Plugging a tire?
Cruiser
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 150
Likes: 1
From: Denver
Any proof they are any more dangerous than riding itself. I think your odds are way better to break a clutch cable at a red light and ride into cross traffic. Clutch cables are real cheap.
Plugs are tried and true in my book. Accidently tested one the proper way.
Novice
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 15
Likes: 0
From: MLT
Memorial Day trackday several years ago. Drove 5hrs one way to get there, plus hotel rooms. First hour out I picked up a screw in the rear tire of my Aprilia. Plugged it, let it sit for an hour, then rode the rest of the day no issues. If the plug came out, it was going to leak like it had anyways and I caught it then.
Yeah, I've been near a buck-fifty [gps recorded] on the straight with one. I'd trust it to last.
Yeah, I've been near a buck-fifty [gps recorded] on the straight with one. I'd trust it to last.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 3,863
Likes: 21
From: Kennewick, WA
The only problem with a plug is you can damage the cord in the tire with the rasp you use to prep for the plug. Other than that it is highly un-likely it's going to fly out.Hope I never have to use one, I hear they don't work too well with tubes!
Intermediate
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 31
Likes: 0
From: Montague, Prince Edward Island
Plug.
I picked up a nail with 325 kilometers on the tire. Went to the local tire shop the guy said plug should be fine used only single strand instead of double like in a car tire. I have 8800 kilometers and it has been fine. He said it should be taken off and vulcanized patch put on. I never did. I am sure it will be fine until I replace it.
Road Master
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 933
Likes: 4
Sounds kinda silly on a motorcycle forum.
Any proof they are any more dangerous than riding itself. I think your odds are way better to break a clutch cable at a red light and ride into cross traffic. Clutch cables are real cheap.
Plugs are tried and true in my book. Accidently tested one the proper way.
Any proof they are any more dangerous than riding itself. I think your odds are way better to break a clutch cable at a red light and ride into cross traffic. Clutch cables are real cheap.
Plugs are tried and true in my book. Accidently tested one the proper way.
I have plugged a tire in the past with no issues. The kind of hole I plugged was not going to let air come gushing out if the plug failed. Without the plug it would take 4 or 5 days for the tire to loose air. The plug stopped the slow leak, problem solved. I check my tires on a regular basis and inspect them for defects. If you have all kinds of money, replace the tire, otherwise $5 could carry you until you wear it out.
Road Master
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 886
Likes: 6
First a word from our sponsor hahahaha You should only plug a tire as a temporary fix and replace the tire at your first opportunity.
that said I got a nail in a brand new tire and plugged it, then ran it for ~9K miles without issues. Considering 9K miles is only about 4 months for me and at $300 a pop it gets expensive after a while... (I'll leave it there so people can make comments haha)
that said I got a nail in a brand new tire and plugged it, then ran it for ~9K miles without issues. Considering 9K miles is only about 4 months for me and at $300 a pop it gets expensive after a while... (I'll leave it there so people can make comments haha)
Road Captain
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 642
Likes: 1
From: Luckey, Ohio
Just had my 4th rear flat in 5 years! It's costing me a fortune in tires..and i'm seriously thinking about plugging them from now on. Last one only had about a thousand miles on it...and a big screw through the middle! Gotta be a magnet in my rear wheel somewhere....
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Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 6,642
Likes: 48
From: Ogden, UT
Road Warrior
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 1,877
Likes: 4
From: Houston
I just like everyone else, was uneasy about plugs.
I had less than 500 miles on a new rear tire, and picked up a nail dead center thru the heavy part of the rubber..
Went to Indy to replace tire, And as he said he would glady sell me a new tire. He recommended a 'new' plug that he had been having great luck with..
It was pluged from the inside of the tire. I tried it and 9k later it hasnt lost any air. After watching them do it I felt comfortable with the process.
It kind of looked like a mushroom, with the head being inside the tire.
example:
I had less than 500 miles on a new rear tire, and picked up a nail dead center thru the heavy part of the rubber..
Went to Indy to replace tire, And as he said he would glady sell me a new tire. He recommended a 'new' plug that he had been having great luck with..
It was pluged from the inside of the tire. I tried it and 9k later it hasnt lost any air. After watching them do it I felt comfortable with the process.
It kind of looked like a mushroom, with the head being inside the tire.
example: