Ever Had a Flat Tire?
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 13,105
Likes: 13,048
From: Texas, USA
I have chrome, tubeless laced wheels. I run them with tubes anyhow. I have never had a flat tire on my motorcycle and I have been riding Harleys for 26 years.
An additional measure of protection is Ride-On for motorcycles.
http://www.ride-on.com/motorcycle-formula-mot.html
I say get the laced wheels and the cruise control. When you use the cruise control, you'll be glad you have it. When you want it and don't have it, the throttle lock just isn't the same.
An additional measure of protection is Ride-On for motorcycles.
http://www.ride-on.com/motorcycle-formula-mot.html
I say get the laced wheels and the cruise control. When you use the cruise control, you'll be glad you have it. When you want it and don't have it, the throttle lock just isn't the same.
Road Master
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 856
Likes: 6
From: Charlotte County FL
Got flat rear a couple of years ago halfway to RI, a friend had a rope patch kit and a small compressor patched the tire and was able to ride it home, cast wheels... Now when we go on a trip I pack a small compressor and a patch kit....
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 8,852
Likes: 2,494
From: Decatur, Alabama
I have had 1 flat on my RKC. The rear blew out on me about 2 miles from the house. I wasn't going fast but things got real "squishy" in a hurry. After I pulled over and took a look at it, I decided to limp home in 2nd gear. No problem but I took it real easy.
I was told that bikes have more of a tendency to get a flat tire when the tires are old and worn down. Less meat for the nail to penetrate.
Anyway, get the bike you want and forget about flats.
carl
I was told that bikes have more of a tendency to get a flat tire when the tires are old and worn down. Less meat for the nail to penetrate.
Anyway, get the bike you want and forget about flats.
carl
Road Captain
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 539
Likes: 7
From: Indiana
I have had one flat in the eight years I have been riding my FLHRI. I pulled into a party at the dealership and the guy next to me said, "Do you know you have a screw in your tire?" I dismounted and we stood there together and watched the tire deflate. If you are going to have a flat, I recommend you do it in the dealership parking lot. 
Oh yeah, OP get the cruise control. You can thank me later.
Oh yeah, OP get the cruise control. You can thank me later.
Road Warrior
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 1,430
Likes: 55
From: Florida
Yea, I've gone years without one and then get two in a month. That was with spokes/tube, replacing a tube is cheaper than a whole tire if the tread is still good. Recently picked up a 4" long 1/4" bolt with my rear tire, I have a plug kit and mini compressor but took it to a local Indy and had a Michelin Commander II put on. Not cheap but a lot less than a HDealership.
Road Master
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 1,008
Likes: 229
From: Saskatchewan
Most of my riding is long range touring, I wouldn't do without cruise control ever again. I use it to get me through the long boring runs through the prairies. Once I get to the twisties in the mountains I hardly ever turn it on.
Advanced
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 67
Likes: 0
I draw n shoot right handed, the cruise control would be great to have.
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 6,194
Likes: 4,126
From: Michigan
Last year I was in the same boat as you,my RK standard came in with the white wall & laced wheels which they would have switched out to the cast if I wanted.
Was also concerned about not being able to plug a flat, but liked the looks of the whitewall & Laced wheel so much that I kept them, 10,000 mi later so far so good.
About the cruise, wouldn't be without it, use it all the time.
Was also concerned about not being able to plug a flat, but liked the looks of the whitewall & Laced wheel so much that I kept them, 10,000 mi later so far so good.
About the cruise, wouldn't be without it, use it all the time.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 2,762
Likes: 22
From: right down from the FloraBama
2008 my buddy Tom and I are running the Tamiami after midnight coming back from the keys. Tom's ultra starts to wobble as he slows down rapidly. It's a nail in his rear tire. Second attempt with the Stop and Go Plug kit does it. We're aired up and gone in about 30 minutes. Big Cypress area, no cell service. A few cars but no one stops. One lone rider even slows but quickly accelerates into the darkness. I guess I should have shaved that morning.
We were right on the rail, glad we didn't have to spend the night.
We were right on the rail, glad we didn't have to spend the night.