Fix a tire
Road Warrior
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 1,630
Likes: 17
From: Central FL
Lot of debate about this. It boils down to what you feel comfortable with and where the puncture is. I've used the combination patch/plugs on mine and never had an issue. Some will tell you they wouldn't dare. I've even used a simple plug on them and used the tire to the end of it's life expectancy. I have 2 rear tires sitting in my garage that my buddy took off his Dyna because he got a puncture. He won't ride on them. One of them has less than 1k miles on it. They are both patched and ready to go so I can replace mine when it wears out.
Well here is the other issue, is this a tubed tire? The tire says tubeless but the owners manual states spoked wheels are tubed. grrrrr.... I can't win. Is it difficult to place a tube in it?
Elite HDF Member
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 3,927
Likes: 5
From: Midwest
"Tubeless" stamped on the tire just means that it can be run that way if needed. It doesn't mean there's no tube inside. If you have spokes, you likely have a tube. Spoked wheels use tubes to keep air from leaking out of the rim around the spokes.
The good news is that a tube can be patched...or even replaced for much less $$ than replacing a tire.
The bad news is that you should probably bite the bullet and let somebody do it for you. Not only can a tube be installed wrong, causing leaks and other problems, but you're probably not ready to pull the wheel and rassle one side of the tire off the rim yourself.
The good news is that a tube can be patched...or even replaced for much less $$ than replacing a tire.
The bad news is that you should probably bite the bullet and let somebody do it for you. Not only can a tube be installed wrong, causing leaks and other problems, but you're probably not ready to pull the wheel and rassle one side of the tire off the rim yourself.
"Tubeless" stamped on the tire just means that it can be run that way if needed. It doesn't mean there's no tube inside. If you have spokes, you likely have a tube. Spoked wheels use tubes to keep air from leaking out of the rim around the spokes.
The good news is that a tube can be patched...or even replaced for much less $$ than replacing a tire.
The bad news is that you should probably bite the bullet and let somebody do it for you. Not only can a tube be installed wrong, causing leaks and other problems, but you're probably not ready to pull the wheel and rassle one side of the tire off the rim yourself.
The good news is that a tube can be patched...or even replaced for much less $$ than replacing a tire.
The bad news is that you should probably bite the bullet and let somebody do it for you. Not only can a tube be installed wrong, causing leaks and other problems, but you're probably not ready to pull the wheel and rassle one side of the tire off the rim yourself.
JMHO
Road Warrior
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 1,630
Likes: 17
From: Central FL
Like stated. If you have a spoked wheel there is a tube in there. You can patch or replace just the tube and keep going. This is the one advantage of a tire with a tube. Unfortunately they have several disadvantages that make them a pain in the rear but this time it's in your favor.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 4,990
Likes: 9
From: Marina del Rey
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Elite HDF Member
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 3,927
Likes: 5
From: Midwest
When you have it replaced, make sure a "boot" is applied to the inside of the tire. It covers the hole, preventing any rough edges inside the tire that would prematurely wear out your new tube.
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If you have wheels like mine in my sig pic, then YES you can plug it.
I know from experience. i've plugged tires on several bikes. Without ever having a problem.
My superglide had a pug in the back tire for the last 3,000 miles it was on. I wore the tire all the way down to steel braids before i changed it & the plug held just fine.
I know from experience. i've plugged tires on several bikes. Without ever having a problem.
My superglide had a pug in the back tire for the last 3,000 miles it was on. I wore the tire all the way down to steel braids before i changed it & the plug held just fine.
Replaced the tube and had the local shop make sure the tire was good to go. Used a local shop instead of HD and took the tire off myself. It still ended up being a $50 nail, thanks siding guy lol...