Wheel damaged during tyre change

[shielsy]

Took a wheel to get a tyre changed at my local garage today. Was in a bit of a rush when I picked it up so just put it on the back seat and headed home. I've just been to stick it on the bike and can see where they have removed a wheel weight it's taken a chunk of paint with it... About the size of a 5p.

Unavoidable or garage at fault?

[podman]

You have my sympathy mate, I wouldnt like it but a wheel needs to be balanced and that's part and parcel of it I guess.

If its an old(er) wheel with a thin layer of paint, like my previous Suzuki's, its hard to avoid it, damage to the rim is another matter and thats what I thought you was going to refer to.

[shielsy]

podman said:

If its an old(er) wheel with a thin layer of paint, like my previous Suzuki's, its hard to avoid it, damage to the rim is another matter and thats what I thought you was going to refer to.

2014 Speed Triple. Not a mark on the wheel apart from this.

[Gavia]

It does happen on bikes, unfortunately. My otherwise pristine R1 has a few dings from wheels changes, no matter how careful my mate is when he does them. Probably not great that a weight has caused it, but what hell was it glued on with that means the paint is easier to chip off than the glue?

[UpTheIron]

Don't think you can blame the fitter for that... the alternative would be to leave the weight there and give you an unbalanced wheel.

Where did you get the previous tyre put on? Maybe find what they attached the weight with!

[3DP]

Damage from wheel changing is avoidable, but you need to find the right tyre fitter. No excuse for rim damage.

Wheel weights are different. They don't have the time to caress the weight off with a heat gun or hair dryer and carefully lift it or use a plastic spatula. If the old paint is thin or badly laid down in the factory it can happen.

My rule is I remove the wheel weights myself and only take loose wheels so they don't damage them rushing the wheel/caliper removal. I have a guy who is great, but a heart felt plea to the fitter that they are careful not to damage rims, may make them a bit more careful than doing the 13th anonymous Fazer or Hornet commuter they've done that day.

Likewise clean the wheels up meticulously. A clean and immaculate wheel will naturally pander to their 'careful' subconscious more than a wheel with 6 months of brake dust, chain lube and road dirt.

I'd also avoid most main dealers. Not only do they rape you on cost of tyres, they seem massively adept at scratching and dinging rims, probably as they give it to the trainee to do, who's only doing a few a week.

[Birky_41]

I have paint that's come off from weights on my bike. It's annoying but it happens

[Biker 1]

3DP said:

My rule is I remove the wheel weights myself

I hadn't thought of that - good tip for next time....

3DP said:

I'd also avoid most main dealers. Not only do they rape you on cost of tyres, they seem massively adept at scratching and dinging rims, probably as they give it to the trainee to do, who's only doing a few a week.

Hmmm.... I've always had my dealer do my tyres & no complaints whatsoever. My thinking is that they are keen to keep me as a return customer. I'm prepared to pay a little more as they are an extremely good outfit & I like to support them. In fact I'll plum them: P & H Motorcycles, Gatwick - Like Alladin's cave!

[Biker 1]

3DP said:

My rule is I remove the wheel weights myself

I hadn't thought of that - good tip for next time....

3DP said:

I'd also avoid most main dealers. Not only do they rape you on cost of tyres, they seem massively adept at scratching and dinging rims, probably as they give it to the trainee to do, who's only doing a few a week.

Hmmm.... I've always had my dealer do my tyres & no complaints whatsoever. My thinking is that they are keen to keep me as a return customer. I'm prepared to pay a little more as they are an extremely good outfit & I like to support them. In fact I'll plug them: P & H Motorcycles, Gatwick - Like Alladin's cave!