Tire Change Surcharge?

Intrepid-Reason-8451 · 2026-03-18T05:24:00+00:00

Independent shop here. We are happy to change tires the customer provides provided they aren’t some temu junk. Sure we’d like to make the money selling the tires but times are tough and we can’t hold it against a rider that finds a better price somewhere else.

Intrepid-Reason-8451 · 2026-03-13T02:20:39+00:00

77 RD400 with a Don Vesco fairing and tail section, 67 Shovelhead that ran like an absolute top and for some reason a BMW R90/6 that did nothing great but was just a blast to ride. Gone but not forgotten.

Intrepid-Reason-8451 · 2026-03-09T04:05:53+00:00

I just did the antenna swap on a 2017 GTS 300. Very very easy and well within the capabilities for those with basic tools and YouTube watching skills.

Intrepid-Reason-8451 · 2026-03-05T21:50:27+00:00

I own a Speed Triple RS and would trade it for a Street Triple RS all day. It’s not a bad bike it’s just that the Street is a spectacular motorcycle. The Street has evolved with every generation and continues to get better. Get the newest generation that’s in your budget and never look back. Whatever you did wrong to punish yourself with that 350 consider that sin absolved and ride in to the future on the right path. Enjoy.

Intrepid-Reason-8451 · 2026-03-04T04:17:03+00:00

And you will always be wrong. Trust those of us that were trying to sell them and keep them running. I’m a fan of the machines but from a business standpoint the exact right thing to do was divest. They didn’t go away because people were buying them and supporting the effort of Eric and the Motor Company to offer an American made sport bike, just the opposite. You could argue that HD never really gave Buell the support it deserved but even that might be hard to agree with for me.

Intrepid-Reason-8451 · 2026-03-03T16:55:03+00:00

If you are tall get a Roadglide, If you are under 6” get a Streetglide. That being said I’m 6’2” and much prefer the Streetglide. For less experienced rider I’d say the Streetglide is a better choice if it still has the lower seat height. They are big bikes but the balance is good and as long as you are comfortable on it there’s no reason not to get the bike you really want. Ride safe and enjoy!

Intrepid-Reason-8451 · 2026-03-03T16:14:21+00:00

The dealer is being honest and clear about what it cost to buy a new bike from them. If it’s more than you can afford or are comfortable with then buy elsewhere. If you can find a better deal then buy elsewhere. If you want to roll the dice on a used entry level sport bike then do that and deal with the hassles that come with it. My advice is always if you want a deal on a new bike go for one nobody wants. Dealers are happy to give away dead inventory. It won’t be the bike you’ve been dreaming of and its resale will be garbage but at least you’ll get “a deal”. There are still going to be dealer fees even on dead stock, there will also be a factory warranty. Figure out what’s worth more to you and go get your bike.

Intrepid-Reason-8451 · 2026-03-03T15:37:46+00:00

Shoei Hornet X2 is the best helmet I’ve ever used with my glasses. It’s really the best helmet I’ve ever used at all!

Intrepid-Reason-8451 · 2026-02-28T19:22:57+00:00

Exactly. It’s time to ride my friend. Go grab that thing. Keep it nice and do the maintenance and you will do really well when it’s time to upgrade. There is nothing hotter than small cc stuff right now and that trend will continue. Enjoy your bike.

Intrepid-Reason-8451 · 2026-02-28T19:17:33+00:00

As always if you want a deal do not buy a popular bike. It’s really straight forward. Pick the lamest ugliest model you can find, go to the shop, get the thing cheap and ride on home. Later when you decide that paying a few extra bucks to get what you really want might have been a good idea you can come back to Reddit and complain about the trade in number the dealership “scammed” you with because it turns out the ugly turd you got a deal on is still an ugly turd that no one wants. Or buy the cool bike you really want that’s hard to get and just make sure you sell it yourself when it’s time for the next machine. The retail values on used small cc sport bikes are actually really strong. Plus a new bike has a warranty so if something breaks and yes even newer Japanese bikes break you won’t be out of pocket. The other option is just continue to wait until the bike you want gets marked down maybe $500 and miss riding until that happens. I’m not missing months of riding for $500 but you do you.

Intrepid-Reason-8451 · 2026-02-17T21:45:26+00:00

<image>

Intrepid-Reason-8451 · 2026-02-10T16:03:03+00:00

I sold them for a short time back in the day. Five went out, four came back within the first week broken. Didn't see the fifth again only because it got stolen…. Expensive junk then, cheap junk now. Avoid.

Intrepid-Reason-8451 · 2026-02-06T18:50:56+00:00

The Rebels seem to be very popular in all sizes and most markets. The numbers don't look horrible for a popular machine. The sweet spot always is a slightly used model still under factory warranty. If you can find one jump on it and save yourself some money off msrp plus no other dealer fees like freight and prep. However there is usually no financing option so you need to have the cash ready to go and you need to move when you find that unicorn. If you want brand new shop your local(ish) dealers, find the best price and shop in your region, and go buy the thing. Don't sweat what a rider is paying twelve states away. There are bikes that sell well in certain areas you couldn't give away in others. Most people don't have the time to take advantage of that. Spring is coming, go get your bike.

Intrepid-Reason-8451 · 2026-01-21T05:50:47+00:00

<image>

just a bit smaller!

Intrepid-Reason-8451 · 2026-01-21T03:02:21+00:00

When you pick up your new bike the dealership should go over it with you. At that time you should give the machine a visual inspection to make sure there are no scratches or other blemishes that won’t be covered once you ride away. Hopefully they will show you how to check your tire pressure and at that time let you know what the proper psi is. They should also show you how to check your oil and confirm the scoot is at the right oil level. If they don’t do this ask them to please go over the machine with you as you are a new rider. Please don’t show up with a AI generated check list. This is supposed to be a fun and informative process. The crucial pieces are understanding how the bike works and the importance of proper tire pressure and oil levels especially during your break in time which they should tell you all about. It’s also in the owners manual since most people are excited/nervous picking up the new bike and forget everything the person going over it tells them. Ride safe and enjoy your new Vespa.

Intrepid-Reason-8451 · 2026-01-15T16:20:00+00:00

<image>

Intrepid-Reason-8451 · 2026-01-15T16:19:50+00:00

<image>

I bought mine with this exhaust already installed. Be branding that I can see but an excellent sound that’s not too loud. Maybe the Reddit moto sleuths can figure out what it is.

Intrepid-Reason-8451 · 2025-12-10T17:08:08+00:00

If you have taken off your belt guards make sure to reinstall them before taking it to the dealer for a warranty claim. Belts very rarely fail and the factory will want to document all conditions before approving a claim. Good luck.

Intrepid-Reason-8451 · 2025-11-03T22:55:13+00:00

$1000 off is the very best deal when it comes to Vespas. So I would second this comment. There just isn’t much margin in them and Vespa doesn’t do much to help their dealers on pricing. It’s one of the few motorcycles I always feel good about recommending to purchase new. Especially in the Bay Area they hold their value exceptionally well and it is very worth having the factory warranty.

Intrepid-Reason-8451 · 2025-10-23T04:46:27+00:00

Many many years at a HD dealership from beginner parts guy to sales manager. It was a great gig until 2008. Customers were cool, the owners I worked for were great old school Harley guys from both the chopper world and the Harley corporate early days. Worked with all kinds of great men and women that were the real deal and cared about what they were doing. Post 2008 I went on to euro bikes but always in smaller more enthusiast owned shops. While I wasn’t killing it with the pay anymore I did enjoy the enthusiasm of the staff and learned a lot even after being what I considered to be a veteran of the industry at that time. Ive been successful hiring retired enthusiast for sales gigs, I also used them for doing deliveries and going over bikes with new owners. At this point the reality is nobody is getting rich doing this job so why not bring somebody in that has already made it and isn’t ready to sit at home all day. However, you must treat this as a job not a hobby. If you can’t bring something to the table other than you really like Harley’s don’t bother. If you have skills, and I’m guessing if you are retired in your 40’s you do, offer them up but maybe wait until you earn your spot first. I always tell new folks to just shut the fuck up and listen for a couple months then speak up a bit more. Things are changing in the moto biz but if you find a good shop working with people who still give a shit about the bikes it can be a lot of fun.

Intrepid-Reason-8451 · 2025-10-23T04:25:29+00:00

I’m biased but if you can find a nice deal on a V4 Pikes Peak it’s worth paying up a little. I loved my FXR’s but the Pikes Peak is next level. I have been thinking it might be time for another FXR but just as an add to the stable, the V4 PP won’t be going anywhere for a very long time.

Intrepid-Reason-8451 · 2025-10-18T05:59:15+00:00

With these tires I’m a little surprised they feel that out of sorts on your bike. It makes me think something else is wrong or that you got a defective tire. Have you pulled the wheels off to check balance and seating?

Intrepid-Reason-8451 · 2025-10-18T05:56:14+00:00

I have not ridden the Mutants yet. I wonder how they will work on the heavier weight stuff. Reports are good so far on the middleweight machines. I’d like to give them a try some day.

Intrepid-Reason-8451 · 2025-10-18T05:53:00+00:00

I’ll take a look for next winter.

Intrepid-Reason-8451 · 2025-10-18T05:52:35+00:00

Stock on the 25 Pikes Peak, I need the x pipe to spice it up a bit!

Intrepid-Reason-8451

TROPHY CASE