Topic: 1976 Honda CB550k - Rehab - Tire mount question

[hikerjay]

I recently purchased a 1976 CBG550; all original with the exception of the exhaust.  This bike will be my daily commuter.

I found this forum and it looks like a wealth of great knowledge. 

I purchased 2 new tires from Dennis Kirk and am wondering what people think is a fair price to expect to may to have each of them mounted?  This is assuming that I bring them the rim removed from the bike and the tires I have.

Thank you.

[flybox1]

for mount and balance about $30/ea (for the small wrench shops)
the nearest showroom shops have quoted me as high as $120 total (and i'd have to dispose of my old rubber) 

got new tubes too? 

[vrenlos]

I've seen prices anywhere from $30-65 per tire.  Keep in mind that most places assume you're riding the bike in and will probably quote you some labor cost for pulling and reinstalling the wheels.  Also, while there's nothing wrong with using a computer balancing machine and adding weights, the right way to balance a spoked wheel is by adjusting the spokes - I haven't seen many places around my area that will.

[flybox1]

Yes, there will be additional charges when wheels are removed at the shop for new tires. i was quoting prices if you brought y our wheels in.  sorry for not being more specific.
adjusting the spokes will true a wheel, and it will have little bearing on balance.
this is typically an additional charge from mount and balance.

[Bankerdanny]

Do it yourself. Changing a tire is a dirty, but not that difficult of a job as long as you have decent MC irons. I also recommend nylon rim protectors to avoid scratching the chrome.

[Gordon]

Also, while there's nothing wrong with using a computer balancing machine and adding weights, the right way to balance a spoked wheel is by adjusting the spokes - I haven't seen many places around my area that will.

I have to claim ignorance on this.  How does adjusting the spokes balance the wheel? 

[hikerjay]

Thanks guys.  I was quoted $40.00 per tire plus the cost of the tube.  I guess that is not too bad. 

[flybox1]

Thanks guys.  I was quoted $40.00 per tire plus the cost of the tube.  I guess that is not too bad.

sounds ok to me 
if they have a truing stand, see if they'll throw in on there for you and give it a spin. mine did for free, and i was pleasantly surprised it wasnt too far off...

[hikerjay]

Thanks FlyBox1.  I will see if they have a truing stand.  I had not thought about that.  I called the local Honda dealer and they will do the mount and balance for $30.00 plus the tube. 

[vrenlos]

Sorry guys, I don't know what I was saying before.  I was typing while on the phone, and it seems to be a bad habit.

What I meant to say was that the shops in my area looked at me like I was crazy when I asked if they would check if my set of wheels needed any true-ing.  The proper treatment would be to both true AND balance, not simply add weights for balance.

[db22]

Do it yourself. Changing a tire is a dirty, but not that difficult of a job as long as you have decent MC irons. I also recommend nylon rim protectors to avoid scratching the chrome.

I did this, and I still feel like I took my life in my (inexperienced) hands.  Changed lotsa bicycle tires in my day, but never an MC this big ('75 CB550K).  I still examine them closely before I get on the bike. . .

[hikerjay]

Thanks everyone for your help.  I am picking up the back tire mounted on the rim after work today.  I had them check the truing as long as they had it there.

I am looking forward to gettin this bike back together and hearing it run.