. My Rocket handles like a sports bike on the Twisties and I have no doubt that it would handle like shit with a car tire, so I'm happy to spend $440 every 4000 miles to be safe and happy on my Beast! 😅

[@qthebikeahaulic]

@@AGRIV8TD1963R3 is a great bike. I picked up a r3 with 3600 miles on it after a neighbor kid got backed into in a parking lot and bent the frame. Looking to put the motor/trans in a 2002 HD ultra I have as a parts bike. It's one of 4 projects I'm working on.

[@MartyGalbraith-ls8oc]

excellent video--thanks for the detailed information--ride safe

[@donzdonz6868]

I have been Darksided for over 20 years now, BEST mod ever imho. Got a Ecopia 205 60 R17 on my 14 Dyna Wide Glide. PROS= I have put two on since 2014, i have 154378 miles on it, you do the math,( i live in Kanadastan so just get half a year to ride ). Threshold braking is shortened by almost 1/3 %, that's about 5 feet shorter stopping power, the rear actually grabs and assists in the braking ( even in the rain ) instead of just locking up and skidding. Riding in the rain is far more stable, manhole covers are not slippery, road lines also are not slippery when wet, riding on gravel is greatly improved along with light off road trails, tubeless so just stick a plug in it, grab a little air and down the road you go (more tire to hold the plug), Increased weight load cause of the tire's DOT specs over a motorcycle tire. CONS =One does have to over-steer slightly in a long corner as the tire wants to settle on the flat. I will never put anything else on a cruiser, EVER. Just my experiences for your consideration. BTW, My insurance company ( Intact ) has no problem with my tire choice, all they wanted to know was if i was within the DOT specs, which i am.😀

[@RidingandWrenching]

@@donzdonz6868 wow! Great info. Interesting to hear that you contacted your insurance company. I tried to make my video non-biased (even though I don't ride dark side). My goal for this video was to provide an alternate explanation for the huge cost difference.

[@donzdonz6868]

@@RidingandWrenching No problem, thought i would just throw in my 2 cent's. I ride harder then most even dare and i will swear by it. Nuff said ..LOL😀

[@nelsonwilliams1336]

Appreciate all of your content and the honest insight for all M/C riders… but cars don’t ride on the sidewalls of the tire so why would you put a car tire on a motorcycle 🤔 just not going to be me to save a few bucks. It just like alignment you want to stay in line

[@RidingandWrenching]

I understand. I feel the same way. My purpose for this video was to answer the question that many wonder....why are motorcycle tires so expensive compared to car tires. The huge difference in cost is what drives people to put car tires on their bikes. It's not something I would do, nor do I recommend it.

[@flyonawall6521]

Great info as always !!!! Man, what I would give to have this guy as a neighbor. lol

[@RidingandWrenching]

@@flyonawall6521 plenty of room in Tennessee!

[@chrischaney9492]

Good morning from Indiana.

[@RidingandWrenching]

@@chrischaney9492 good morning sir!

[@JustGKue]

I never thought about the amount of sales... essentially supply and demand. However im not there yet but these prices are getting out of control.

[@RidingandWrenching]

Yea bro. I'm good with my motorcycle tires. I will be switching to the Michelin Commanders for my next tire change

[@craigkemmerzell5741]

Good video What name brand tires do you like the most Iam running Metzler

[@RidingandWrenching]

@@craigkemmerzell5741 I've been using Dunlop, but I'm switching to Michelin

[@motovet365]

Good day Cue. I'm currently riding a car tire on my 2021 Honda Goldwing. I also run a M/T on my 2021 Street Glide. The car tire on the goldwing is just great. I have ridden over 10,000 miles on it with no issues. The traction straight is awesome. The traction while cornering is also as good (or better) than a M/T. I know there is a ton of nay-sayers out there. I will put out a video in the coming weeks on my channel highlighting the car tire on the back of my Goldwing. Thanks for the video. As always, good content.

[@RidingandWrenching]

Thanks! I will be on the lookout for your video! Come back and post a link when you get it done. I have never ridden a bike with a car tire. Wouldn't mind trying it one day so I will have some first hand experience.

[@AGRIV8TD1963]

That's just plain Stoopid! 😮

[@gregmannos]

This argument makes no sense to me for anything other than a trike. Car tires are not meant to be rolled on their side and still have traction. This is a bad idea. If you want to save money buy shinko tires, they are cheap and they are still motorcycle tires.

[@RidingandWrenching]

@@gregmannos I agree 100%. But I'm switching to the Michelin Commanders on my next tire change

[@altec19]

Just wish they would put more tread depth on motorcycle tires so you get more miles plain and simple !

[@RidingandWrenching]

Agreed. I wonder if there is a difference in the rubber compound between car and motorcycle tires.

[@2wheel-therapy]

I have never had any problem with my Darkside Vrod. Handles just fine!

[@RidingandWrenching]

That's what I've heard. I don't discount the experience of people who use car tires, it's just not something I plan to do

[@2wheel-therapy]

@RidingandWrenching no I get it. I like how you see the value in it even though you don't plan to do it yourself for your own reasons and that's fine. I just find it funny these people that get so worked up about what other people do.

[@AGRIV8TD1963]

Liar!

[@2wheel-therapy]

@AGRIV8TD1963 here we go another keyboard warrior! Didn't your mother teach you any manners. Like if you don't have anything nice to say then shut your pie hole! Why would I lie?

[@dennispasquale7291]

what m/c tire did you get 20-25k out of ?

[@RidingandWrenching]

@@dennispasquale7291 I never got 25k out of a tire. The most I have gotten is about 14k miles.

[@AJTStuff]

@ridingandwrenching, my previous comment was out of line. I deleted it and hope that you accept my apology.

[@RidingandWrenching]

@@AJTStuff no offense taken.

[@skbenwa]

I am not putting car tires on my motorcycle and not putting motorcycle tires on my car.

[@byronfaust891]

👍🏾

[@barrickent184]

I would ever run a car tire. Not worth the risk. I ride with a friend who does and he seems to do ok - not for me.

[@RidingandWrenching]

@@barrickent184 I know a few people who ride dark side. It's not for me either

[@4325Airborne]

How ya gona corner with a car tire on. Spent 400 on a set of Pirellis worth every penny

[@RidingandWrenching]

@@4325Airborne the people that roll dark side claim it's not an issue. My concern is low speed maneuvering. Seems like car tires would hinder that

[@4325Airborne]

​@RidingandWrenching i completely agree with that

[@AGRIV8TD1963]

Going to the Dark side is just plain Stoopid! 😮 There's a reason why we have motorcycle tires for motorcycles and car tires for cars. The bead is different on car tires than motorcycle tires. Car tires will never seat properly on a motorcycle wheel. Plus, they handle like shit on the Twisties. If you have a straight line bike, maybe!? Not to mention, car tires are heavier which accounts for more rolling mass. Again, why be STOOPID!?!? 😢

[@gopherchucksgamingnstuff2263]

Uh my Michelin road 4s cost 350 for both front and back. I think you are getting ripped off by Harley I have never spent that much on my GSXR.

[@RidingandWrenching]

How many miles do you get on the Michelins?

[@MTB1ker1]

I don't know why people are replacing their rear tires with passenger car tires. It saves $$ BUT the bike is never designed to have that tire on the bike. The engineers and designers put all their heads together with RIDERS SAFETY in mind.

[@RidingandWrenching]

@@MTB1ker1 agreed. A lot of people do it though. There are several "dark side" facebook groups where people share their experiences

[@G_Dep]

Blasphemy 😂

[@RidingandWrenching]

@@G_Dep I'm waiting to be attacked by the cult!😂

[@edschuitema1924]

Went Parkside on my vtx 1800 5 years ago I will never go back, rode needles highway and the dragon, was told by a friend that I ride to fast .... Darkside rules. P.s. I am double dark now.

[@AGRIV8TD1963]

That's just plain Stoopid!!! 😮

[@edwardsmith7409]

Nope not doing it. Buy your tires from independent and save a lot of money. Or you could do what I did. Get the tire and wheel warranty. Tire needs changed oops hit a screw. Cost 50 bucks out the door. Don’t let it get below 4/32

[@RidingandWrenching]

@@edwardsmith7409 😂😂dang it those random screws

[@gilgarza2903]

Motorcycle tires are designed with softer compounds for grip, especially in cornering. In fact, they are some super gummy tires for hard enduro dirt bikes which only last one race and cost around $200. Pay 2 play. 🫤

[@RidingandWrenching]

@@gilgarza2903 yikes!! 1 day of riding!