Flat Tire Repair??
Road Captain
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 569
Likes: 7
From: Massachusetts
I picked up a nail in my rear tire, lucky enough to make it to my indy. He didn't want to plug it, but if I had insisted he would have patched and pluged it. It sucked to buy a tire with only 5000mi on the bike, but he said why take a chance with it. There's only 2 wheels and on the road running 60 if it lets go, it wouldn't be good.
Road Master
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 902
Likes: 0
From: Michigan/Florida
This is what I use. I fixed a tire using this. Ran until it wore out. When I replaced it I took the old (plugged) tire home and tried to get the plug out. I almost had to destroy the tire to get it out
http://www.stopngo.com/products/Pock...ess-Tires.html
http://www.stopngo.com/products/Pock...ess-Tires.html
Road Warrior
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 1,853
Likes: 21
From: central florida
ive been a tire man for 50 years. i have never had a "PROPERLY PLUGGED" tire with a problem. plugged my frt tire.
Road Captain
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 695
Likes: 3
From: Kingwood, TX
This is what I use. I fixed a tire using this. Ran until it wore out. When I replaced it I took the old (plugged) tire home and tried to get the plug out. I almost had to destroy the tire to get it out
http://www.stopngo.com/products/Pock...ess-Tires.html
http://www.stopngo.com/products/Pock...ess-Tires.html
I've been in the tire business for 26 years now (started out in a 126 degree hell-hole recapping tires @ 18 years old, ran an over-the-road service truck, busted tires in a high volume shop, managed a store, etc, etc.) and have dealt with just about everything under the sun related to tires.
I have never seen a failure that was proven to be related to plugging or patching a tire and have never had a tire failure due to a patch or plug.
Don't patch or plug a damaged tire and you'll be fine.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 9,208
Likes: 374
From: Central Illinois, Between I-80 and I-74
Even if you elect to put a tube in you'll have the tire off the rim anyway so you should patch the hole in the tire. A patch & a tube will give you a better chance of avoiding problems later. That being said, I doubt you'll find a motorcycle dealer that will do it. Too much liability involved & they loose the sale of a tire. Good luck.
If you are going through the effort to put a tube in it spend the extra $80 (or whatever) and just replace the tire.
Me I'd put a plug in it. Most dealers, bike and tire shops won't.
Road Master
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 832
Likes: 0
From: NC foothills
Plug it and ride it , the very reason I had the dealer take off the laced wheels before delivery! I have had to plug about every rear tire and have never had a problem!
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Elite HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 4,598
Likes: 14
From: navarre ohio
people will say you cant repair a tire..they ether dont know and are repeating what they were told,or the shop wants you to pay a lot of money for another tire..of course you can patch it or put a tube inside..the same tire fits a laced rim with a tube..plugs are only for a temp fix and not a good idea on motorcycles anyway
Thanks for all the good information. I didn't mean to inspire another "plug vs don't plug" debate.
I was surprised that my dealership (Grand Junction HD) suggested putting in a tube.
I'm definitely adding a tire plugging kit to my on-board tool kit. I wouldn't have a problem running a plugged tire, but think I would put a tube in it as soon as possible just for peace-of-mind.
Anyway, it was nice to spend $30 on a tube and rim sleeve vs $200 for a new tire.
I was surprised that my dealership (Grand Junction HD) suggested putting in a tube.
I'm definitely adding a tire plugging kit to my on-board tool kit. I wouldn't have a problem running a plugged tire, but think I would put a tube in it as soon as possible just for peace-of-mind.
Anyway, it was nice to spend $30 on a tube and rim sleeve vs $200 for a new tire.