Well I got up this morning looking forward to a great ride. Got the bike all cleaned up and noticed my back tire is 1/2 flat. Here is the deal, the tire has 600 miles on it - will the dealer plug it? or is it a new tire no matter what. I am leaning toward a new tire anyway. Do you guys think it is ok just to put air in it a ride it to the dealer or should I take advantage of the free towing? I guess if I have to get a new tire I will go back to the stock tire that is on it.

Thanks

 

Only if it is a really slow leak and a short trip would I ride on a leaker. When it comes to plugging, the cheap answer is 'dunno'. It would really have to be way in a tread to consider it for me. I had to get a new tire when I had < 50 miles on my bike (thank you road hazzard ins).

 

You can plug as a temp fix. Get a new tire.

 

With only 600 miles on the tire I would take it off, patch it from the inside and put a tube in it. You can also just use a patch and plug combination. that is what is recommended by the motor company in the case of tubless tires.

The tire cannot be repaired if it has 1/16" or less of tread, and it cannot be repaired if the puncture is greater than 1/4" with the repair being made from inside the tire.

This info is per a 2005 Harley Davidson Service Manual.

Regards,

Bill

 

I know a little [sm=offtopic.gif]

But I am a new rider and was wondering how you would handle a tire blow out while riding. Will your bike be hard to control or will be be easy to get to the side of the road?

[sm=thanx.gif]

 

Thanks for the info.

My only experience with a blown tire was when I was in 12th grade. I was riding a GS750 at the time and as I remember the back in got a side to side motion (kinda like a car would do on ice) I was only going about 40 or so. was able to get to the side but it was kinda hairy for a minute. I had a buddy that was riding with a guy that had a tire blow 2 weeks ago after a truck lost a box of roofing nails (get this - he is a roofer) anyways he was running about 65 and the back end of the bike went sidways - he was able to correct and get to the side of the rode too.

 

Had a front tire go on a 350 Honda when i was a kid...at about 40 mph....like riding on an oil slick. Got over to the side and called for my friends van. Can't imagine one lettin' go at highway speeds! Also had a flat on my Bob after less than 150 miles....big ol' nail = new tire and tube.

 

Depends on why it is low Ultra.

Did you see a nail or some other evidence of penetration by a foreign object??

Could be the shraeder valve.

Ride it to the dealer?? How far is it? Put air in and see how fast or if it leaks again.

mud

 

new tire , that is your life