There have been a lot of threads on HD forums about fixing roadside flats and I think I have read just about all of them. I tend to ride by myself on some pretty lonely highways, and I have been concerned about getting in a jam if I got a flat with my tubed tires. In many areas around here, there isn't even cell phone service.

I ride on spoked wheels, and there is a debate about whether or not tubed tires can be fixed with Slime, but I decided to buy a Slime motorcycle kit anyway, since there isn't any alternative. I returned from a 170 mile ride recently and when I rode into my garage and shut off the bike, I could hear air hissing from the rear tire of my Road King. There was a construction nail in it that I must have picked up very close to home. I decided it was a good time to test the system and see if I could repair my flat with only items that I carry on my bike.

I pulled out the Slime kit, read the directions, and hooked the lead from the compressor to my battery tender lead. Nothing. I'm still not sure why, but I couldn't get it to function. Pulled out the alligator clip lead supplied with the kit, removed my seat, and hooked the clips to the battery. Compressor worked. I replaced my seat with the leads on, because I knew I would have to ride the bike and probably add more air.

Removed the saddlebag, removed valve core, and hooked Slime bottle up to the valve stem. The filler tube is VERY short, and it is difficult to connect it, especially with hot exhaust pipes and brake rotor. I got *most* of the Slime in, there were about two ounces left. Replaced the valve stem and attempted to inflate the tire. Nothing. The air was leaking out faster than the compressor could fill.

I unhooked the compressor and rode the bike - very carefully - about 20 feet to rotate the tire. Hooked up the compressor again, and the tire started holding air. I got it up to 40 lbs, unhooked the compressor, and rode about 1/2 mile very slowly. Checked the air again and it was down to 30 lbs. Filled it up again, and rode some more. Here I cheated - it was such a hassle connecting the compressor and unhooking it to check tire pressure, burning the crap out of myself, etc. that I finally got my Accu-Gauge out of the garage and hooked it to the tire, then hooked the compressor to the Accu-Gauge.

I went through this cycle one more time before I got the tire to start holding at 40 lbs. The tire has been stable for quite awhile now, and I am planning to ride it to the shop to get a new tube.

I am going to find a long piece of plastic tubing to replace the filler tube that came with the Slime, and I will start carrying my Accu-Gauge on the bike. Also on my list is an extra valve stem. I kept thinking how screwed I would be if I dropped that valve stem in the weeds by the side of a highway. The whole exercise was a PITA, but do-able. Bottom line, I still want to get cast wheels and tubeless tires, but this system gives me some peace of mind until I save up enough coin.

 

Do Not forget to inform your tire guy what is in the tire when you go to replace it.
Otherwise he/she may not be so friendly when you come to get your stuff
Good Read.
Thanks,
Rob

 

check your inline fuse in the battery tender lead. Only a 3a in there and the compressor takes it out. I replaced mine with a 10a I think because that is what I had in the garage. No problem now.

 

Just carry a 3 dollar plug kit and a small 12 volt compressor or hand pump with you, been doing this for 35 years. I would never use slime in a tire and take a chance of ruining it. besides a plug is a solid fix until you can break it down and patch the tire if possible.

 

Were you using regular Slime, or the Slime for tube tires?

Slime for tube tires: http://www.slime.com/product_82_Tube_Sealant.html

I've been carrying Slime tube for a while, and hoping for the best. Haven't had to try it yet.

JR

 

Thank you for the real world exp. As that is my greatest fear (second anyway)
is being on the side of the road alone!! I have bought a set of RG 08 cast wheel
and Elite 3 waiting to be installed on my RKC. I will get a longer insertion tube and
the a second valve seat/stim. Also check on the TUBE SLIME????Tenn.Vol.

 

Get rid of those wire wheels and get a plug kit!!!!
Especially on a touring bike! IMO, spokes are a PITA.

I carry a plug kit with CO2 and also a slime compressor. I want every chance I can get at repairing a flat on the road and getting home instead of calling a tow truck and having a lousy day.

 

The new Slime washes right out with water, why would he be mad?

Pete

 

Yes, this is exactly what it was. Thanks for the info, that is one more detail I will take care of.

 

I didn't realize that there are 2 different types JRB. The bottle in the kit simply said "motorcycle" on it. I'll buy a replacement bottle of the tube specific type.