Flat Tire - Replace or Repair ???
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Have you tried a Stop n Go tire plug? I had a tire we tried ropey plugs, pull-through from the inside mushrooms, and both a plug and a patch over it. None worked, so tried a stop-n-go plug and that worked immediately.
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Thanks for the suggestion. Yup, Stop n Go plugs are what I have, and have used successfully in the past, but not this time. Pulled a 16 penny nail (spike) out of my rear, time I reamed out the hole it was pretty big, and sadly neither of two plugs would stop the air loss. Might be able to get enough of the snotty ropes in there to plug the hole, but will probably just replace the basically new tire. Now waiting for the dealer to get a replacement. Just got the pair scrubbed in. Sigh.
Cheers, Dave
Cheers, Dave
New tyres seem te act like magnets for nails. My mechanic had a bizar hobby to keep all replaced tyres with the nail/screw sticking in the whole. I guess the collection was about 50 pcs, all rears, and most under 500 km old.
Also in our neighborhood they clean streets with a wire brush machine. At some time they got cheaper brushes and these shooted the wires into tyres of parked cars. The ones not hitting target were notorious for bikers to pick up and launch into the rear tyre. After many complaints the local government had to pay for damage. You'd think they would get rid of those bad wire brushes, but they simply moved them to the next city, and the whole play began from the start...
Also in our neighborhood they clean streets with a wire brush machine. At some time they got cheaper brushes and these shooted the wires into tyres of parked cars. The ones not hitting target were notorious for bikers to pick up and launch into the rear tyre. After many complaints the local government had to pay for damage. You'd think they would get rid of those bad wire brushes, but they simply moved them to the next city, and the whole play began from the start...
Stop n Go, snot strings and their like are really only stop-gaps to get you home or to a tyre shop. If the tyre has plenty of tread, why not have it professionally repaired - a vulcanised patch applied from the inside and has the integrity of a new tyre. About A$50 here.
Yes, many shops try to sell extra tires this way.
A vulcanized patched spot is stronger than an undamaged tire, but hey, The Netherlands is catching up with the American claim culture quickly, so common sense goes overboard
🤦🏼♂️
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Pretty much my experience, bike & tire shops in the US unwilling to patch tires due to potential litigation in case of accident, never mind the science, ecology, etc. Can't say I blame them, many of my countrymen/women/non-binaries would probably consider it hitting the lotto if they could sue a tire shop for their own driving mishap.
I'll report back if I find a shop willing to do it, but I'm not holding my breath.
Best, Dave
I'll report back if I find a shop willing to do it, but I'm not holding my breath.
Best, Dave
A biking buddy who’s a fanatical DIY-er (owns a Benelli Tornado …) does his own workshop puncture repairs using what the trade uses - cold vulcanising patches.
Burring tool to scuff up the inner face of the tyre. Rubber solution. Roller wheel to work the patch into the surface. Good as new.
Sad but true, and not only in the US...
I do the same, in fact my R1200 has a patch in it now, no problems at all.
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I found the same problem with the Road 5s on several occasions. Wouldn't hold air and a few times spat out the rope like the cement wouldn't bond. Never seen it before or since with other tyres. Great tyre although in my experience longevity wasn't great particularly on the front.
Switched back to Angel GT II and have noticed a drop in grip under hard acceleration on rough surfaces but looking forward to a bit more mileage.
Presumably that is what is known in the UK as a Mushroom Plug repair. It is the only approved repair available in the UK. External plugs, string etc is acceptable only as a short distance get you home repair – 50 mph should not be exceeded.
Sadly I’ve had more than my fair share of mushroom repairs over the years – never had any issue with such a repair.
My R1250R is currently on T32’s. Very happy with them so far.
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I’ve had 5 rear flats (4 on near new tyres). A couple were large cuts and non-repairable but sticky string and carrying a small compressor works for me. Last repair on my Guzzi with almost new rear Road 4 lasted 10,000 kays after repair. I agree vulcanised interior patch would be better
I’d say that’s fine if you don’t mind risking your life for the sake of a cheap and easy repair, not to mention your insurance company will very likely leave you high and dry if that string pops out and you have a serious accident.
I’ll use sticky string to limp home, then it is wheel off and off to a motorcycle tyre retailer for a pukka repair.
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I concur with the comments about not being able to to get US tire stores to help out with moto tires so I have been taking care of business in my own garage for years. I have a bead breaker, tire spoons, rim protectors (the newer large nylon units with 2mm foam padding added), a harbor freight static wheel balancer, a good selection of weights, patches and other repair stuff. On the road I carry tire plugs and the tools to facilitate a quick repair and a small rechargeable air compressor. It's all easy stuff and anyone can learn to do their own fitting/repairs.
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