Flat tire... Do I need to take it to a shop?
Thread Starter
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6th Gear
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
From: Socal
Well, I inspected the tire and it looks clean. I did not see anything stuck in the tire. I sprayed soap water and most of the air is coming out of AROUND the valve and adjacent spoke nipples around it. I am wondering if this is something that is warranty-able. I dont have a jack, so fastest fix would be to have the local dealer pick it up tomorrow. Is there another option besides a jack to remove the front wheel? I do like to work on stuff my self, but this time I'd like to get my bike back soon as possible.
Novice
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 24
Likes: 0
From: Billings Montana
If there is any doubt regarding your mechanical capabilities, just have your dealer (or indy) facilitate the repair. Make sure and have them inspect the tire for possible interior sidewall damage due to being ran with low air pressure. Better safe than sorry. D.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 21,096
Likes: 12,640
From: South Carolina
Sounds like the flat was caused by a rim leaking, not the tire..
Not very familiar with tubeless tires on spoked wheels, but I would give the dealer a call and see what they say.
Not very familiar with tubeless tires on spoked wheels, but I would give the dealer a call and see what they say.
Tourer
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 357
Likes: 2
From: NC
Well, I inspected the tire and it looks clean. I did not see anything stuck in the tire. I sprayed soap water and most of the air is coming out of AROUND the valve and adjacent spoke nipples around it. I am wondering if this is something that is warranty-able. I dont have a jack, so fastest fix would be to have the local dealer pick it up tomorrow. Is there another option besides a jack to remove the front wheel? I do like to work on stuff my self, but this time I'd like to get my bike back soon as possible.
Club Member
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 16,320
Likes: 306
From: Boynton Beach, FloriDuh
I also swapped my 21" for a 19" wheel on my narrow glide. The caliper came off at that time because it needed to be shimmed to match up the caliper position with the rotor on the new wheel, but the caliper has never needed to be removed again for subsequent tire changes.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 4,525
Likes: 8
From: Wheeling, WV
I'd say to try to get the dealer to warranty the tube and new rim protective band since you've only had the bike for two months. Fill the tire with air and ride it down there stopping to refill the tire with air as needed, or have them pick it up if your leary of riding it. The dealer will have to tighten up some of the spokes, most likely, that came loose & rubbed into the innertube.
Thread Starter
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6th Gear
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
From: Socal
Well, the dealer picked it up. They said it was a pinched tube, which I doubt, because I did not hit anything hard and they did not find any damage on the wheel. Oh well... they are not charging me anything. Its all good I guess.... Thanks guys.
Cruiser
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 108
Likes: 0
From: Florida
I also swapped my 21" for a 19" wheel on my narrow glide. The caliper came off at that time because it needed to be shimmed to match up the caliper position with the rotor on the new wheel, but the caliper has never needed to be removed again for subsequent tire changes.
I will check this pretty soon when I put on my new disk. Maybe there is space when shimmed properly. I know when put new rubber on my front 21" I had to pull the caliper then also, of course that was before the shim.
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Throwing in my 2 cents. The tube was pinched when the tire was mounted. Sounds like the tube was in a bind at the valve stem. It was not something you hit. Thats why the dealer fixed it under warrenty, unless you bought the road hazzard insurance they try to sell you. Flats can and do happen on a motorcycle.
You have tube type tires on your 48. Tire repair is not rocket science but you need to know what you are doing. The consequences of not doing it right can cause a crash. A puncture in a tube can cause a rapid deflation of the tire, not good when it happens at speed. Usually a tubeless tire has a very gradual air loss and you will notice a degradation in handling. As long as you keep it inflated (leave the object in the tire) you can limp home or plug it. I would not ride a tube type tire with a slow leak any further than I had to to get to a safe place because the tube can split and have that rapid air loss I mentioned. Thats why fix a flat is not a reliable fix for tubes.
Removing the brake caliper: Go ahead and remove two bolts and move it out of the way. It makes life easier when remounting the wheel. How many hands do you have? Hold the wheel, slide in the axle while aligning the axle with the forks, spacers and wheel. Why try to get the rotor in between the pads in the caliper at the same time?
You have tube type tires on your 48. Tire repair is not rocket science but you need to know what you are doing. The consequences of not doing it right can cause a crash. A puncture in a tube can cause a rapid deflation of the tire, not good when it happens at speed. Usually a tubeless tire has a very gradual air loss and you will notice a degradation in handling. As long as you keep it inflated (leave the object in the tire) you can limp home or plug it. I would not ride a tube type tire with a slow leak any further than I had to to get to a safe place because the tube can split and have that rapid air loss I mentioned. Thats why fix a flat is not a reliable fix for tubes.
Removing the brake caliper: Go ahead and remove two bolts and move it out of the way. It makes life easier when remounting the wheel. How many hands do you have? Hold the wheel, slide in the axle while aligning the axle with the forks, spacers and wheel. Why try to get the rotor in between the pads in the caliper at the same time?
Cruiser
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 108
Likes: 0
From: Florida
If you run the air pressure too low on the tube you could have ripped the valve stem when the tire shifted on the rim. Had it happen on a tubed rear running 2 up.
The nice thing about a tube is you can replace it yourself if you have a decent set of spoons. Just mark the rim and tire so you don't screw up the balance that much.
The nice thing about a tube is you can replace it yourself if you have a decent set of spoons. Just mark the rim and tire so you don't screw up the balance that much.