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Tire Plug

Timman's picture
Tue, 2008-09-02 06:47 — Timman

Got a flat in my rear tire this weekend, it was a piece off a nail about 3/4" long. I got the tire plug kit out of my ATV repair kit and plugged it, and ever thing seems to be ok, it has been holding air for two days and I but 200Km on it yesterday and today. There are no bubbles when I spray soap and water on it. The bike is only 10 weeks old but I have 9000Km on it, the tire still looks new, and my question, Can I expect to continue to use this tire until the tread life is done? Or should I plan on getting a new one? I am a little nerves now about taking it on a long trip. Does anyone have any experience on this?

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Sat, 2008-09-06 07:33 — Timman

replaced tire

TIMMANFROMNBCANADA
I went out today and purchased a new tire, reg. $198 for $123 on sale from the good dealer 100 miles away, then stopped and Canadian Tire and bought a hydraulic bike stand went home and with in a hour I had the tire off the bike. It’s not a big job after all, and next time I could have it off it 15 minutes. Thanks again! TIMMAN

Fri, 2008-09-05 02:56 — MORG_kw

Plugged tire

It seems to be a commonly shared thought within the biking circles that plugging a tire is fine, if that plug is within the tread of the tire, but only to the point of getting the person home safely so that they can sometime soon thereafter replace it. It's generally believed that the cost of a new tire is a very cheap price to pay for the added safety it will provide, versus continuing to ride on that tire should there be an issue having to do with the tire failing as a result of plugging it. I personally have always followed these same guidelines. (personal opinion, but one that is shared by many)

Morg

Thu, 2008-09-04 22:21 — Philthy McNasty

Opinion

To me, depending on the size of the object removed (small nail/screw vs 1" bolt) or the size hole it made, along with it's location geographically on the tire (close to the sidewall vs the center) how old the tire is mileage-wise, how thick is my wallet/pocketbook - would be factors on replacing it. If there is someone available who is trustworthy and it's a newer tire (or "tyre" I believe you call it) and it's not on or near the side wall, I'll have it unmounted and patched on the inside with a flat patch. Course I'm not racing, it's not a sport bike, I'm not taking a cross country trip, and rarely go out of cell phone range. And I've Scr#D up enough in my life to believe something is out there looking out for me, cause I'm still ALIVE. It may be different for you up there.
Your Decision
And now the lectures can begin on safety.
Roll me away

Wed, 2008-09-03 06:55 — Timman

TIMMANFROMNBCANADA Thanks a

TIMMANFROMNBCANADA
Thanks a lot for all the input, I read it all, Sorry Scott about your friends:( I also talked to a couple of people today at work, and most agree to have the tire replaced, which I had in mind to do anyway, the thought of a plug in one of my tires would always be bugging me. What I hate the most about the whole thing is having to deal with my local "dealer" again. And the next one is 100 miles away. I hate being charged big money by an outfit that doesn't even have a license mechanic, also their almost always is a two week waiting list to get in, I am going to spent tomorrow looking around other places to see if it can be done elsewhere. Here in the great white north we only have another month of driving left, and I was hopping to get at least one more weekend road trip in before the cold weather hits. Thanks again! Tim.

Tue, 2008-09-02 13:09 — 1300Hack

For what it's worth...

I would definitely suggest replacement of said tire. I had 2 friends die on Saturday afternoon in a motorcycle accident. Cause: their rear tire blew out at highway speed and they subsequently went into a guardrail. They were gone on the scene. I'm not saying this was the problem with their tire, but I am saying this: I wouldn't trust my life with something I already know is both not completely right, and something I am completely dependent upon to keep the shiny side up, if you know what I mean. Please, be as safe as you can, spend the money and get a new tire.

Scott

Tue, 2008-09-02 08:23 — drag79stang

Everything I"ve ever heard

Everything I"ve ever heard about 'repairing' motorcycle tires is basically saying 'replace the tire'.
Personally I haven't had a 'flat', or nail in anything yet (knock on wood), but I"ve seen quite a few motorcycles alongside the road with flat tires. (one up in the middle of nowhere in canada 2 weeks ago).

I wouldn't WISH that on anyone.

For sheer peace of mind I'd be replacing the tire with a new one. (if econimically feasible).
Safety first.
My .002

Tue, 2008-09-02 08:23 — BoomerSooner

Hi Timman, There has been

Hi Timman,

There has been some discussion about patching before. You may find these posts of interest:

http://1300tourer.com/node/1026
http://1300tourer.com/node/1572
http://1300tourer.com/node/2140

Boomer Sooner
Potestatem obscuri lateris nescis