screw in rear tire
Road Warrior
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 1,616
Likes: 17
From: Mid West
Falling back to September last year, on a ride with friends to and thru CO, got back to Emporia KS for the last night out and went to dinner, on the way into a parking lot the buddy noticed our rear tire(New ride, tire had 2600 miles) was going flat, Found the screw and left it in, air seeping from around it(spit test) saw a Auto Zone and bought can of fix a flat which I know is a no-no but we are at Emporia. Made a call to Olathe Harley to get on the list for the next day, called again in AM while on the road to confirm they could get us in, rode slower than normal stopping often to check the tire and screw, got to the dealer and had it changed, 80 sweating miles.
Tire man showed me the inside of it after the 80 miles, would not have gone much further as was starting to balloon inside.
Tire man showed me the inside of it after the 80 miles, would not have gone much further as was starting to balloon inside.
Road Warrior
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 1,988
Likes: 17
From: Between Fort Worth and Wichita Falls Texas
If you unscrewed it and put soapy water on it to check for leak and there was none, your golden. Ride the snot out of it!!!!!!
Last edited by hogcowboy; Apr 6, 2013 at 06:51 AM.
Road Master
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 901
Likes: 5
From: Springfield, MO
WHATEVER YOU DO, DON'T TAKE IT IN TO HAVE A TIRE PUT ON!
Last time I had a screw in my back tire, I went to the dealer for a tire. That led to the discovery that it needed back brake pads. While the service manager and I were discussing the brakes, I asked about having my cam tensioners upgraded to the Screamin' Eagle cam plate and tensioners. At some point in the conversation, I suggested we do cams "since we're in there." Next thing I knew, I heard myself telling him to do the Screamin' Eagle Big Bore kit to make it a 95.
Most expensive tire replacement in history.
Sure runs good, though.
Last time I had a screw in my back tire, I went to the dealer for a tire. That led to the discovery that it needed back brake pads. While the service manager and I were discussing the brakes, I asked about having my cam tensioners upgraded to the Screamin' Eagle cam plate and tensioners. At some point in the conversation, I suggested we do cams "since we're in there." Next thing I knew, I heard myself telling him to do the Screamin' Eagle Big Bore kit to make it a 95.
Most expensive tire replacement in history.
Sure runs good, though.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 4,928
Likes: 69
From: Near Myrtle Beach, SC
I wouldn't hesitate to ride around with a plug in my tire. I know a youngster that works in a Jap bike dealership as a tech and he changes brand new tires all the time with minor nails or screws from people who get freaked out by them. After their removed they fight over who gets to keep em and they resell them to people who know that it's no big deal.
I keep one of these in my saddlebag:
I keep one of these in my saddlebag:
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 17,548
Likes: 7,214
From: Oxford, Nc
And if it's a rear tire repair, with umbrella plugs it's a permanent repair IMO.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 2,464
Likes: 4
From: On. Canada
I like those plugs much better then the strings. Thinking about adding a tube of rubber cement to the kit....
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 5,282
Likes: 2
From: Northwestern Nevada
I wouldn't hesitate to ride around with a plug in my tire. I know a youngster that works in a Jap bike dealership as a tech and he changes brand new tires all the time with minor nails or screws from people who get freaked out by them. After their removed they fight over who gets to keep em and they resell them to people who know that it's no big deal.
I keep one of these in my saddlebag:
I keep one of these in my saddlebag:
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Tourer
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 427
Likes: 1
From: Hot Springs, AR
I think the OP said it was an RKC, which would have tube type tires. I found a self tapping sheet metal screw in the rear of my RKC and I debated whether to unscrew it or ride to the dealer for a new tire. Then I realized that since I had a tube the screw must not have made a puncture because the tire would be flat if it did.
AFAIK a plug repair kit does you no good if you have tube type tires. It worries me a little and I've thought about switching to cast wheels just so I might have some emergency repair options on the road.
AFAIK a plug repair kit does you no good if you have tube type tires. It worries me a little and I've thought about switching to cast wheels just so I might have some emergency repair options on the road.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 2,464
Likes: 4
From: On. Canada
Get a flat on a tube'ed tire and you're waiting for a truck to come pick you up! Not much fun if you're away from home. Big wast of time. I have no issue with plugs. They work for me. I used them before and they never leaked.
Last edited by Pete6114; Apr 6, 2013 at 12:13 PM.