I was at a autobahn North on July 16th and Monte was selling a set of pilot powers 120 and 190 for $235. I was told that mounting was free. At that time my tires were still decent so I figured I'd get them at the next trackday. Fast forward to putnam last week I ended up paying like $285 from Rob/lithium motorsports. $255 for the tires and $30 to mount. When I brought up that monte was selling them at autobahn for $235 he basically called me a liar. What gives and how can I figure out what the price will be next time? I can get them online for $225 shipped and have a guy that mounts them for free. I don't mean to be trivial but to me that $60 is money saved for the next trackday.
I just ordered a set from the STT store and it was $270 delivered (tax included in that). It'll cost me $50 to get them mounted. Where did you see them for $225 shipped? I checked a few different sites and they were all coming in at $275-295.
My $225 price is what I believe to be below cost and the only reason I get that price is the store screwed me with shipping times in the past. I'd rather not give them name up as I don't want them to get busted for selling them to me that cheap. There are plenty of places that sell them in the $240 range. As a matter of fact on lithium motorsports website they sell them for $230. So why $255 trackside, is that a added convience fee?
Also Rob- when I talked to you, you said you could lap me in 3 laps... care to make that wager for a set of tires? :shock:
When you buy tires from a vendor (especially at the track), mounting and balancing should be free, every time. That's poor service otherwise.
Down here in the South, my twins that change tires would get fired if they mounted and balanced them for free! How much do you really think we make on tires at our prices? We charge $15.00 to mount and balance our tires while you wait. Been to a bike shop lately to see what they charge and see how quick they can get to it? The twins get $10.00 of that. This means we "make" $5.00! How far do you think that goes to buy the $2000.00 machine, the tire lube, the weights, the duct tape and for myself to keep the machine working properly, change the oil in the air compresser, put a new belt on it from time to time etc. We will NEVER mount tires for free in the STT Southern division period. Rant over. Mark
I've always paid $15 for mounting and balancing at STT events at Grattan and Gingerman. That is reasonable IMO, considering you'll pay twice that at most dealerships or shops.
My bad. I guess I'm just use to my tire vendor mounting my tires for free at every race I'm at. I should have mentioned in the first post, these are race weekends, not STT days. Although I guess I've grown accustomed to receiving a certain level of support when I purchase tires from a vendor. Cheers.
I have been involved with sportbikes for over 10 years now .I dont know anyone who does them for free .
In my years racing, I've paid for tire mounting maybe once or twice. It's always included. Again, these are race weekends.
Nothing is free I have bought all of my tires in the last three years from Monte at track day events. This is the cheapest price you will get anywhere and as for shipping, well I figure if there is room in my trailer for bikes I can ship my own tires for free from track to home. As for "free" installation I personaly mount and balance all my motorcycle tires (5 bikes - 2 track bikes) and would just as soon not pay more for tires that other guys expect to be mounted for free. That's how I can buy Pilot Powers for $234 - (actual price was $209 with STT coupon) no shipping and no installation charge. Perhaps you would like to join our little "tire changing machine owners" club and do you own free tire changes. BTW - there is a membership fee! Let me know. John
Re: Nothing is free So John, when my tires come in can I come to your place and have you mount and balance them??? I'd rather pay you $30 than the dealer $50. Chris
I'll do them for free. I have a tire changer and balancer at my father in law's. We all went in and bought it from a dealer. Let me rephrase that, have your wife come with you in a bikini and it's free..... Got to have something to look at while I'm changing tires..... :lol:
Thought it may have been me cause both track days I've done at Grattan my wife was there in her bikini.
Let's get a bit back on track. I'd love to here from Monte on this as I am almost 99% positive the set was $235 at autobahn. Why $255 at putnam? As for whoever said that is the best price you will find, like I said before I regulary get these tires for $225 shipped.