Urgently need to replace tyres (Bristol area)

[Cotswoldshire]

As usual I've been too busy to properly plan the replacing of my GS tyres ('09 model). Does anyone have any advice on where to get the best deal in or near Bristol? I can see eBay list good value sets but again I doubt I'd get them in time to have them fitted.

I need to be back on the road Monday (possibly Tuesday at the latest). I've never had to change them so far (managed 9250 miles on these and got the bike in September last year from BVM Moto in Stroud) so any advice on getting them off would also be appreciated. Looks like I need a 'special' (read BMW) tool to remove the front, or can I manage without? I'll obviously need to put her on the centre stand and brace the front. I'm also assuming that I remove the front first, brace, then remove the rear?

So, to summarise, I would really like your help oh-wise-ones in finding a garage to fit/supply+fit new rubber. If you want to suggest rubber too, that'd be fine with me too... at the moment I'm looking at the new Dunlop (good in the wet) or more Conti's again but am open to suggestions (of the tyre kind!).

 

[Mucky Helmet]

Last three sets, I've used Protyre in Lawrence Hill. They seem OK on price, decent service and run an appointment system for ride on/ride out. No idea what they do for wheels only.

 

[Cotswoldshire]

Last three sets, I've used Protyre in Lawrence Hill. They seem OK on price, decent service and run an appointment system for ride on/ride out. No idea what they do for wheels only.

Thanks, I'll give them a try in the morning. A friend has also suggested I try these guys.

 

[tigerjohn]

If you head down the A38, DOG motorcycles at Burnham on Sea are good value - just had a pair of Trail Attacks fitted for £220. You'll find it an interesting experience.

 

[Steve B]

Give JHS Racing in Keynsham/Saltford (small industrial units behind the big Co-op) - 0117 986 8844.
I used to use Protyre in Lawrence Hill but these guys are a tad cheaper (and have great service). I've always bought Tourances so not sure what other makes they have access to. Took wheels in so again not sure what their arrangements are for ride in/ride out. Always pays to shop around .
Let me know how you go on as I'll need a new front in a while (got 13,000+ on my last rear).

 

[Cotswoldshire]

If you head down the A38, DOG motorcycles at Burnham on Sea are good value - just had a pair of Trail Attacks fitted for £220. You'll find it an interesting experience.

Give JHS Racing in Keynsham/Saltford (small industrial units behind the big Co-op) - 0117 986 8844.
I used to use Protyre in Lawrence Hill but these guys are a tad cheaper (and have great service). I've always bought Tourances so not sure what other makes they have access to. Took wheels in so again not sure what their arrangements are for ride in/ride out. Always pays to shop around .
Let me know how you go on as I'll need a new front in a while (got 13,000+ on my last rear).

Well unfortunately DOG Motorcycles are out of the question at the moment as the rear is now illegal. Will give JHS and ProTyre a call in a bit and see where that leaves me.

Don't think I've ever had tourance on a bike before. Anything specific to note about them? 13,000 sounds like amazing miles for any tyre!

 

[Yonkyo]

I used to buy tyres from Protyre all the time. But now i get my tyres as cheap as i can find them on the tinternet. Then i get Protyre to fit them for me too my loose wheels, at £10 per tyre.

I've never used JHS, but i might give them try next time.

 

[Cotswoldshire]

Opted for ProTyre in the end as they were the only people with any stock, and fortunately while only one of the two it was the rear that they had stock (this was the tyre which was illegal, the front just needs replacing as a matter of course - probably good for a few hundred more miles).

Turned up at 1:30 with wheel in hand and was gone shortly after 2pm, £112 lighter.

Only gripes are that in the process of trying to mount the wheel for balancing the mechanic has 'damaged' the inner wheel mount on the outside, er, side by using the wrong attachment. But it's only visible when cleaning and doesn't affect the bike in anyway. The main issue I have tho is that after attaching the wheel and coming out the next morning I found it was totally flat! I re-inflated the long slow way by foot pump (zero bar to 2.5 bar takes a while, eh chaps!). Have called them and they're happy to replace the valve as this is agreed to be the most likely cause. Came back last night and it's flat again (I should point out that the bike is on the centre stand after the initial find). Frustrating as I don't think I can get to see them before next Saturday to have it sorted so will have to keep adding air all week.

Which brings me to my next question. I'm going to investigate mobile air compressors to do this job at the roadside. Anyone got any advice or recommendations? I will check eBay and Hein Gericke to see what they have, along with Halfords.

 

[Cotswoldshire]

Went back to ProTyre this morning to have the wheel inspected. Turns out the valve was loose at the rim. They kindly resolved this embarrassing (I should've found and resolved this myself!!) but also noticed the wrong speed rating had been fitted! I'd been supplied with a H-rated tyre and not the V I'd asked for (and paid for). Thankfully they could see that the tyre was still 'as new' so swapped it out.

Took over an hour but left with a lovely new tyre, no leak and no lighter in the wallet.

Having just done shy of a 100 miles today, I'm very pleased with the Anakee 2 for comfort, grip and control (I love the roundabouts in Swindon )