To Plug or Not To Plug???
Cruiser
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 178
Likes: 0
From: Western Kansas
I have plugged a lot of tires over my 30+ years of riding, and ridden thousands of miles on plugged/patched tires/tube. If tubeless, I usually plug the hole then when I get a chance, break the tire down, smooth the plug on the inside, rough up the area and patch it internally.
I do the same thing w/ tube tires and either patch the tube if a small leak, or replace it.
I also keep an eye on the repaired areas by marking the sidewall some way so I can find it easily. Also watch for any bulging, etc... that might indicate a broken belt. If so...replace the tire.
Of all the failures (3, all offroad) that I have had over the years....it came down to me doing a half-a$$ job and not doing it right to begin with. Do it right the first time.
I do the same thing w/ tube tires and either patch the tube if a small leak, or replace it.
I also keep an eye on the repaired areas by marking the sidewall some way so I can find it easily. Also watch for any bulging, etc... that might indicate a broken belt. If so...replace the tire.
Of all the failures (3, all offroad) that I have had over the years....it came down to me doing a half-a$$ job and not doing it right to begin with. Do it right the first time.
Road Warrior
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 1,508
Likes: 303
From: N. Tx.
I've never had a problem with plugs and have plugged car, truck and bike tires...all without incident.
The guys at the bike shops want to sell you a tire...there's a lot more profit on a tire than on a plug.
Pick up a plug kit at your local Auto Zone. Under 8 bucks.
The guys at the bike shops want to sell you a tire...there's a lot more profit on a tire than on a plug.
Pick up a plug kit at your local Auto Zone. Under 8 bucks.
Club Member
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 4,892
Likes: 2
From: DUNDALK,MARYLAND
We had freind that had a plug in his tire for couple hundred miles and was going on a ride up state to new york. Change tires before the week end came. Put a couple Metzeler ME 880 on his bike never made it to New York blow out on the high way. We think the plug tire were better then those Metzeler ME 880 the dealer put on his bike.
Thread Starter
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Advanced
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 50
Likes: 0
From: MS
I've had several car/truck tires plugged but I'm a newb on a bike.
Is there any difference between a car plug and a bike plug?
Is there any difference between a car plug and a bike plug?
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Tourer
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 486
Likes: 0
From: Amarillo, Texas
I will plug a tire and have for as long as I've been riding. I always carry plugs and they have saved my butt and others when out riding. Last time was about 10 miles south of Clayton New Mexico when our tail gunner got a flat. He made the rest of the trip with a plug however once he got home he bought a new tire but I would have kept riding on it. Its all about what makes you comfortable.
I also carry a DC air compressor.
I also carry a DC air compressor.
