I just had a set of Metzeler MEZ6 tires (120/70ZR17 front, 180/55ZR17 rear) installed on my '98 CBR1100XX. I do more straight-up riding than I'd like to admit, so I tend to stay away from the hard-core sport compounds (otherwise, I end up with wearing out the center long before the edges), and I have always liked Metzeler tires on my Honda sport-touring bikes.

I'm somewhat surprised at the installed cost of the tires, though. Purchased from a retail shop in the Sacramento area, including mounting and balancing on the wheels that I brought in, the bill approached $380. Add to that the travel time to Sacramento (about an hour and a quarter one-way), fuel expenses, and hassle factor, the actual cost is well over $400.

This document on do-it-yourself tire changing has renewed my interest in doing my own tire mounting and balancing. I've shied away from it so far, as it's always been more convenient to drive to the local shop and have a professional mount and balance. Even after moving up to Jackson, I was often in the Bay Area while working (I'm a software jockey) so it was still convenient. Now, however, I'm working from home most of the time, so the trip to the city to get a set of tires installed is becoming a giant pain in the butt.

So, I vow to purchase some tires on-line when my current set of tires are nearing the wear limit; then I can try doing it myself.