I'm curious as to why most folks do not trust plugs alone on a tubeless bike tire? I carry a plug kit & small pump & if I had a flat, I'd plug it on the spot & keep going. Am I way off base there? I've never had occasion to plug a bike tire but . . .

I've plugged dozens of car/truck tires over the years & never had a plugged tire fail before the tire wore out. I once lived next to a builder & ended up putting 50k miles on a set of tires one of which had seven plugs in it at the end. Tire installer at changeout said it looked like a porcupine inside when he pulled it off.

But my bike still has the cop-issue bead-retention tires on it with sidewalls so stiff, I can't tell if they're flat/low or not. It doesn't squat much with 5 lbs of air. But if I did pick up a nail, I figgered I just plug it & keep rollin. Bad idea???

 

A real bummer, especially when the tire still has so much rubber left on it. On a previous bike I had a good experience with a patch and tube under circumstances very similar to yours, and I would probably do it again if I had to. As long as you don't "ride like you stole it!" you'll probably be ok with the above repair, as it's a lot cheaper than buying fresh rubber. But if you consistently like to push your bike hard then I would definitely recommend a new tire. Hope it works out for you.
~

 

id get a new tire but that is just me. I have seen far to many people go down from flat tires. if you do a lot of high speed riding a new tire is always a safer bet. lots of people use a tube and patch though so if money is tight your choice.

 

Just my opinion, but my *** is worth more than the cost of a tire. I think it is safe to say that the stability of a motorcycle is severly compromised with a flat tire. I personally would rather have the least chance of that happening, but to each his own. I run laced wheels on my bikes so a plug is pretty much out of the question anyway. Cell phone and good insurance. IMO

 

Eric, dude you ride hard. I would say get the new tire. Why risk it just to save some coin? You'd end up paying way more on the bike if something stupid happened with the plug or worse you could get hurt.

 

Do a patch-plug which is a combo between a patch and a plug. I've used them on Many O' sportbikes that normally go wayyyyy faster than my Street Bob with no issues...

 

Thanks for the replies and advice. I ordered a new tire (just to be on the safe side). I do tend to ride hard and don't need any unnecessary $hit taking me OR the bike out.

 

What size is the tire?
Do ya want to sell it?

 

Good thinkin' Eric!

 

It's a 200/60VR-16. Sure I'd sell...