Tire plug question

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Jul 9, 2011 | 02:22 AM

#21

*NIGHT TRAIN*

Ultimate HDF Member

Joined: Feb 2008

Posts: 7,217

Likes: 3

From: Southern Ohio

My last Dunlop 200 rear tire picked up a screw at about 2,000 miles.

Had it plugged by a guy I trust, and when I took it off it had about 15K on it, not quite to the wear bars.

Like some other guys have said, if you're going to throw away a relatively new tire, send it to me.

Jul 9, 2011 | 02:54 AM

#22

murd

Road Warrior

Joined: Jul 2008

Posts: 1,277

Likes: 1

From: Haney, British Columbia

As long as it's plugged properly, it'll last. I'd just shy away from potholes and library stairs.
The most important thing, imo, is to check the tread. While you're down there, check your brake pads too.

Jul 9, 2011 | 03:45 AM

#23

Divebuck

Novice

Joined: Jun 2011

Posts: 23

Likes: 0

From: Gulfport

Thanks guys

I did not think I would run a plug But after reading this post Im picking up a plug kit today at least to get me home

Jul 9, 2011 | 05:37 AM

#24

shortride

Ultimate HDF Member

Joined: Jun 2009

Posts: 6,932

Likes: 4

From: 46th State, USA

I put 11,000 miles on a plugged rear tire. If it's done correctly and you use a quality plug kit it will be ok.

Jul 9, 2011 | 06:13 AM

#25

Firenailer

Road Master

Joined: Oct 2010

Posts: 756

Likes: 133

From: Connecticut

I've plugged tires and finished trips with them, but I'd change it out when I got back home. A tire doesn't cost that much, why risk it?

Jul 9, 2011 | 06:49 AM

#26

Mal74

Outstanding HDF Member

Joined: Jun 2005

Posts: 2,172

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From: Clermont, GA, CSA

I've 'heard' of the DANGERS of using plugs, how they can fail, what 'might' happen, etc ..... HERE ON THIS SITE!

I've yet to see a post from anyone who has actually had one fail, or knows someone its happened to.

I've run plugs in car tires for years and never had one fail. I carry a plug kit with a CO2 inflator on my bike and won't hesitate to use it.

Jul 9, 2011 | 07:03 AM

#27

Rickl

Road Captain

Joined: Feb 2011

Posts: 670

Likes: 22

From: Umatilla, Fl

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mal74

Ever thought the reason you haven't heard from someone who had a plug fail is because they are not around to talk about it!

A plug by itself is nothing more then a temporary repair. If you utilize a combinaion plug/patch repair and it is done in the face of the tire I guess I would be more inclined to accept that.

The biggest difference to me is that on a vehicle (cage) a patched tire that fails represents 25% of the contact patch whereas on a bike it's 50%. I think it comes down to ones comfort level. If your comfortable running a tire with a plug, then go for it. Myself just coming off a 4200+ trip towing a trailer behind my bike at 80 mph I want the knowledge that when I started I had a tire that was "unmolested". Besides if I get a flat on the rear I look for the nearest passenger tire retailer as I run a passenger tire on my road bike (which is another whole thread).

Jul 9, 2011 | 07:39 AM

#28

Jonesee

Outstanding HDF Member

Joined: Sep 2006

Posts: 2,945

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From: Florida

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rickl

Ever thought the reason you haven't heard from someone who had a plug fail is because they are not around to talk about it!

WOW.. Inferring a failed plug kills ALL riders who experience a failure.
Please cite your source and footnote.

I searched **plugged motorcycle tire responsible for death** and in 4 pages found no hits. On the 5th page I found a reputable citation but that was on a Ford Explorer and tread separation was also cited. It appears to be part of the Explorer lawsuits we saw several years ago.

The truth is evidence shows they are effective and failures are not an issue. There are no NHTSA warning or investigations on using plugs in motorcycle tires. In fact, the following linked brochure from the NHTSA website mentions using a plug and does not differentiate between car and motorcycle tires: http://www.nhtsa.gov/cars/rules/tire.../brochure.html

Additionally, plugs are not required to carry written warnings on the packaging.

This information is congruent with my personal experience using plugged tires. If I am in error, please provide data supporting your position and help me learn.

Last edited by Jonesee; Jul 9, 2011 at 08:42 AM.