Replacing a pair of motorcycle tires typically costs $350 to $900 installed, and a single rear tire runs about $200 to $450. Tires themselves are $100 to $350 each for most street bikes, and mounting and balancing adds $30 to $80 per wheel. Prices vary by bike, region and shop, and premium sport-touring or large cruiser tires can push the total past $1,000.
Here is what goes into the bill, what moves it up or down and how to avoid paying more than you need to.
How much does motorcycle tire replacement cost?
The total has two parts: the tires and the labor to fit them. Some shops add small fees for old tire disposal, valve stems and wheel weights.
| Bike type | Tires only (pair) | Installed (pair), typical |
|---|---|---|
| Scooter | $80 to $250 | $150 to $400 |
| Small bike or commuter | $150 to $350 | $250 to $500 |
| Standard or naked | $250 to $450 | $350 to $650 |
| Sport bike | $300 to $600 | $400 to $800 |
| Cruiser | $250 to $600 | $350 to $800 |
| Touring or adventure | $300 to $700 | $450 to $950 |
| Dirt bike | $100 to $250 | $150 to $400 |
A single tire is about half to 60 percent of these amounts, because the labor often does not drop by half.
What goes into the price
The tire
Tire cost varies mainly by type and brand.
- Type. Touring and sport-touring tires with long-wear compounds cost more than basic tires. Racing or track-oriented tires cost the most, and they wear fast.
- Size. Wide rear tires on big cruisers and sport bikes cost more than narrow ones.
- Brand and line. Premium lines cost more than budget lines. The difference often shows in grip, wet performance and wear.
- Dual-compound or specialty tires. These cost more than single-compound ones.
Our guide to choosing motorcycle tires for your riding style helps you pick the right type so you do not overpay for features you will not use.
Labor and extras
Labor charges vary a lot. A shop may charge by the tire, by the wheel or by time. These are typical:
| Item | Typical range |
|---|---|
| Mount and balance, per wheel | $30 to $80 |
| Remove and refit wheel (if you do not bring it in) | $30 to $100 |
| Valve stem replacement | $5 to $20 each |
| Old tire disposal | $5 to $15 each |
| Tubeless tire repair (plug or patch, where allowed) | $20 to $60 |
| TPMS sensor service | $20 to $60 per wheel |
| Shop supplies fee | $5 to $20 |
Bikes with a belt or shaft drive, ABS, a single-sided swingarm or heavy bodywork can take longer to strip. Some shops charge extra for those. Our labor rates guide explains the hourly rates behind these numbers.
Why motorcycle tires cost more than car tires per tire
A motorcycle tire is smaller, but it is designed for a very narrow job: carry a bike through lean angles with a contact patch about the size of your palm. That makes compounds, construction and testing expensive. Tire makers also sell fewer motorcycle tires than car tires, so there is less scale to cut the price.
How to tell when you need new tires
NHTSA lists several reasons to replace a tire, and they apply to bikes as well:
- Worn tread. Tires should be replaced when they reach their minimum tread depth. Many bike tires have wear bars or indicators you can see in the grooves. NHTSA's general guidance, written for passenger tires, is 2/32 of an inch, so follow your motorcycle tire maker's own limit.
- Damage. Cuts, cracks, bulges and exposed cords are a reason to replace.
- Irregular wear. Uneven wear from underinflation or overloading is another sign.
- Age. Some manufacturers recommend replacing tires that are six to ten years old regardless of tread. See our tire date code guide to read the week and year on your tire.
- Handling changes. Squared-off rear tires, a wobble or a vague feeling are all signs of trouble.
Many riders replace tires before they reach the wear limit, since grip, especially in the wet, drops as the tread wears. Right pressure also makes tires last longer, and our tire pressure guide shows how to check it.
How to save money on tire replacement
- Compare total price. Ask for the out-the-door price, including mounting, balancing, valve stems and disposal.
- Replace on your schedule, not in a hurry. Tires on sale or seasonal promotions can save money, but never delay a needed replacement to chase a deal.
- Choose the right tire, not the cheapest. A cheap tire that wears out in half the miles costs more over time.
- Take the wheels off yourself. If you can safely remove the wheels, some shops charge less to mount tires on loose wheels. Do this only if you can reinstall and torque the axle correctly.
- Ask about a package. Some shops offer a lower price when you buy tires there with mounting and balancing.
- Look after the tires you have. Correct pressure, no overloading and no riding on damaged tires all extend life.
The FTC advises getting a written estimate that lists parts and labor before work starts. Ask for that on a tire job too, so the line items match the final bill.
Is it cheaper to buy tires online?
Online prices can be lower for the tire itself, but you still need someone to mount and balance them. Many shops charge more for customer-supplied tires, and some will not install them at all. Add up the shipping, local mounting fee and any disposal fee before you decide it is a bargain.
Should you replace both tires together?
Not always. The rear usually wears out first, so many riders replace it two or three times for every set of fronts. But a very worn front, a different tire profile front and rear or mixed brands can change handling. Ask your tire shop what they recommend for your bike, and follow the pairing advice in your manual or from the tire maker.
What a typical tire visit looks like
A shop will usually remove the wheel, break the old tire off the rim, inspect the rim and bead seat, fit the new tire and balance the wheel. They should replace the valve stem and check the wheel bearings and brake rotors while the wheel is out. Ask them to set the pressure to your manual's figure before you leave.
New tires also need a short break-in. Ride gently for the first few dozen miles and avoid hard braking and aggressive lean angles until the shiny mold-release coating wears off and the tire scrubs in. Your tire maker will have specific advice.
When to see a mechanic
Go to a shop right away if:
- You see a nail, a bulge, a cut or exposed cord
- The tire loses air repeatedly
- The tire is cracked or hardened with age
- The bike wobbles, shakes or pulls to one side
- You hit a pothole or curb hard and the tire or wheel looks damaged
- Tread is at or near the wear bars
Do not ride on a flat or badly damaged tire. A tire shop can fit and balance new tires and check the wheel, bearings and valve stem while the wheel is off. See our motorcycle tire services page for shops that do tire work, or search motorcycle repair shops in Denver. For other jobs, our repair cost by job guide shows typical prices.
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to replace both tires at once?
No. The rear usually wears faster, so many riders replace it more often. If one tire is much more worn than the other, or the two are different types, consult your shop about whether to match them.
Is it cheaper to bring my own tires to a shop?
Sometimes. Many shops charge a higher mounting fee for tires you bought elsewhere and may not warranty the work. Ask for both prices before you buy.
How long do motorcycle tires last?
It depends on the tire, bike and riding. Rear tires on sport and touring bikes may last only a few thousand miles to around 10,000, while cruiser and touring tires often last longer. Age matters too, so check the date code.
Can I patch a motorcycle tire instead of replacing it?
It depends on the tire maker, the damage and the shop. Many shops will not patch motorcycle tires because of safety and liability, especially at higher speeds. Ask your tire shop and follow the tire maker's guidance.
References
- NHTSA: Tires (nhtsa.gov)
- FTC: Auto Repair Basics (consumer.ftc.gov)