| Author | Message | ||
     Widow_maker |
Last weekend, it finally got warm here in Northern KY, most of the SNOW is gone. Temps got into the low 40s so I took the bike out for a quick trip around the block. The other day I noticed that the rear tire was flat. Bad news is I ran over a nail. Tire is still basically new, bike only has 4K miles on it. I have plugged car/truck tires many a times, and never had a problem. Anyone ever do it to a bike tire. Thing that worries me is that on a bike you only have 2 tires and not 4 like on a cage. Think I should plug it, or just shut up and get a new tire put on? | ||
| Sleez |
you will get a hundred different answers... if you can afford it, put on a new tire. if not, plug it, or remove the tire and patch it, a bit safer than plugging. i have run thousands of miles on a plugged tire with no problem other than a slightly decreased level of confidence!!! but i was on a trip, and didn't have much choice. if i was on the road, away from home, i would plug if i was home, i would patch if the tire was nearly gone anyway, i would replace good luck. | ||
| Brumbear |
+1 to sleez | ||
| Ourdee |
I'd patch it from the inside, put a paint mark on the sidewall by it, then check it prior to each ride. | ||
| Ulynut |
I always plug them. Then I run them bald. Once in a great while, a plug won't hold, so I plug it again. No problems. I've even run TWO plugs in the SAME hole without a problem, but I only ran that one a couple hundred miles till I got home, then replaced it. Besides, if it goes flat on you, you just fill it up again and keep going. (Message edited by ulynut on February 27, 2010) | ||
| Gentleman_jon |
If the hole was caused by a small nail, say a four penny one, in the tread, a plug will usually work fine. If it is a monster nail in the sidewall, the tire needs to be replaced. One time I picked up a twelve penny nail, went into the tread and out the side wall. The tire collapsed in about a second. Didn't plug that sucker, that's for sure. | ||
| Etennuly |
If you get a plug kit for your motorcycle tires, get the smallest diameter plugs, installation tool, and reamer you can get. I have plugged several of mine over the years. The automotive reamer's maximum diameter(if you have a stepped one)can break too many cords causing the tire's carcass to fail. Given that, the hole still has to be large enough to pass the plug and tool into it. | ||
| Union_man |
This is what I use. They are kind of expensive but IMHO this is the best and safest method to use.  BLACKJACK TIRE REPAIR PATCH AND PLUG COMBO $10.95 for 2 BTW... Has it been anyone else'e experience that nails love new tires? I have had 3 flats caused by nails, all within the first 300 miles. | ||
| Ulynut |
I worked at a tire shop in high school. I pulled all kinds of crazy things out of tires. Once I found a big tooth, like a fang, out of some crazy looking guys tire. I gave it to him and he just gave this creepy smile. If I ever see him again, I'm running. | ||
| Iman501 |
Has it been anyone else'e experience that nails love new tires yes!!! its so annoying! my dad said that since i was the one who puts all the miles on his honda (before i had my buell) that i would be the one buying the tires for it (fair enough i guess) three days after putting new tires on it i ran over a nail! I pluged it and rode it for a long time untill another nail decided to attack my tire! then i had it patched, and it help up wonderfully! | ||
| Kalali |
New tires have a magnetic field which attracts nails. The field wears off as the tire ages... I can sell you guys a "tire demagnetizer Kit" which solves the problem. Send me a PM and I'll put you in line. They are currently all Sold Out. | ||
| Living_illusions |
I could only wish to get 300 miles out of a tire. When we purchased our first Buell, I got a nail in the tire within the first 50 miles. Fortunately we bought the protection plan, took it back to the dealer and got a new tire. Kevin | ||
| 4dwuds |
Just make sure it's done by a certified H-D tech as shown here.  | ||
| Luftkoph |
kalai pm sent. not | ||
| Stirz007 |
Yep true - the probability of picking up a nail (or in my case, either drywall or sheet metal screw) is inversely proportional to the age/wear of the tire. New tire is much more likely to pick up a nail. I have plugged for 20 years with no problems, BUT - if you are going to race or track day, you really should replace the tire as that is the severe duty condition where you really don't want a sudden loss of air. | ||
| Buellxb12r425 |
Like Sleez said before... If you can afford to replace it, replace it if not plug it I have done this many times on my other streetbike with no problems what so ever... Good luck to ya...  | ||
| Porky |
In 1981 I bought a brand new Yamaha XS1100 and on our first ride, going out to dinner, I ran over a beer bottle neck that was standing upright and jagged in the middle of the road---and I ran over it!! Rode 5 miles home at about 5 miles an hour. It was ruined. Bought a new tire. In 1967, while in the Air Force, I had a Yamaha dualsport bike and actually picked up a nail that was at least 6 inches long! A person couldn't do that if they tried! On my long tours on my bikes, I always carry plugs and a large can of seal and air, just in case! I love tubeless tires! Sam | ||
| Fahren |
I have had good luck with a rubber plug, installed with rubber cement, done at a tire store. The guy didn't charge me ("No charge, no liability," he said). The plug blended entirely with its surroundings after a short time. | ||
| Cataract2 |
4d, dude, wtf? | ||
| Pokinatcha |
I have used the stop n go tire plugger in mine a few times. They are a mushroom shape plug inserted from the outside. | ||
| 4dwuds |
Don't worry, there was 2 more on the other side to balance it all out  |
