problem on interstate
Tourer
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 449
Likes: 0
From: Nebraska
Work smarter, not harder. Time has evolved, thus having to muscle your way through a repair is not needed. If you have a cell call a service, AAA, HOG, a buddy, etc. If not a cell hopefully you have a can of Fix-a-Flat. If needed use your helment, pivot the bike on the stand and prop it up. Botton line, you can do it the hard way or the smart way - you pick. I prefer the smart way. For the record, done it the hard way too, no fun and not a badge of honor in my book.
Cruiser
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 202
Likes: 0
Road Master
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 1,081
Likes: 336
From: Upstate, SC
I would use fix a flat to get me to the nearest hotel. I wouldn't trust fix a flat 300 miles from home. The next day get the tire replaced. Assuming it's not a Sunday. Although it seems all this chit only happens on Sundays.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 9,324
Likes: 3,869
From: Upstate New York
Sure, and back "in the day", Harleys had chains, which could be disassembled with a master link, a hinged rear fender, so you didn't need to elevate the bike two feet in the air or lay it on the side, etc. Endless belts, rear disc brakes, fixed rear fenders, have all conspired to make tire changes much harder than they used to be. I'm not happy about this, either, but that's the price you pay for "progress".
And for the record, I've picked my own bike up more times than I'd care to admit.
And for the record, I've picked my own bike up more times than I'd care to admit.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 13,402
Likes: 941
From: Illinois
I shoot it to put it out of it's misery and go get another one. Oh! Wait! that's my horse. Come to think of it I would do that with the cycle also. Don't like to fix things. Just get another one.
Ride a Buell. Flat rear tire just lay it on the side and plug it, air it up and be on your way. Still need to remove the tire same thing onto the side, remove the axle with the tool included in the kit. Slip it off. Easy because there is an idler pulley on the belt and when the tire moves forward the belt comes off. When reinstalling the wheel centers itself no adjusting needed. Eric Buell is a great engineer. To bad Harley just didn't get it.
Ride a Buell. Flat rear tire just lay it on the side and plug it, air it up and be on your way. Still need to remove the tire same thing onto the side, remove the axle with the tool included in the kit. Slip it off. Easy because there is an idler pulley on the belt and when the tire moves forward the belt comes off. When reinstalling the wheel centers itself no adjusting needed. Eric Buell is a great engineer. To bad Harley just didn't get it.
Last edited by lh4x4; Aug 8, 2010 at 07:01 PM.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 6,975
Likes: 12
From: NJ
Heard of some riders having success with fixaflat. Wouldn't have worked for us when the wife's rear went out on a roadtrip. Tube was shredded.
Certainly not something I'd count on. AAA RVplus did the job for us and fortunately we got to a dealer just in time for them to fix it before closing hours.
If it had been after hours guess we would've had to get a room for the night. Not much different if a tranny went in your cage or something else broke on your bike.
Yes, it would be nice if I had the $$ to get cast wheels for our softails. But as I said lot of other things can happen to your bike that'll still put you down for the night.
Just gotta roll with the punches and refuse to let it ruin your trip.
Certainly not something I'd count on. AAA RVplus did the job for us and fortunately we got to a dealer just in time for them to fix it before closing hours.
If it had been after hours guess we would've had to get a room for the night. Not much different if a tranny went in your cage or something else broke on your bike.
Yes, it would be nice if I had the $$ to get cast wheels for our softails. But as I said lot of other things can happen to your bike that'll still put you down for the night.
Just gotta roll with the punches and refuse to let it ruin your trip.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 2,836
Likes: 1
From: 2000 Softail FXST
I've changed tires in my garage and there's no way in hell I'm changing one on the side of the highway... cell phone city...
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 19,974
Likes: 6,071
From: Florida
Well, I prolly shouldn't say this 'cause I DO believe in jinxing myself, but aside from a flat on my rear tire the first week I owned my very first bike, in the fall of '72, I have not,45 bikes & 16 Harleys, & 39 years later, ever had a flat on a bike. By I DO carry a can of Fix-a-Flat with me. Also, never broke a guitar string either onstage or off, after almost 50 years of playing,but I still carry spare strings on a gig.