Flat Tire!!! Now what???
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Flat Tire!!! Now what???
Well what a way toruin a perfect day! I was on the highway on my way home and I get a flat! I know where the problem occurred, but I kept an eye on it as I made my way home about 15 miles away. While on the highway, about 2 miles from home, I began to wobble. Keeping the bike upright, I was able to pull into a gas station and add some more air so i could continue to limp home. Thankfully, i was able to make it. After inspecting the tire, I didnt find anything that punctured the tire, however i think i found the small hole that is the problem. Anyway, whats next?
The bike is sitting in my garage. After speaking to a neighbor, he informed me that the nearest harly dealer is about 30 miles away. He told me there is a shop that specializes in motorcycle tires that I could take it to. What would be the best way to deal with this. Should I remove the tire and take it, or take the whole bike. I've never removed a wheel, so how hard is it. I would need a jack (which i do not have) so this presents another problem.
By the way, the bike is a 2006 883 sportster Custom. The bike has a spoke front wheel.
The bike is sitting in my garage. After speaking to a neighbor, he informed me that the nearest harly dealer is about 30 miles away. He told me there is a shop that specializes in motorcycle tires that I could take it to. What would be the best way to deal with this. Should I remove the tire and take it, or take the whole bike. I've never removed a wheel, so how hard is it. I would need a jack (which i do not have) so this presents another problem.
By the way, the bike is a 2006 883 sportster Custom. The bike has a spoke front wheel.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2006
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RE: Flat Tire!!! Now what???
Since you mention, the front wheel, I assume it is on the front. If so, you likely just need to put a new tube in unless you damaged the tire by riding on it flat.
Personally, I'd use now as an excuse to buy an inexpensive lift, pull the wheel, and take it to get the tube replaced. The amount you save on labor will offset a good portion of the cost of the lift.
If you don't want to buy a lift, you can always make one like this to use to get the job done.
http://www.sportster.org/tech/rickko-lift/
Personally, I'd use now as an excuse to buy an inexpensive lift, pull the wheel, and take it to get the tube replaced. The amount you save on labor will offset a good portion of the cost of the lift.
If you don't want to buy a lift, you can always make one like this to use to get the job done.
http://www.sportster.org/tech/rickko-lift/
Club Member
Joined: Feb 2007
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From: Boynton Beach, FloriDuh
RE: Flat Tire!!! Now what???
First, if you are mechanically inclined and have some tools, the front wheel is easy to remove. Even though you don't have a jack, this is an opportunity to get one for free since you will save enough money by removing the wheel yourself vs towing the bike to the dealer and then paying them to remove it. Go to Sears and buy the Red Jack, about $89 if they are not on sale, then carry the wheel in for repair. If you have an Indy shop they will likely be cheaper than the dealer. My indy charged $20 plus the tube for a flat fix when I had a wire spoke front wheel.
Road Master
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 1,073
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RE: Flat Tire!!! Now what???
Some people will tell you it's OK to plug a tire, some will tell you it's a bad idea.
My honest opinion is to replace front tires and not plug them. The front end end is too sensitive to chance it. If it's the rear tire, I'd consider plugging it, depending on the condition of the tire.
As for getting it worked on, you'll save some a decent amount of money by pulling the wheel off the bike and taking that in for a new tire / plug rather than having the shop pull the wheel - plus a single wheel is much easier to carry than the whole bike [8D]
My honest opinion is to replace front tires and not plug them. The front end end is too sensitive to chance it. If it's the rear tire, I'd consider plugging it, depending on the condition of the tire.
As for getting it worked on, you'll save some a decent amount of money by pulling the wheel off the bike and taking that in for a new tire / plug rather than having the shop pull the wheel - plus a single wheel is much easier to carry than the whole bike [8D]
Stage III
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 3
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RE: Flat Tire!!! Now what???
Now would be great time to get yourself a manual & a jack. You'll find the jack useful, even for cleaning. It's well worth the investment.
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Club Member
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 16,320
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From: Boynton Beach, FloriDuh
RE: Flat Tire!!! Now what???
ORIGINAL: Bacon_Grease
Some people will tell you it's OK to plug a tire, some will tell you it's a bad idea.
My honest opinion is to replace front tires and not plug them. The front end end is too sensitive to chance it. If it's the rear tire, I'd consider plugging it, depending on the condition of the tire.
As for getting it worked on, you'll save some a decent amount of money by pulling the wheel off the bike and taking that in for a new tire / plug rather than having the shop pull the wheel - plus a single wheel is much easier to carry than the whole bike [8D]
Some people will tell you it's OK to plug a tire, some will tell you it's a bad idea.
My honest opinion is to replace front tires and not plug them. The front end end is too sensitive to chance it. If it's the rear tire, I'd consider plugging it, depending on the condition of the tire.
As for getting it worked on, you'll save some a decent amount of money by pulling the wheel off the bike and taking that in for a new tire / plug rather than having the shop pull the wheel - plus a single wheel is much easier to carry than the whole bike [8D]
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From: Fugitive from justice
RE: Flat Tire!!! Now what???
Most are thinking it was his front wheel and it is a spoke wheel....trust me, most holes in spoked wheels are an immediate and total flat where you don't limp home....The air leaks from the tube and out thru 40 or more spoke holes and goes flat almost instantly, then the tube usuallyneeds replaced rather than patched cause it gets damaged/torn.
Friend, if it's a front tire, call a friend to help you lift the bike to where you can prop the frame up on a sturdy support that will kepp the front up off the ground, then use you head and figure out how to pull the front wheel......if you can't lift the bike high nuff, then also pull front fender......If it's a rear tire, then do the same but make sure the lift the back up much higher so you can roll the tire straight out to the rear.
Either front or rear wheel removal/replacement requires certain special procedures that insure brakes/belt are properly reinstalled and axles too....so do an internet search and follow instructions.
Friend, if it's a front tire, call a friend to help you lift the bike to where you can prop the frame up on a sturdy support that will kepp the front up off the ground, then use you head and figure out how to pull the front wheel......if you can't lift the bike high nuff, then also pull front fender......If it's a rear tire, then do the same but make sure the lift the back up much higher so you can roll the tire straight out to the rear.
Either front or rear wheel removal/replacement requires certain special procedures that insure brakes/belt are properly reinstalled and axles too....so do an internet search and follow instructions.
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RE: Flat Tire!!! Now what???
THanks for all the posts guys. As you all assumed, it is a wire spoked FRONT wheel. Sorry I didnt mention that before. I didn't realize jacks were that cheap. I will plan to go to Sears and check them out and pull the wheel myself. As far as doing the job myself, is there anything I need to know. I haven't checked the manual or internet searched yet, but I assume you just loosen the nut and pull the axel and wheel off. Is this correct? Once again, thanks!