Plugging a tire?
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 6,642
Likes: 48
From: Ogden, UT
I assume you are asking about a tubeless tire, and yes it is ok as an emergency fix for sure, unless it is in the sidewall. I would be cautious about using it on the outer edge of the tread.
I have a tire with 3000 miles on it and a very small hole in the outer tread, I really did not feel like chancing since I do a fair amount of long road trips.
If I was just a local rider I probably would have plugged it.
Bottom line I think it is a personal preference. What do you feel comfortable with?
I have a tire with 3000 miles on it and a very small hole in the outer tread, I really did not feel like chancing since I do a fair amount of long road trips.
If I was just a local rider I probably would have plugged it.
Bottom line I think it is a personal preference. What do you feel comfortable with?
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 10,114
Likes: 29
From: Vancouver B.C. Canada
Yes and No, depends on how much you care about your life. I had a nail on my Fatboy rear tire 2 yrs ago, the tire was brand new so I plugged it, my life is worth nothing then lol.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 3,968
Likes: 34
From: Lockport Township, IL
You can plug 'em. They will most likely hold air. I prefer to change them though because I sometimes have precious cargo on the back (wife, daughter, grandkids), and I would not want a tire to fail with any of them on the bike.
Road Warrior
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 1,630
Likes: 17
From: Central FL
I just replaced my plugged tire today. The plug has been there for about 4.5k miles. The tire finally wore out.
Trending Topics
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 2,419
Likes: 1
From: Ashland Ore.
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Southpaw Super Glide: A Left-Hand-Drive 1979 Harley FXE Built to Fit the Rider
Verdad Gallardo
The Best and Worst Harley-Davidson Moves of 2025
Verdad Gallardo
Cruiser
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 150
Likes: 1
From: Denver
Funny story. I had a Yamaha R6 with all knids of race mods that I used to take to the track. I got a flat and plugged it thinking I was going to street ride till the tire was dust. Well a buddy and mine were canyon carving and he took me a way I have never been. There was a wide open stretch about two miles long that you can enter doing about 100. We both had our bikes pinned in 6th the whole way and at about 160-165mph I remembered that I had a plug in the tire. I rolled out of it and sat up. It freaked me out so bad! Ever since then I fully trust plugs.
