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I'm with Cookie on this. It's not so much about saving money because you don't save all that much, in the short run. It's more about knowing it was done right and no surprises on the next ride.
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`09 XL1200N Nightster
If you can't fix it with a hammer, you've got an electrical problem.
I always change my own tires. First you save a huge amount over the dealer price. Example the dealer wanted $550 for a set,two hours labor at $60 and about $40 for sales tax. I ordered off the internet the same set for $325 shipped free and no sales tax. It took me less than two hours to mount. Since then I have added the HF tire changer with MC wheel attachment. When I go on a tour, I take a set of tire irons with.
It is not a challenging job at all, just a little labor.
I will change my tires with the saving of one tire change will buy all the tools for tire brake and spoons from Harbor Freight Tools. Balance tire tool and weights for the cost of your next changed tire.
one little tip. There is a dot on the tires. Mount the tire so the dot is even with the valve stem hole on the rim... The dot represents the lightest point on the tire. Valve stem is heavy the tire will almost be balanced if not balanced.
Hell yes it's cost effective, and psychologically effective too. Two tire irons, a couple of 6" C-clamps to break the beads and you're good to go. Most tires don't need balancing, but you can catch the rare one that does by putting the axle through the wheel and spinning it on a couple of kitchen chairs.
For your trouble you get to mail order tires at great savings, the satisfaction of knowing that you will never again have to go hat in hand to ask someone to mount a tire you didn't buy from him, and the knowledge that if you have a flat you can repair it yourself.
