Another #@$%&* Flat
Road Master
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 902
Likes: 0
From: Michigan/Florida
I have used these with great success. I too have had a flat on a new tire. I put one of these plugs in it and rode it. After awhile I decided "why chance it" so I put on a new tire. I took the old tire home and tried to get the plug out. I almost had to destroy the tire to do it. If it happens again I will be using this style plug. Although I may take the tire off the wheel to make sure the "mushroom end is properly seated.
http://www.stopngo.com/motorcycle.asp
http://www.stopngo.com/motorcycle.asp
HDF Community Team
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 5,377
Likes: 2,574
From: NC USA
Yes, and not sure if it's federal regs, but tire shops will not repair a leak on a steering axle tire of any commercial vehicle. (trucks, buses)
The pistol type tire plugger in that above link is the same as used in many tire stores. We used them for years where I worked. And I never saw the type with the wrench turn deal, but would sure be a good thing when traveling.
I don't get to travel on the the bike as much as I would like, but I'm sure everyone who ever has, realizes that a flat will ruin your day. And there are still places where if you had a flat, it'd cost thousands to have your bike towed/hauled to a dealer for a new tire......
Road Master
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 1,117
Likes: 4
From: Log home in SE Michigan full time. Log cabin in east TN, Smoky Mountians part time
Plug it and ride on without worry. I have plugged 4 wheeler tires, off road type, and never had one pull out. Talk about stresses...those things flex like a balloon. I just plugged my BIL's 200 Avon from a flat on the road. I now carry a plug kit. That and with my HD air pump at least I'll make it to my destination if I have a flat. If your riding with me I'll bet you will take a plug over waiting for a wrecker.
Road Captain
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 629
Likes: 3
From: Mission, Texas
I always carry the plugs for a quick fix, but imho, I would replace the tire, but that's just me, to each his own. I just think of those summer days on I10W going 85 in 100 degrees and I'm not going to be thinking of a plugged tire the whole way.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 11,463
Likes: 2,990
From: Charleston, SC
//Flat - Road side
If Tire.tread >= .40%
{
Plugit = True
LeavePluginforLife = False
DrivetoHDforTirePatch = True
RunTirewithoutConcern = True
}
Elseif Tire.tread <=.40%
{
Plugit = True
LeavePluginforLife = False
DrivetoHDforTireReplacement = True
}
lp
If Tire.tread >= .40%
{
Plugit = True
LeavePluginforLife = False
DrivetoHDforTirePatch = True
RunTirewithoutConcern = True
}
Elseif Tire.tread <=.40%
{
Plugit = True
LeavePluginforLife = False
DrivetoHDforTireReplacement = True
}
lp
Thread Starter
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Cruiser
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 230
Likes: 0
From: No. Alabama
Update
Thanks for all the responses. As was mentioned in one of the replies, what I'm comfortable with will drive the ultimate decision. I pressurized the tire this morning and it took 1.5 hr to leak down 5 psi, so it is a pretty slow leak. Suspect it's a roofing nail as there are a couple of houses getting new lids on my way to work. Tried to call the local HD shop to find out if they have one in stock but the parts guy is too busy to get to the phone. Probably try the tire store where I've bought bike tires before tomorrow morning. If they have one, I'll probably replace it. If not, plug and patch if the bike tire guy will do that. Thanks again. Ride safe.
Road Master
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 1,176
Likes: 1
From: Riverview, FL
Had the samething. Slow leak that lost 20lbs everyday. Took it to Harley this weekend and they replaced the tire. I have the tire warranty so there was no charge. Lucky for me I had the tire problem with 10,000 miles on it instead of 2,000. Sometime you just win.
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Thread Starter
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Cruiser
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 230
Likes: 0
From: No. Alabama
Update
Well, it was a VERY slow leak. Took about 2 seconds to fill and pop a bubble when the tire guy put soapy water on it. No foreign objects in the hole but was probably a nail. Neither the dealer nor the tire shop would plug or patch it. So I spent $284 to replace a tire with 2738 miles on it. But I kept the tire. It seems that Dunlop will sell the 407 only to HD dealers and they are backordered into 2010 (this info from the Cycle Gear Store in Huntsville, who called Dunlop at my request). Words to the wise: If you're gonna need a tire this summer, might want to buy now. Ride safe.
Cruiser
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 248
Likes: 0
From: Saint Joseph Mo
I just picked up a screw in my rear tire that I just put on a month ago. I put on new wheels so I bought metzler tires. I called the dealer and they said they won't fix them only replace. There is no warranty on the tires thats crap no warranty on a $270 tire. Found a bike shop that sends them out to be professionally patched for 50 bucks so thats the way I think I'm going