Tire Information

[Ray]

... but I will never understand why we don't give the local guys a chance before jumping on the "discount prices" of warehoused tires (or helmets). I've never had to mention Revzilla/Cycle Gear prices, because the local guys and gals have never quoted me a price above minimum advertised price (MAP). ...

...Even if the prices were the same, buying online is cheaper overall....

In the following, I simply advocate for email, chat, or call - don't just click on a minimum advertised price. 

I think you missed part of the point - the prices were not the same. Without asking, the price from the dealership was $59 less than Revzilla. With an additional $100 rebate for Dunlop Pro mounting, for some of us, the whole process becomes financially reasonable. 
 
Similarly, 2 y ago, without any negotiation I bought my Shoei X-14 from the dealer for more than $100 less than the Revzilla "sale" price (i.e., MAP).

(And as with the helmet purchase, when I bought a new headlamp bulb the other day to replace my spare, I rode my pedal bike - which has a trailer capable of transporting tires. Didn't Darrell already post photos of how to avoid that 15 mpg cage to get tires to and from the shop on the back of an RS?)

I understand the appeal of on-line purchases (I just ordered another couple pair of reading glasses to keep in the tool chests) - and if I still craved the the satisfaction of mounting and balancing tires, I'd consider on-line action, though as Darrell and others have pointed out, when I say warehoused tires, I mean tires that might be on sale because they spent the last 3-6 years stored in places without great temperature control. One needs to be careful of point and click purchases. 

In that context, I'll admit - I like the idea of a brick and mortar dealership/show place where I can drink coffee and try out different bikes without standing in line at a trailer, shoot the breeze with professional mechanics who've seen and fixed everything that can go wrong with my specific model of bike, and hobnob with guys who've spent a lifetime on two wheels. I hear what you are saying; not everyone needs or enjoys that kind of interaction.  

So finally to the point. If your dealership is not worth supporting, then find folks who are, and who will ship to your garage. In that vein, I like the idea of supporting ex-racers like the Nemishes (Mototire/No-Mar) who want to provide superior tire sales and service just for motorcyclists, not just because they're good people who are free with advice, but because they're really good at what they do (and will beat any minimum advertised price any day you call instead of click). "MotoTireUSA.com.Discount Motorcycle Tires with Free shipping or Free Mount and Balance, Hundreds in stock everyday. Emergency service." My kind of people. (This is not a paid advertisement.)

Now - go get some miles and smiles and grind down some tires.