Advice needed on changing tyres / dealers

[daesimps]

I have had my new (to me) bike for 3 weeks now. I think it is time to change the tyres though.

It looks like the previous owner (I bought from a dealer) has put tyres on that he has bought from a mate after a track day. There isn't much more legal tread left and the edges have really taken some stick.

I called to Colin Appleyard's in Leeds (it's on the way home from work) and the person in their showed me that in the book it needs 120/65/17 and 180/55/17. The ones that are on it are 120/70/17 and 190/xx/17 (can't remember the xx bit). The person said that I am best putting on the 70s at the front, and putting the (proper) 180s on at the back. They recommended Conti Road Attacks. It is an 01 ZX6R Ninja.

Can anyone tell me if this sounds correct. I want a tyre that I can use through the winter, but that won't be useless in the dry either. Something that I can get a fair few miles out of would be an advantage too. The tyres that are on it are a bit "agressive" with the lean for me, being such a new rider. The bike seems to want to be upright or right over, and nowhere in between. I know I need to grow a pair and lean more, but I would like to do it in my own time instead of been forced to by the tyres that are on the bike!

The priced them at £65 and £76 respectively, with £50 labour for fitting. Can anyone tell me if this sounds about right?

Also, is this a good place to go in Leeds or are there others with better service/prices etc.


Sorry for all the noobie questions, but I want to get my bike sorted before the weather changes. I don't want to only ride in summer given that I only got my license mid August. It's a bit soon to be putting her away for 6 months!


Thanks
Dae
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If it ain't broke, fix it till it is!

[Charlie]

the cheapest way would be to remove the wheels and just take the wheels to a tyre place. If you go to a place like National tyres then you probably wont have to pay for Labour.

However if your not sure about removing the wheels it might worth letting the dealer do it.

[Itchy]

Contis are very good they are cheeky in that there is no middle tread so you can run the middle much longer Contis I can get 180 for erm £135 for a pair + £20 fitting ride in ride out, £50 is a tad steep, my tyre man for £40 comes round me house to change tyres , or changes them in the car park at work, I go through a lot of tyres.
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[Polarbear]

Appleyards are a reputable dealer (they are Goldwing specialists so I know them) but they aren't cheap.

As far as tyre size goes, I would go with manufactures recommended sizes as they have spent lots of money on R & D and liasing with tyre manufacturers.

As for make, I'm sure that there are many people here who will point you in the right direction
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[daesimps]

Thanks for the help

I am not comfortable removing the wheels myself. I've only been into bikes for 1 month - bit too soon to do it myself.

I just need to find someone cheaper in my area. Appleyard's charge 1 hour labour minimum at £50 per hour.
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If it ain't broke, fix it till it is!

[iooi]

https://www.bctmotorcycles.co.uk/index.jsp

Or call em on 01274532777 for a price.

Used to be BFM at Shipley. Can recomemend them for good service, think they charge £15 a wheel if its fitted to bike, or £5 if its a loose one.
Well worth a trip over to see.
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Just because my bike was A DIVVY, does not mean i am......

[chris-red]

£40 is steep for fitting, I payed £12 ride in ride out to get my rear done.

My last set of tires where £177 ride in ride out (BT014) for the pair.
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[daesimps]

Do you guys who are finding cheap fitting prices use a tyre chain, or local well known and helpful backstreet garages?
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If it ain't broke, fix it till it is!

[iooi]

Have used BCT 3 times now for buying & fitting tyres. Always been more than happy with the service.
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Just because my bike was A DIVVY, does not mean i am......

[Ste]

[daesimps]

[iooi]

If you use £11 of juice to get to shipley you got one thirsty bike..

Used to be better as they had a cafe underneath, so you could have a drink and a bacon buttie while it was done, but cafe owners did a runner, not been since then. Must be due a trip over.
Could try startrites near Crown Point. Another good service place, but not sure on their prices.

£11 get me about 200 miles.
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Just because my bike was A DIVVY, does not mean i am......

[daesimps]