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I have plugged tires on my motorcycle and I have never had one fail. I carry one of these kits in my saddle bag just in case: http://www.gemplers.com/product/1509...e-Plug-Gun-Kit
I have put over 10K miles on a tire plugged with this product, finally wore the tire out. I would not throw away a tire that only had 700+ miles on it because of a nail puncture. A 1/2" gash from a piece of metal, yes, I would replace it, but a nail puncture, no.
A few years ago I had a large screw in my rear tire. It was new also.
I went to the dealer before I pried it out as I was thinking it would leak air like crazy.
Only the head and a little part of the screw (screw was broken) was in my tire and it took a quick pull and it was out.
Tire sealed around the small hole.
Tire lasted many more miles.
I drive 18 wheelers. We routinely plug and patch tires all the time. Safety is a high alert subject with the commercial vehicles.
Now Im not saying it's the same as a motorcycle tire, but it makes you wonder.
Yeah I'd never plug a bike tire....if your plugged tire on a car fails, you have 3 more. I've blown tires in cars at 70mph before and while it's a little startling it's ok...I'd really hate to find out what it feels like to blow a tire on my bike at 70mph....can't imagine it would end well.
IMO to each their own. I'd plug a tire to get it somewhere but I'd never ride on it more than I have to. I just don't trust a tire that I already know has been compromised in anyway. However, if they would install a tube in the tire as many have stated they have tubes in spoked wheels. Then I'd roll on it till the end of tire wear without any issue. Because you're no longer relying on a compromised tire to hold the air.
I had a tire with half the thread on it yet and found a small leak about 2 lbs a week, so I replaced tire then with 400 miles on new tire picked up a 1/4 in bolt, that was 2 tires in a week. gets expensive
Those plugs with patches on them ya mount from inside work really well. The string and glue type patches I don't trust at all. Tubeless tires used to generate excessive heat when used with a tube but most spoked wheels need a tube and run tubeless tires now days? Good plug + tube = belt & suspenders? New tire is what ya are supposed to do but where's the adventure in that?
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