Dealer won't install tires?

[Defekticon]

Stuck in a weird situation. Was trying to work with a local Motorsports shop (who is also a Yamaha dealer) to get a set of tires for my S10 while I'm out in Wyoming for a week. I leave Sunday for Utah. They only had Anakee 3's. I wanted Mitas E07 dakars, and I was limited on time. Revzilla was able to get them to me and now the shop wants nothing to do with installing them. They cite insurance reasons. I'm guessing they're just pissed I didn't buy what they had on the shelf (or they need to find a new damn insurer as this is the FIRST I've ever heard of this problem). I'm going to try to find another shop, but it's Wyoming and not much to choose from between a custom v-twin shop and an ATV shop.

If the shop could have gotten me the tires I was looking for I would've done local business before mail order. But it wasn't even a matter of price, it was a matter of time for me.

Pretty frustrated as I know a lot of people come through on long adv trips. I've seen several super tenere's out here in Cody, WY. I also (over)paid extra for a YES warranty so the LEAST they could do is allow me to pay them to install a set of tires on my bike.

Disclaimer: This isn't a tire debate thread, but rather a Dealer policy conversation.

 

[Sierra1]

Here is the number to Yamaha USA customer relations: (800) 962-7926. When we were having issues with our BMW dealership, I contacted Frank Stevens. He was/is their USA representative. It helped. These kind of dealers are not good for anybody. Good luck.

 

[RCinNC]

You could try posting in the Regional forum and see if any of the members near where you're at is an experienced tire changer, or knows of a shop that will change a tire even if you didn't buy it there.

 

[Defekticon]

Tried reaching out on the advrider regional forum to see if anyone had any recommendations. Not much luck.

 

[Don in Lodi]

Grab the first Wyoming plated rider walking into a café and ask them where they go.
Call that 800 number. That's not right.

 

[tomatocity]

I have been to that Yamaha Dealership.

Which way are you going when you leave Cody? Lander Marine & Kawasaki is in Lander WY. Good guys and are very hands on. https://goo.gl/maps/y2vWSxABFiT2

Whatever you do call ahead and see if they can meet your needs.

 

[eemsreno]

A lot of shops don't install mail order tires, nothing new about that. I would think that Yamaha couldn't care less if a shop won't help you there.
I'm sure if you ask around that someone locally can help you out.

 

[Checkswrecks]

A lot of shops don't install mail order tires, nothing new about that. I would think that Yamaha couldn't care less if a shop won't help you there.
I'm sure if you ask around that someone locally can help you out.

+1
It's fairly common for a shop to charge more to mount mail-order tires, but some also just refuse. This being a shop decision, there's nothing Yamaha will be able to do about them.

On the upside and since there is nothing Yamaha-specific to mounting tires, anybody who deals with motorcycle tires can help you. In that part of the country, start by asking who does quad/ATV tires because those shops will be more common.

 

[trikepilot]

Spoons, 5 gallon bucket, elbow grease... and don't forget the beer!!!

 

[RCinNC]

Worst case scenario, can you change it yourself? I change my own tires with spoons and a couple other tools that would easily fit on a bike.

Don't rule out Harley dealerships. It's worth a call to them to see if they'd be willing to help out. If you tell them you're a stranded motorcyclist, one of them might be willing to do it, especially if you took the wheel off yourself and brought it to them so they don't have to mess with that. Some Harley shops do take in Japanese bikes in trade, so they do have at least a passing familiarity with them.

Don't rule out the ATV shops, either. It's just a tire change, not something specific to your particular motorcycle. Their mechanics very likely have worked on something besides ATVs.

I'm not surprised by a shop refusing to change a tire you bought somewhere else. That isn't uncommon at all.

 

[Defekticon]

There is a custom motorcycle shop in town. They're my best bet. Tires get in today I'm putting in a call as soon as they're open.

I left my tire spoons and beadbuddy on my KTM. At home ::010:: Seriously wasn't expecting to change tires on this trip. I have a plug kit for any punctures. Also a bit concerned I'd damage the rims using spoons on a Mitas E-07 Dakar.

 

[blitz11]

I am in Bozeman, which is pretty far (but a REALLY nice rice) from Cody. I'd be happy to do it for you - the sidewall cracks (as far as i could see) on your tires didn't look too bad, so you could make it up here. I'll even throw in the air and balance your wheels for one low price - FREE! Happy to help a brother out.

The H-D dealer idea above is a great one. Just pull the wheels off in the parking lot (it's easy), and have them do the tire change. I am pretty sure that not many people put Mitas tires on their Harleys, so they won't be pissy about from where you bought the tires.

 

[scott123007]

It's water under the bridge now, but just an FYI for future reference. Every Cycle Gear location that I'm aware of will change a motorcycle tire that is off the bike. They also carry, or can get, the Mitas tires for the same price as Revzilla because they are linked with each other.

 

[Sierra1]

I get a dealer charging more to install tires you bought somewhere else. But to flat refuse to provide a common service?! ??? And y'all say this is common?! ??? So much for bikers helping bikers. Assuming that the dealer employees actually ride bikes.

 

[Defekticon]

I am in Bozeman, which is pretty far (but a REALLY nice rice) from Cody. I'd be happy to do it for you - the sidewall cracks (as far as i could see) on your tires didn't look too bad, so you could make it up here. I'll even throw in the air and balance your wheels for one low price - FREE! Happy to help a brother out.

The H-D dealer idea above is a great one. Just pull the wheels off in the parking lot (it's easy), and have them do the tire change. I am pretty sure that not many people put Mitas tires on their Harleys, so they won't be pissy about from where you bought the tires.

That is an incredibly generous offer, Thank you for the offer! Unfortunately UPS gave me the dreaded re-scheduled delivery date for my new tires to Friday. Meaning I probably won't get to change my tires in this area before I have to scoot on to Utah. Somewhat disappointed as I really wanted to take a ride out through Yellowstone, and it's going to be HOT in Utah I'm sure.

This ordeal has inspired me to grab a second set of spoons, and an axle tool to keep in my tool kit.

 

[blitz11]

My job is slow right now, so i work 3, 10-hour days. I have a new bead breaker for my Mike's Racing Products Tire Changing stand, and it would have been good to test it out.

I hope that your trip turns out well, and that you are able to have the tires changed per your wishes. I still like the H-D dealer idea for tire changing. That was brilliant.

Have a nice ride, and good luck.

p.s. Yes, Cody to Bozeman taking Chief Joseph Highway is nice. My daughter and I are doing Beartooth and Chief Joseph twice this summer to meet friends in Colorado to ride for a week. You would have had a nice ride up here.

 

[tomatocity]

That is an incredibly generous offer, Thank you for the offer! Unfortunately UPS gave me the dreaded re-scheduled delivery date for my new tires to Friday. Meaning I probably won't get to change my tires in this area before I have to scoot on to Utah. Somewhat disappointed as I really wanted to take a ride out through Yellowstone, and it's going to be HOT in Utah I'm sure.

This ordeal has inspired me to grab a second set of spoons, and an axle tool to keep in my tool kit.

You going to pass this https://goo.gl/maps/bdr9hDcq9bM2 rdie up ;^)

 

[Defekticon]

blitz

Can you do it Saturday morning? I felt kinda guilty about asking you to do it on a weekend when the tires won't be in from UPS until Friday. I would absolutely LOVE that ride through yellowstone Saturday morning.

 

[blitz11]

Sure, we can do it.

I am staining my shop (outside) this weekend, so I am around. This will be a welcome break.


What I can do is have the stand, tire lube, and tools ready to go. We can put your bike on the lift, pull tires, swap tires. While I change tires, i can set you up with my wheel balance rig, and you can balance wheels.

Send me a PM and i can send you my address. This will be my first attempt with the MPR bead breaker. if it doesn't work, i'll use my other (not as slick) one. We'll "git 'er done."

Cool.

 

[blitz11]

Saturday "morning" might be a stretch from Cody through the park. Traffic can become pretty heavy. I am around all day, so anytime works. I can also take care of tire recycling so you have one less thing to worry about.