Back alley darkside vendor needed?

bobhamlin · 09-20-2010, 10:48 AM

Saturday morning, as I was putting my bike up on the lift to swap out my front tire and do other work like fork oil change, new brake pads, BLINGy rotors and stainless brake hose, I noticed that my back tire is nearing the end of its usefulness. I've been wanting to go darkside, but not enough to do so with a good back tire. Now I have my reason.

So I reviewed the darkside threads, focusing on specific brands and sizes rather than the general principle. Yesterday, I settled on the Dunlop SP5000 195/60R16 and placed an internet order. The order form asked for the vehicle on which the tire was to be installed, and I completed the "other" box with my Nomad's model number and year.

Today, a representative from Tirerack.com called and said he couldn't sell me the tire because of liability. He was very polite and cited liability. He implied that no reputable vendor would complete such a transaction, either.

Will I need a backalley transaction? Know anybody with darkside tires under a trenchcoat?

cactusjack · 09-20-2010, 11:13 AM

Hmmm, I bought my Dunlop SP5000 from tirerack.com and don't recall them asking what vehicle it was for. If they did, I'm not sure what answer I gave them. I'd just find a car that uses that size of tire and tell them that's what it's for. It's none of their business what I do with a tire that I bought from them.

blowndodge · 09-20-2010, 11:23 AM

Man is that ever strange. I bought from them too and didn't get asked anything? Bob as CJ stated go to another site find out what cars come with the tire you want and then list that as the car.

**Jared** · 09-20-2010, 11:38 AM

That kinda sucks! Too bad were a sue happy culture and a company would feel the need to do something like that.

**Top Cat** · 09-20-2010, 12:05 PM

First I would have never told them I was installing a car tire on a motorcycle. Lots of people don't think it has ever been done.
I would do as others have said and find a car that takes that size tire and tell them it is for that car.
When I wanted oversize tires for my truck the tire dealer said he wouldn't put a bigger tire on as the manufacturer has certain sizes that are allowed.

**Cajunrider** · 09-20-2010, 12:15 PM

Bob, Tires easy has them in stock and so does Tread depot. Tires easy is about $40 cheaper. I'd place my order with tires easy knowing up front what car these tires are mounted on.

http://ssl.delti.com/cgi-bin/rshop.p...35&sowigan=GAN

cactusjack · 09-20-2010, 12:48 PM

I'm wondering if they found out that the SP5000's were being purchased for use on motorcycles? I'm sure a bunch of single tire purchases probably set off a red flag or something. I'd assume most of their tire purchases are in sets of 2 or 4, not just a single tire. Then their legal department got involved, and this is the result.

**Cajunrider** · 09-20-2010, 01:01 PM

I don't like being deceptive with anyone but I'd have to tell the vendor that this tire will be used as a spare for my car. They may even ask for a VIN. How could you file litigation on a vendor for selling you a tire? That's crazy but I suppose you can sue anyone with deep pockets for any amount if you find a sleazy enough attorney.

**Jared** · 09-20-2010, 01:22 PM

This time click "other" and put Tire Swing. :)

bobhamlin · 09-20-2010, 01:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Utah Motorcyclist

This time click "other" and put Tire Swing. :)

Then, if they asked for a picture of me, they'd see I couldn't fit in the swing. I might get it up to mid-thigh--with grease.

VulcanE · 09-20-2010, 04:10 PM

Tell them you want it for a 2010 Scion xD, That car's stock tire size is 195/60 R16.

Sin City Stan · 09-20-2010, 04:26 PM

I used Tire Rack also for a Goodyear Fuel Max. I think I left the vehicle type blank. Never got a call. Have to remember to list a car next time I need a back tire. Let's see that would be about 3-4 years.

bobhamlin · 09-20-2010, 04:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by VulcanE

Tell them you want it for a 2010 Scion xD, That car's stock tire size is 195/60 R16.

I was prepared to tell them it was for my mother's 2008 Scion xD--that she's a sporty woman for her age and only drove it during Sunday road rallies or for pink slips... but Tire-easy didn't ask what I needed it for. Damn. I was ready to ROCK!!

CajunRider wrote:

Quote:

...Tires easy IS about $40 cheaper...

I owe you some deserved recognition, sir. That money you saved me will come in handy. Next time you're passing through the megalopolis that is Thurmont, give a yell!!

dougster · 09-20-2010, 04:55 PM

I hate the tire sites that ask for the vehicle information. Just show me the stupid tire and let me buy it. I will figure out what tire I want without their help. I have run into this at several tire sites when I was trying to shop for a CT for my bike. (OK. I am done ranting)

**glwilson** · 09-20-2010, 05:32 PM

Just tell them you are going to use it for an "old-fashioned" rope-swing... and that tire model fits your backside best!!!!

09-20-2010, 10:48 AM	#1
bobhamlin Advanced Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Thurmont MD Posts: 760	Back alley darkside vendor needed? Saturday morning, as I was putting my bike up on the lift to swap out my front tire and do other work like fork oil change, new brake pads, BLINGy rotors and stainless brake hose, I noticed that my back tire is nearing the end of its usefulness. I've been wanting to go darkside, but not enough to do so with a good back tire. Now I have my reason. So I reviewed the darkside threads, focusing on specific brands and sizes rather than the general principle. Yesterday, I settled on the Dunlop SP5000 195/60R16 and placed an internet order. The order form asked for the vehicle on which the tire was to be installed, and I completed the "other" box with my Nomad's model number and year. Today, a representative from Tirerack.com called and said he couldn't sell me the tire because of liability. He was very polite and cited liability. He implied that no reputable vendor would complete such a transaction, either. Will I need a backalley transaction? Know anybody with darkside tires under a trenchcoat? __________________ Bob Hamlin RC PGR '06 VN1600D6F Login or Register to Remove Ads
	0

09-20-2010, 11:13 AM	#2
cactusjack Mega-Contributor Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Where it doesn't snow...ever! Posts: 21,926	Back alley darkside vendor needed? Hmmm, I bought my Dunlop SP5000 from tirerack.com and don't recall them asking what vehicle it was for. If they did, I'm not sure what answer I gave them. I'd just find a car that uses that size of tire and tell them that's what it's for. It's none of their business what I do with a tire that I bought from them. __________________ Scott "Cactusjack" Hanks VBA #00105 H.O.G. #4250060 2011 H-D Ultra Limited 103ci :: 2011 HD Electra Glide Ultra Limited w/Stage 1 :: Rallies: Mesquite '08\|Custer '09\|Cortez '10\|Crescent City '11\|Kanab '12\|Antlers '12\|Estes Park '13\|Antlers '13\|Orofino '14\|The Dalles '17
	0

09-20-2010, 11:23 AM	#3
blowndodge Sr. Contributor Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Washington City, Utah Posts: 16,474	Back alley darkside vendor needed? Man is that ever strange. I bought from them too and didn't get asked anything? Bob as CJ stated go to another site find out what cars come with the tire you want and then list that as the car. __________________ I love my Victory Cross Country Tour 106. Smells like Victory! Ultra's are Limited There are two types of Harley riders. Those that trailer them and those that push them. The most Interesting Man in the World "Find the things in life you don't do well and don't do those things" Member # 0005
	0

09-20-2010, 11:38 AM	#4
Jared Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Greeley, Colorado Posts: 6,772	Back alley darkside vendor needed? That kinda sucks! Too bad were a sue happy culture and a company would feel the need to do something like that. __________________ Jared VBA #1051 (Former President)
	0

09-20-2010, 12:05 PM	#5
Top Cat Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Peoples Republic of New York State Posts: 15,154	Back alley darkside vendor needed? First I would have never told them I was installing a car tire on a motorcycle. Lots of people don't think it has ever been done. I would do as others have said and find a car that takes that size tire and tell them it is for that car. When I wanted oversize tires for my truck the tire dealer said he wouldn't put a bigger tire on as the manufacturer has certain sizes that are allowed. __________________ Tim "TC" Conley VBA #9 2011 Victory Kingpin mine 2013 Victory Boardwalk -hers [LEFT][COLOR=#000000] [SIZE=4] Login or Register to Remove Ads
	0

09-20-2010, 12:15 PM	#6
Cajunrider Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: (SE Louisiana) Posts: 8,340	Back alley darkside vendor needed? Bob, Tires easy has them in stock and so does Tread depot. Tires easy is about $40 cheaper. I'd place my order with tires easy knowing up front what car these tires are mounted on. http://ssl.delti.com/cgi-bin/rshop.p...35&sowigan=GAN __________________ 2016 Electra Glide Ultra Limited CVO Palladium Silver / Phantom Blue 110 cu in SE 2012 Electra Glide Ultra Limited (Traded 6/22/16) Tequila Sunrise / HD Orange Vance & Hines true dual headers Rinehart 4" slip ons Screamin Eagle Super Tuner Screamin Eagle Stage 1 intake Dyno tuned H.O.G.# 4514015 2007 Nomad 1600 (Traded 6/23/12) VBA #482
	0

09-20-2010, 12:48 PM	#7
cactusjack Mega-Contributor Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Where it doesn't snow...ever! Posts: 21,926	Back alley darkside vendor needed? I'm wondering if they found out that the SP5000's were being purchased for use on motorcycles? I'm sure a bunch of single tire purchases probably set off a red flag or something. I'd assume most of their tire purchases are in sets of 2 or 4, not just a single tire. Then their legal department got involved, and this is the result. __________________ Scott "Cactusjack" Hanks VBA #00105 H.O.G. #4250060 2011 H-D Ultra Limited 103ci :: 2011 HD Electra Glide Ultra Limited w/Stage 1 :: Rallies: Mesquite '08\|Custer '09\|Cortez '10\|Crescent City '11\|Kanab '12\|Antlers '12\|Estes Park '13\|Antlers '13\|Orofino '14\|The Dalles '17
	0

09-20-2010, 01:01 PM	#8
Cajunrider Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: (SE Louisiana) Posts: 8,340	Back alley darkside vendor needed? I don't like being deceptive with anyone but I'd have to tell the vendor that this tire will be used as a spare for my car. They may even ask for a VIN. How could you file litigation on a vendor for selling you a tire? That's crazy but I suppose you can sue anyone with deep pockets for any amount if you find a sleazy enough attorney. __________________ 2016 Electra Glide Ultra Limited CVO Palladium Silver / Phantom Blue 110 cu in SE 2012 Electra Glide Ultra Limited (Traded 6/22/16) Tequila Sunrise / HD Orange Vance & Hines true dual headers Rinehart 4" slip ons Screamin Eagle Super Tuner Screamin Eagle Stage 1 intake Dyno tuned H.O.G.# 4514015 2007 Nomad 1600 (Traded 6/23/12) VBA #482
	0

09-20-2010, 01:22 PM	#9
Jared Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Greeley, Colorado Posts: 6,772	Back alley darkside vendor needed? This time click "other" and put Tire Swing. :) __________________ Jared VBA #1051 (Former President)
	0

09-20-2010, 04:10 PM	#11
VulcanE Sr. Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Cartersville, Georgia Posts: 4,838	Back alley darkside vendor needed? Tell them you want it for a 2010 Scion xD, That car's stock tire size is 195/60 R16. __________________ Cliff "VulcanE" Evans 2005 Blue & Silver 1600 Nomad VBA # 320 VROC # 20381
	0

09-20-2010, 04:26 PM	#12
Sin City Stan Sr. Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Henderson, NV Posts: 3,746	Back alley darkside vendor needed? I used Tire Rack also for a Goodyear Fuel Max. I think I left the vehicle type blank. Never got a call. Have to remember to list a car next time I need a back tire. Let's see that would be about 3-4 years. __________________ Oldest Saloon In Nevada http://www.pioneersaloon.info/ "Sin City Stan" Henderson, NV VBA #01004 VROC #29365 2004 Nomad 1500L5 +100 "The Bike" 2009 Nomad 1700 (past) 2004 Vulcan Classic 800 (past) 2010 Cortez - 2011 Crescent City - 2012 Kanab - 2013 Estes Park
	0

09-20-2010, 04:55 PM	#14
dougster Advanced Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Crete, Nebraska Posts: 679	Back alley darkside vendor needed? I hate the tire sites that ask for the vehicle information. Just show me the stupid tire and let me buy it. I will figure out what tire I want without their help. I have run into this at several tire sites when I was trying to shop for a CT for my bike. (OK. I am done ranting) __________________ Doug Witzke - "Dougster" 2003 Nomad 1500 VBA# 740
	0

09-20-2010, 05:32 PM	#15
glwilson Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: North Central Illinois Posts: 8,575	Back alley darkside vendor needed? Just tell them you are going to use it for an "old-fashioned" rope-swing... and that tire model fits your backside best!!!! __________________ "During times of universal deceit, telling the truth becomes a revolutionary act." "You can have your own opinion, but not your own facts." *Former VBA NCR Assist Regional Leader* Formerly: 2004 1500FI Bronze Nomad: 2009 & 2014 HD Ultra Current Rides: 2017 HD Ultra Limited & 2011 Can Am Spyder RTS-SE Attended: VBA National Rallies 2009, 2011, 2015; VBA/NCR Regional Rally 2010, 12, 14, 16 and several rides throughout with regional members. VBA Member #652 HOG Member #3935417
	0

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Vendor rant	cactusjack	Parts & Accessories	15	08-26-2010 03:09 PM
Oak Alley Plantation Trip	Cajunrider	Rides/Trip Reports/Travel Information	5	11-15-2009 11:01 PM
anyone used this vendor	phenrichs	Parts & Accessories	4	09-01-2009 02:58 AM
Accessories Vendor	Cajunrider	Parts & Accessories	15	07-17-2009 01:43 PM
New Leather Vendor	namvet	Parts & Accessories	5	05-05-2009 10:00 PM