Dealer will not mount rear/front tire.

[MDF48]

This post is not intended to bad mouth a local HD dealer, but rather to see if this is common to most dealers. I recently received my set of Chrome Tri Glide wheels from Sport Chrome. I had previously ordered a new Dunlop American Elite rear tire to mount on the new front rim. I decided to let the local dealer install the new wheel bearings, mount the tire and of course remove the entire original front tire and wheel assembly and install the new wheel. When I arrived at the dealer I talked to the service writer to make sure he understood I wanted the new tire mounted in a reverse rotation and explained it to him. I could tell he wasn't sure about that and he said he would have to check and see if they could mount it reversed. About that time the GM of the dealership walked by and heard the discussion. He was very nice and asked me several questions and indicated he had never heard about doing this. I explained it to him and offered to send him an email with several links to articles and threads about the reverse mounting of rear tires on trikes. He was very nice, listened and told me he would have to check with the owner. The same owner has 3 dealerships in this area. He told me he would call me in an hour or so.

When I got home I pulled up several saved links to articles/post about the rear/front tire mounting and sent it to him. Well, about an hour later he called and told me the owner said they could not even mount the tire on the wheel and also would not install the wheel on the trike. In other words, they wouldn't even mount the tire on the wheel and then I could install the wheel on the trike at home. Again, he was very nice about all of this. So, have any of you had this happen at a HD dealership or heard of this happening? Of course all of this is due to perceived liability even when it is strictly the owners choice and the owner provides his own tire.

 

[jc1300]

I've not had that problem at my dealer in Northern, Illinois. And I've never been to a dealership Parts Department that didn't have the Big Book sitting right there on the counter. So this dealership is not pleased you bought outside of them? I understand the reverse front tire part....kinda. I found that one or two of the techs at the Dealership took work in on the side. Ask around discreetly ~ and then stick it to the dealer. In my opinion, that's just bad business.....not like the parts they make are bullet proof!! lol

 

[tfdeputydawg]

You should consider the Avon trike specific front tire.

Anyway, just as there are posts about reverse mounting, there have been several about dealers that refuse to do so, citing liability as the reason.

Wonder what insurance companies think?????

 

[rhino 2]

This post is not intended to bad mouth a local HD dealer, but rather to see if this is common to most dealers. I recently received my set of Chrome Tri Glide wheels from Sport Chrome. I had previously ordered a new Dunlop American Elite rear tire to mount on the new front rim. I decided to let the local dealer install the new wheel bearings, mount the tire and of course remove the entire original front tire and wheel assembly and install the new wheel. When I arrived at the dealer I talked to the service writer to make sure he understood I wanted the new tire mounted in a reverse rotation and explained it to him. I could tell he wasn't sure about that and he said he would have to check and see if they could mount it reversed. About that time the GM of the dealership walked by and heard the discussion. He was very nice and asked me several questions and indicated he had never heard about doing this. I explained it to him and offered to send him an email with several links to articles and threads about the reverse mounting of rear tires on trikes. He was very nice, listened and told me he would have to check with the owner. The same owner has 3 dealerships in this area. He told me he would call me in an hour or so.

When I got home I pulled up several saved links to articles/post about the rear/front tire mounting and sent it to him. Well, about an hour later he called and told me the owner said they could not even mount the tire on the wheel and also would not install the wheel on the trike. In other words, they wouldn't even mount the tire on the wheel and then I could install the wheel on the trike at home. Again, he was very nice about all of this. So, have any of you had this happen at a HD dealership or heard of this happening? Of course all of this is due to perceived liability even when it is strictly the owners choice and the owner provides his own tire.

It doesn't matter that some dealers install them and some dealers won't ! Legally the dealer is considered an expert and the customer is a Layman you can sign a waiver but legally if something goes wrong the dealer is still responsible! If the expert thinks something is not right then the expert shouldn't do it ! Right or wrong that's the way The Law is.

 

[HDB0B]

Correct me if I am wrong.

Seriously .... just have them put new bearings in it and mount the tire. Then find someone to help you remove and rotate 180 degrees. Spacers need to be on the correct sides. Without ABS it makes no difference.

Bob orag:

 

[HarleyPap57]

I had my Dunlop American Elite Rear Tire mounted at my local dealer, bought the tire from them. Only thing was I had to sign a waiver to have them mount it backwards. Many mile later it's still got plenty of tread left.

 

[MikeyTX]

You should consider the Avon trike specific front tire.

Anyway, just as there are posts about reverse mounting, there have been several about dealers that refuse to do so, citing liability as the reason.

Wonder what insurance companies think?????

I can tell you what my State Farm agent told me: "Don't do it !" Any insurance company can deny a claim if the rider uses a tire designed specifically for rear use on the front or visa versa. Even the tire mfg. can deny any liability. A rear tire m/c is designed for that position. The tread blocks are different for a reason along with the grooves.

 

[Bikerbozo]

Actually, I consider the real issue to be that the dealer had never heard of this and didn't have an opinion before you brought it up. A lot of dealers do not seem to be aware what is going on in the world and never look up or research info online.

 

[MDF48]

Don't think so.

From HDBOB "Seriously .... just have them put new bearings in it and mount the tire. Then find someone to help you remove and rotate 180 degrees. Spacers need to be on the correct sides. Without ABS it makes no difference."

Well I stated in the post "they would not mount the tire on the rim and said they wouldn't mount the wheel if the tire was already on the wheel". I offered to sign any waiver or form they wanted, but they wouldn't do that either. I did let them install the bearings using the spacer I had provided. I can change the front tire and wheel myself once I get the tire mounted. I was just going to let them do it while they had the trike there changing the drive belt.

From MikeyTX, "I can tell you what my State Farm agent told me: "Don't do it !" Any insurance company can deny a claim if the rider uses a tire designed specifically for rear use on the front or visa versa. Even the tire mfg. can deny any liability. A rear tire m/c is designed for that position. The tread blocks are different for a reason along with the grooves."

Are you trying to tell me If I am ever in an accident with the tri glide and the front wheel/tire has nothing to do with it they are going to refuse to do anything. Now if the other party is at fault and has insurance I am sure my insurance will want them to pay, but refuse to do anything....I don't think so. Now if I have a tire failure due to this being a rear tire on the front, yes... that will be my little problem.

 

[MB1953]

I even had an indy shop that I deal with refuse to mount a rear tire on the fron in reverse rotation, citing liability claim issues as the reason. He had seen all the information, but refused, even if I would sign a waiver. I ended up going with the Avon trike tire.

 

[MDF48]

Yep, might have to do that.

I even had an indy shop that I deal with refuse to mount a rear tire on the fron in reverse rotation, citing liability claim issues as the reason. He had seen all the information, but refused, even if I would sign a waiver. I ended up going with the Avon trike tire.

Well I have info on 2 local places that I can check out Monday. One is an independent cycle shop and one is a tire shop that might do it. If not, I might have to go the Avon route. I am going to be very cautious. I don't want somebody with no experience mounting a new chrome rim with polished rotors on it. Scratches and mistakes are NOT an option. I have a local tire shop that is going to take the rear tires off the original wheels and mount them on the chrome wheels for $20.00 each. This is with me carrying the wheels to them and they don't have to fool with taking them off or putting them on the vehicle. They do a lot of chrome wheel work.

 

[MikeyTX]

From HDBOB "Seriously .... just have them put new bearings in it and mount the tire. Then find someone to help you remove and rotate 180 degrees. Spacers need to be on the correct sides. Without ABS it makes no difference."

Well I stated in the post "they would not mount the tire on the rim and said they wouldn't mount the wheel if the tire was already on the wheel". I offered to sign any waiver or form they wanted, but they wouldn't do that either. I did let them install the bearings using the spacer I had provided. I can change the front tire and wheel myself once I get the tire mounted. I was just going to let them do it while they had the trike there changing the drive belt.

From MikeyTX, "I can tell you what my State Farm agent told me: "Don't do it !" Any insurance company can deny a claim if the rider uses a tire designed specifically for rear use on the front or visa versa. Even the tire mfg. can deny any liability. A rear tire m/c is designed for that position. The tread blocks are different for a reason along with the grooves."

Are you trying to tell me If I am ever in an accident with the tri glide and the front wheel/tire has nothing to do with it they are going to refuse to do anything. Now if the other party is at fault and has insurance I am sure my insurance will want them to pay, but refuse to do anything....I don't think so. Now if I have a tire failure due to this being a rear tire on the front, yes... that will be my little problem.

If you get broadsided, there is no issue as long as you have the right of way. Otoh, if as you stated you have a tire failure or for some unknown reason wreck your trike, don't be surprised if the adjuster makes mention of the fact that you are running on the front a tire designed specifically for the rear. It's your trike to do as you please with.

 

[MDF48]

Yes, I will.

If you get broadsided, there is no issue as long as you have the right of way. Otoh, if as you stated you have a tire failure or for some unknown reason wreck your trike, don't be surprised if the adjuster makes mention of the fact that you are running on the front a tire designed specifically for the rear. It's your trike to do as you please with.

Yep, that is what I am going to do and you should do likewise.

 

[HDB0B]

I replaced the stock Dunlop front tire at 12,600 miles. I could have gone more ... but I do not like pushing tires. I now have 28,300 (15,700 tire) and the rear Michelin Commander II still looks like new. It is reverse mounted.

My "take" on the whole reverse mounted after owning / using is that on our trikes ... it really does not make a big difference since we do so much more braking with the rear tires than a 2 wheeler.

Think about the brakes on a 2 wheeler ... massive rotors up front and small on the rear.

Trikes .... massive all the way around.

I will continue to use a rear tire on the front for better mileage. I will probably put the next one on in normal rotation for the piece of mind for better water shedding in wet conditions .... even though I hardly ever ride in rainy conditions.

The same lawyer crap and liability could hold true for the fact I run 22 psi in the rear tires!

Bob orag:

 

[Mykneesbehurtin]

I cant remember on which site i have seen it,but there was a post about this,someone posted an article from one of the major tire manufacture,the reason for tire direction has nothing to do with water channeling it has to do with the way the rubber is spliced together.The last statement read,if you run a rear tire on the front you must reverse direction of the tire.

 

[Mykneesbehurtin]

Type in motorcycle tire rotation and read the post from Cyril Huze. The information comes from Avon tire Corp.

 

[Casper]

I had a letter from Michelin ( can't locate it) but they also stated to mount the rear bias ply sport touring tire in reverse rotation. Due to the splicing in the rubber and the way it's layer also because of water dispersing factors.

Wish I could find it...explained it very well.

I know this is a Harley site but check with GW trike riders, they've been doing this for years because the front tire on a GW trike wears out in about 8000 miles.

 

[MDF48]

I agree

I replaced the stock Dunlop front tire at 12,600 miles. I could have gone more ... but I do not like pushing tires. I now have 28,300 (15,700 tire) and the rear Michelin Commander II still looks like new. It is reverse mounted.

My "take" on the whole reverse mounted after owning / using is that on our trikes ... it really does not make a big difference since we do so much more braking with the rear tires than a 2 wheeler.

Think about the brakes on a 2 wheeler ... massive rotors up front and small on the rear.

Trikes .... massive all the way around.

I will continue to use a rear tire on the front for better mileage. I will probably put the next one on in normal rotation for the piece of mind for better water shedding in wet conditions .... even though I hardly ever ride in rainy conditions.

The same lawyer crap and liability could hold true for the fact I run 22 psi in the rear tires!

Bob orag:

My exact sentiments. I remember finding a post that concerned the Michelin Commander also. I have read several post about the water shedding that stated this was true more so years ago before they went to the "more or less" vertical grooving" used on most of the tires now. Like the old saying, "I have never left on a trip when it was raining....but I have rode home in several". Anyway, if I am not mistaken Kevin from DK has over 15000 on his Dunlop American Elite rear on his front tire. Now I don't think I have to tell anybody that "Kevin rides in the rain", and generally with his wife with him. I will take his word on the water channeling for this tire, especially when I don't ride that much in the rain, and when I do I drive like a man that is not yet ready to die!

Your reply about the lowered rear tire pressure is a good thought for these discussions. Basically same principal. If the manufacturer or seller discovers you running a lower pressure and something happens with the tire they will not cover it. That is probably the reason that a HD dealer (most of them) will put the recommended pressure in your tires, doesn't matter what you ask for.

 

[DK Custom Products]

Regarding HD Dealerships and tire mounting.

Some will do it, some will not.

We even have a local Dealership that will not mount a Factory tire IF you did Not buy it from them.

It is their business, and these are their choices.

We don't have tire mounting equipment at our shop. When I put a rear American Elite on the front wheel of my trike, I pulled the wheel, carried it, the tire, and some Dynabeads to a local tire shop. They mounted it for me.

Oh, that brought up another thought. There are some HD Dealerships that will not even put Dynabeads in a tire. Again, that is their choice, it is their business. As long as they do the warranty work they are obligated to do as a Dealership, I'm good.

Kevin

 

[Downtown Cowtown]

local yokels an hd i think, wont mount a tire thats too old, 7yrs i think, im paying cash and not asking for a receipt, oh no local says, ya need to buy a tire from me, hahaha, yeah i sure do, took it to another local, mounted balanced an out in 30 minutes.

Same crybaby stuff for putting a plug in a new tire with 1200 miles, i jus spend my money elsewhere.

Eyeryone thinks they're a lawyer.

 

[GARYD]

My dealer will mount it backwards.

I have seen that memo from either Michelin or Avon that mounting the rear tire on the front in reverse direction was OK.

 

[Gideon]

My dealer will mount it backwards.

I have seen that memo from either Michelin or Avon that mounting the rear tire on the front in reverse direction was OK.

This what Avon has stated.

NOTE* If you are using a tire that has a directional arrow for rear rotation only and for some reason you want to put it on the front, make sure it is rotating in the opposite direction so you don’t aggravate the tread splice. Avon Tyres.

 

[GARYD]

I finally found it.

 

[Lee H. Mann]

Sure don't want to get into a p*****g contest here

local yokels an hd i think, wont mount a tire thats too old, 7yrs i think, im paying cash and not asking for a receipt, oh no local says, ya need to buy a tire from me, hahaha, yeah i sure do, took it to another local, mounted balanced an out in 30 minutes.

Same crybaby stuff for putting a plug in a new tire with 1200 miles, i jus spend my money elsewhere.

Eyeryone thinks they're a lawyer.

Everyone thinks they're a lawyer .......

As much as we are unwilling to admit, the divide between business (management) and customers (labor) is still very apparent in the motorcycle aftermarket industry.

Now I am looking at this from both sides. The motorcycle shop owner has a brick and mortar business and is usually totally invested in his (her) business. In most of the country, motorcycling is a seasonal recreational activity and in some parts the season is only several months. That is getting even harder to square with yearly expenses required for a shop to stay open even when the customers are snow-bound or in Florida for the winter visiting other bike shops there. Adding more fuel to the fire, the local motorcycle shop usually stocking pre-paid popular parts at the time and don’t move anymore. Further he is unwilling to speculate on newer parts that will just sit on the shelf taking up room and not rediscovered until 10 years later. The independent motorcycle shop becomes fed-up with the internet and impatient with the CHEAP SKATES that buy from it. Is the customer always right ?

Maybe the real question should be.. Is the customer always fair ?

Customer loyalty is a two-way street and the customer is the first to complain about the ever decreasing choices of motorcycle shops to patronize with their INTERNET bargains. Mom & Pop shop overhead costs including Insurance are not borne by Internet sellers who usually have a postal shipping account, paypal account, computer, credit card account, calculator, telephone, desk and chair.

I, for one, think motorcycle parts are way over-priced. And the reason they are over-priced is “they can be” ! Some OEM parts are priced at 400% over the cost of the part. Manufacturers and distributors have a thing called MAP Policies that place restrictions on the resale of parts by various retailers to include the minimum prices that they sell for. If you sell their parts you agree with their Map Policy. The manufacturers penalty for a violation of this agreement can be not allowing the retailer to sell the manufacturers parts and the distributor removing the dealer from the dealer network. The distributors and manufacturers monitor internet sales also. I know this because I have been warned on several occasions.

The customer wants a good deal and does not want to be taken advantage of but he will be the first to take advantage of the local motorcycle shop bringing in parts purchased elsewhere. So, who is taking advantage of who ? I am sure the customer wants the retail shop to do what he wants and in some cases the customer is understanding. In the majority of cases the customer proceeds to start a verbal tirade as to how narrow minded the retailer is and how he will never darken his door again. And the internet savy customer has not thoroughly vetted his displeasure, they will then use Facebook and other social media to vent with like-minded digital junkies.

And, you wonder what drove your neighborhood Cycle Shop out of business ? Look in the mirror !!

 

[rhino 2]

Everyone thinks they're a lawyer .......

As much as we are unwilling to admit, the divide between business (management) and customers (labor) is still very apparent in the motorcycle aftermarket industry.

Now I am looking at this from both sides. The motorcycle shop owner has a brick and mortar business and is usually totally invested in his (her) business. In most of the country, motorcycling is a seasonal recreational activity and in some parts the season is only several months. That is getting even harder to square with yearly expenses required for a shop to stay open even when the customers are snow-bound or in Florida for the winter visiting other bike shops there. Adding more fuel to the fire, the local motorcycle shop usually stocking pre-paid popular parts at the time and don’t move anymore. Further he is unwilling to speculate on newer parts that will just sit on the shelf taking up room and not rediscovered until 10 years later. The independent motorcycle shop becomes fed-up with the internet and impatient with the CHEAP SKATES that buy from it. Is the customer always right ?

Maybe the real question should be.. Is the customer always fair ?

Customer loyalty is a two-way street and the customer is the first to complain about the ever decreasing choices of motorcycle shops to patronize with their INTERNET bargains. Mom & Pop shop overhead costs including Insurance are not borne by Internet sellers who usually have a postal shipping account, paypal account, computer, credit card account, calculator, telephone, desk and chair.

I, for one, think motorcycle parts are way over-priced. And the reason they are over-priced is “they can be” ! Some OEM parts are priced at 400% over the cost of the part. Manufacturers and distributors have a thing called MAP Policies that place restrictions on the resale of parts by various retailers to include the minimum prices that they sell for. If you sell their parts you agree with their Map Policy. The manufacturers penalty for a violation of this agreement can be not allowing the retailer to sell the manufacturers parts and the distributor removing the dealer from the dealer network. The distributors and manufacturers monitor internet sales also. I know this because I have been warned on several occasions.

The customer wants a good deal and does not want to be taken advantage of but he will be the first to take advantage of the local motorcycle shop bringing in parts purchased elsewhere. So, who is taking advantage of who ? I am sure the customer wants the retail shop to do what he wants and in some cases the customer is understanding. In the majority of cases the customer proceeds to start a verbal tirade as to how narrow minded the retailer is and how he will never darken his door again. And the internet savy customer has not thoroughly vetted his displeasure, they will then use Facebook and other social media to vent with like-minded digital junkies.

And, you wonder what drove your neighborhood Cycle Shop out of business ? Look in the mirror !!

I agree........ThumbUp

 

[Downtown Cowtown]

What drives them outta buisinesse is greed, sometimes.

Other times, not doing what needs to be done, change the tire, suck it up buttercup an move on, im not buying your tire, i already had one in waiting and not a ebay thang.

I would really rather go to a shop than ebay, i like hands on and compare it to whats broke and what i need, cant do that on ebay. So i spend my money an take my chances, having said that i have trike only tires bought at ebay., locals no carry, they don't want to mount, ??? fair enuff, ill find someone who does, and i have an will.

As for me i have a stock of stuff of all descriptions that Ive had for years, an or bought at swap meets, and some ebay, an some dealer stuff. Truth is, most of ebay stuff is for my shovel, cause thats come an gone, an that is the place for parts.

As for tires, in my worst moment i could mount them, thats cause 3 different Spanish speaking folks on different occasions, who are not citizens decided to drive like they were at NASCAR on a Sunday afternoon. After smiling an saying no prob, they went their merry way, as i struggle to walk or get outta bed.

Tires come an go, parts come and go, bikes come an go, and ill come an go, no pun. Bike shops come an go, various reasons, smart ones don't miss a buck, i pay cash an move on, and they go about their merry business, knowing, they did their best, and im happy, shops don't go outta business over a tire change, more involved than that, lack of business experience, lack of cash reserves, an non an on.

I use what i have, if i thinks its worthy. Personal choice, getting rarer all the time in this pc climate.

 

[Thomas L]

re

Buy an Avon tire -- forget all the rest.

 

[Jack Klarich]

I aint going to touch this one

This is to me like asking about oil

Everyone has an opinion and a right to say it

Good bad or indifferent, your ride YOU decide JMHO

 

[Dirtydan]

But a pack of 16" zip ties and mount your tire. Just google installing a motorcycle tire with zip ties. It's easy. The dot on the tire goes by the valve stem. If you want to balance it then install some dyna beads. 2 oz's I believe. Order a bearing removal and installation tool kit and do your bearings. Problem solved

 

[Downtown Cowtown]

Buy an Avon tire -- forget all the rest.

Ive bought two so far, one white wall, in use and one black wall use in sight. Not unhappy yet. I don't mount my own, not when i can get it done for fifteen dollars and a balance. I do have a custom made bead breaker, 40yrs old, works well, but i don't, not any more. I have tires on one of my trikes that are at least 35 40yrs old, the rear ones, an my Gawd, they still hold air, have tread, and work, an i jus found two new ones in the attic, that id forgotten about, didn't bother reading the date, cause i don't care, not yet anywho.

Bias plys last forever, radials about 3yrs. Think not ??? check out the tire pile at the tire store, see where the radials come apart, specially if exposed to the sun.