How much does Harley Charge to Change a Tire?
If you’re a proud owner of a Harley-Davidson motorcycle, you know that proper maintenance and care is essential to keep your bike running smoothly for years of riding enjoyment. An important part of that routine care involves the tires – inspecting tread depth regularly, maintaining proper air pressure, and replacing them when worn.
Harley dealerships provide a full range of tire services, from new sales to mounting and installation. But what is the typical cost to have the dealership change a tire for you? Let’s take a closer look at the key factors affecting Harley tire change costs below.
Costs of Harley Tires
The first step in understanding Harley tire change costs is knowing how much their tires run in the first place. Prices can vary dramatically depending on the specific model of motorcycle and tire selections. Some general tire prices for Harley models include:
Read More : How Long Does Travis Scott Merch Take to Ship?
- Touring bikes: $180 – $475 per tire
- Softail models: $135 – $275 per tire
- Sportster bikes: $100 – $200 per tire
- Trike models: $215 – $495 per tire
These prices are just for the actual tires without any additional installation charges. Other fees can include:
- Mounting fees: Approximately $25 per tire
- Balancing: Around $10 per tire
- Disposal charges: $5 to $15 per tire
So if you were buying a new set of tires for your Electra Glide Ultra Classic along with getting them mounted and balanced, you’re already up to $830 without even factoring in any labor.
Service Rates for Installation
This brings us to the actual tire change service and rates. Most Harley dealerships calculate shop rates based on a flat hourly wage charge. This can range from around $70 per hour on the very low end, up to $125 per hour at high-end dealers in major cities.
The total labor time to change a tire can vary depending on the bike, mechanic skill, and whether it’s the front or rear. Average estimates:
- Front tire change: 1.0 – 1.5 hours
- Rear tire change: 1.5 – 2.0 hours
Doing some quick math, you can expect to pay roughly $100 to $300 in total labor charges to have a dealership change your Harley tire. Certain locations or complex tire installations may exceed that range too.
Other Factors Affecting Cost
Beyond just the base costs of parts and labor, several other variables can alter how much you pay out of pocket:
- Dealership location: Urban dealers in high rent areas often charge higher hourly rates. Smaller rural dealers may offer discounts.
- Custom wheel accessories: Special painted or chrome finished wheels take more time and care to change tires on. Added fees may apply.
- Tube vs tubeless: Tube-style tires require more intensive labor, increasing costs.
- Seasonal discounts/coupons: Dealers sometimes run winter service specials or coupons on tires/installation.
Getting the Best Deal
If the dealership quote for a tire change has given you sticker shock, here are some tips to score a better deal:
- Buy tires wholesale online or from a discounter, then pay only labor fees to the dealer for mounting. Saves 10-25% easily.
- Call around to other local dealers and independent shops to compare rates.
- Change it yourself if you are mechanically handy. Only costs your own time and tools. Youtube tutorials are plentiful.
Many riders have saved hundreds annually by putting in their own “sweat equity” and learning basic tasks like tire changes. But safety comes first, so don’t attempt anything beyond your skill level.
Conclusion
Hopefully this breakdown has helped explain the typical charges you’ll face when its time to swap a worn Harley tire. While dealership rates are admittedly high, rest assured their knowledgeable technicians do excellent, reliable work that gives peace of mind to riders.
For those comfortable with a DIY approach, there are certainly opportunities to cut costs substantially. As always, consult your owner’s manual and weigh all factors when making maintenance decisions for your beloved Harley. Keep the shiny side up!
FAQs
What is the average cost of a new Harley tire?
The average price for a new Harley replacement tire is $150 to $300, varying widely based on exact bike model and tire specifications.
How much does it cost for Harley to change a front tire?
To have a Harley dealership change just a front tire, expect to pay $100 to $200 in total service charges, including parts, labor, fees, and taxes.
Is it cheaper to change Harley tires myself?
In most cases, yes – you can save more than 50% by doing the work yourself compared to dealership rates. But experience, tools, and safety considerations are critical.
Can I buy tires online and bring to Harley dealer for installation?
Definitely. Most dealers will happily mount and install tires you source independently online or locally. Helps reduce costs substantially while their techs handle the work.
Do all Harley dealerships charge the same rates?
No – there can be wide variation in hourly shop rates and tire change fees between different dealerships and geographic regions. Always compare prices.