| Author | Message | ||
     Kcfirebolt |
AAAAAARRRRRRRRRRRRRRGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHHHHHH! I just picked up nails in my front and rear tires. I just had the rear tire replaced 3 weeks ago because of a nail and that one was only three weeks old too. I am on my third rear tire in six weeks and $600 poorer. (I know Shazam. You are gonna kill me for sending back to the dealership again. Reflex action I guess) Here is my question. Is there a source for motorcycle tires that provides road hazzard protection like car tires do? Should I plug the tire? I do not think that my dealership would be willing to do it, and I am not sure that I am willing to do it. I just want to know if it is done, not done, smart, stupid,ect ect. Are all Dunlop 207s the same? I look in the bike mags and they sell 207s in the right size, but they are missing the letter designations on the stock tires (FY and U). Will any tire that has the right size work and work well? Thanks for the info and thanks for letting me vent. | ||
| Mikej |
If you flatted both tires, were you by any chance in a construction zone? If so you might have a remote chance to get the construction company to pay for the replacements. Just a thought. Check in the tire section of the Knowledge Vault here for answers to your other questions. | ||
| Buelliedan |
I have rode many miles on plugged tires. Just make sure you get the mushroom style plugs, not the rope plugs. Your Firebolt comes from the factory with a special Dunlop 208. It is about 25% lighter than a normal 208 which gives better handling and feel but also costs more and doesn't wear as good. Many Firebolt guys have went to the normal 208s without any problems and say the difference is very minimal in riding feel. As for tire brands. I highly recommend the Bridgestone Battletrax tires and I used the same size as the Factory Dunlops with great success. | ||
| Anonymous |
Kc, just pluggem... I do it all the time with items from the local car store (pep boys, nationwise, etc). You will have to cut the use a bit shorter particularly if the hole is close or at the center of the rolling surface because this area get very thin with wear and will kick off the plug. You can send me all the tires you wish to discard because of a single nail hole. I'll be glad to pay the postage. In fact, I rode 3500 miles with 3 plugs but finally gave up on the tire because I got tired of filling it up. José Martinez (Jmartz), Please stop posting anonymously!  Admin | ||
| Mikej |
Some Harley dealers do sell a tire plug kit (got one at home in a box someplace). Not that that lends any support to the use of plugs. I personally consider a plug on a bike to be used to get you either home or to the next shop or to the next payday. My safety envelope goes way wide when plugged. Your mileage may vary. | ||
| Cowboy |
I do not like plugs or would I run them very far. but I have had real good luck with removing the tire and puting small vulconize patch in side the tire when the hole is made by a small nail. Have not found any problem with handling. | ||
| Kcfirebolt |
Thanks for the feedback. I knew I could count on you folks. I have found an outfit in town that will patch the tire (not plug). He says that he uses a "Tek" patch. I think it refers to the material used. I was ready to pull the trigger on this until a few moments ago. I just got off the phone with a guy I know in town who is an ex road racer. He says the tire is ruined and patching the tire is not safe. He says that he has a "race take off" he'll give me (sell me) and going this route is better. Who is right? Help! | ||
| Buelliedan |
race take offs have usually been through a severe heat cycle which causes them to get quite hard. Plus if its a race compound tire you don't want it for street use to begin with. | ||
| Rick_A |
The above advice is good. I was considering going to a race compound and after speaking to some people, unless you ride balls out everytime you ride the tire will take a very long time to heat. On top of that it will not last long. I have friends who've used the mushroom style plugs for thousands of miles and went 100+ mph daily. You do have to keep a keen eye on tire pressures, though. | ||
| Dynarider |
Have used both mushroom plugs & the standard automotive rope style when no alternative was available. No problems with either. I had a rope style plug in the rear tire of my old Virago for 2 years & never had a problem. | ||
| Dave |
Lots of miles on a mushroom plugged rear tire on my S3. I was unsure at first but it worked fine. Triple digits may have been seen riding with the SLAB...but we don't ever do that.  DAve | ||
| Ray_Maines |
Lots of miles (and MPH) on rope plugs. Works for me. YAMMV. | ||
| Tripp |
asked the same question a few months ago, it seems patches are cool with the majority, i rode 3 months with a small nail in the middle of my back tire never lost any air or had any problems, in the spring i plan on getting the best patch/plug my local tire dealer has to offer. already called them, all have to do is take the tire in and they said they'd patch it. | ||
| Kcfirebolt |
Thank you for your kind counsel gentlemen. I went to Cyclops last night and met with the guy who said he could patch it. He showed me the patch, and I believe it is one of the mushroom style patches mentioned earlier. I have decided to try it through the winter and early spring. In May, I'll go ahead and replace the tire. This way, I will get some use out of this brand new tire through the winter when I will not be riding as often or as far. Thanks for all of your input. I learned alot. Charles |
