| Author | Message | ||
     Yellow_xb9s |
I picked up a staple or something and now my rear tire has a small "puncture wound." Should I attempt to patch it or have a shop do it? Have any of you ever had to patch a motorcycle tire? thanks | ||
| Reepicheep |
It's been probably 3 rears since I have *not* patched one. The last one, a Dunlob D220, was worn down far enough that it was shedding big strips of rubber, with no problem with the patched location. I always use a professional patch inside the tire though, and look for significant carcass damage first. Staples? patch it. Nails? Patch it. bigger screws? Dunno... I found a local shop that will pull, patch, and reinstall for about $30, if I bring in the wheel off the bike, the cheapest I have seen. So there has to be a decent amount of tread left to make it worth the trouble. The Dealer may or may not do it in the first place. And it may or may not be worth it. It is not zero risk, but I have not had a problem. I would not run a tire any further then limping to the first tire store if it had an externally applied patch. | ||
| Mikej |
There has been a lot of discussion on this, some heated, some not. Should you attempt to patch it or have a shop do it? That is ultimately your personal decision. Some do fine with a tire plug installed at home or on the side of the road. Others don't and replace tires at the slightest abnormal pressure loss. Have I ever had to patch a bike tire? Yes. I own a plug gun and I know how to use it.  | ||
| Skully |
I've used plug patches installed externally to the tire many times with no issues what so ever. Proceed with caution. | ||
| Fullpower |
how about the string type puncture repair kits? i have been carrying a repair kit for many years, but have not tried the strings yet. Any one use them and have a report? thanks, dean | ||
| Nevco1 |
Ryon...I have used the patch on MC radials and never had a problem. As far as a DIY project, I am sure you can do it easily. The inverse is I would not bet my life on a plugged MC tire other than to get me to a shop where I could get a patch installed. I have nothing to base this on other than just plain opinion (read: fear). | ||
| Chainsaw |
Fullpower : I've used the string type repair kit, I also keep one on the bike. Took a nail on the original rear tire at 1000 miles. I changed the tire at 5000 miles with the plug still in it and holding. I initially let the plug sit overnight, and I checked the tire pressure twice daily for more than a week. I had zero pressure loss. YMMV | ||
| Yellow_xb9s |
Hey Guys, Thanks for all the replies. I stopped by a shop yesterday and they told me they'd charge $45 to apply an internal patch/plug combination if I bring them the wheel. They said $75 if I drop off the bike. edited by yellow_xb9s on February 13, 2004 | ||
| M2cyclone00 |
Dean, I've used the string type plugs many times. In car tires & on motorcycles. Plugged one motorcycle tire & a crazy Brit proceeded to do 170mph on it. Personally, never had a problem with one. Fortunately, neither did the brit. I've put probably 12k miles on plugged motorcycle tires in the last two years. I carry a kit in my tank bag with a small bicycle pump & another in my Jeep. | ||
| Nevco1 |
Dave...You owe us a pic of your arms after pumping up a bike tire with that bicycle thingy. I bet you would put Schwartzennegger to shame! LOL | ||
| Hondaamer |
I have ridden on patched tires, but it's always in the back of my mind on a hard sliding turn or at higher than normal speeds. For peace of mind if nothing else, I now ALWAYS install a new tire. By the way go to Pirelli's web site and get a free front Diablo if you buy a rear one. I got my tire in the mail Tuesday.}} | ||
| Chainsaw |
The pump I carry fits in the trunk of the XB9R and has a high volume / low volume switch. It takes 15 minutes or so to fill up the rear XB tire. I have also used it to top off my truck tire(31/10.50R15) from 20psi to 35 psi. http://www.rei.com/online/store/ProductDisplay?productId=676788&storeId=8000&cat alogId=40000008000&langId=-1 | ||
| Nevco1 |
Chainsaw...Thanks for the pump info. Will swing by the local REI to check it out. Does anyone else have a favorite pump they use and where is is available? Thanks for the feedback. | ||
| Bads1 |
Bill I carry one of those little pumps that come with a co2 cartridge that you buy from a pedal bike store.Carry three co2 cartridges with ya and it will do the trick.The whole unit is the size of my palm slightly larger I guess. edited by bads1 on February 14, 2004 | ||
| Nevco1 |
Ahhh...An even better solution for a Lazy Old Fart! | ||
| Nevco1 |
Now how do you folks get over the no centerstand issue on the road? I know what I did with my KLR before I put a centerstand on it, but would like to know if there is a preferred way to treat a Buell. |
