Flat Tire. What To Do?

superaar99

superaar99

Wannabie Member
So I got a flat tire (rear) recently. Really small hole probably caused by a small nail. I started looking around to plug it or maybe put some slime in it to patch the hole. I decided to put the slime and was able to fill the tire again (tubeless). I don't trust riding around like this so I called a few tire shops to see what the can do to permanently seal the tire. None of them want to take on the liability of guaranteeing their work in case something happens to the tire, and want nothing to do with the job. I've asked some friend even one that works at the BMW service department and he told me the only safe thing to do is just buy a new one.

So what do ya'll think? every time you get a punctured tire, you just have to buy a new one?
 
The default is replace if in any doubt.

Some garages in the UK will repair a tyre on cars or bikes depending where the puncture is, it it's mid-width then they will. To the side, no chance.

There are also many who are happy to travel on the wriggly worms/plug repairs that they've done themselves, and have travelled for the remainder of the life of the tyre, but it is at your entire risk, and unless you get told your tyre is safe by a qualified fitter, you can't know.
 
Thanks, I think the safest thing to do is replace the tire. After all, I'm not the only one that uses the bike, better be safe than sorry.
 
No such problems here in India, any tyre repair guy will plug it up for Rs.100 (about 1 GBP). But most bikes here aren't very powerful (100-150cc making up most of the market), so even in the event of a flat things rarely get out of control. A replacement is considered only if the puncture persists after trying to fix it twice.

The most popular touring bike of choice here, Royal Enfield, has tube tyres so the overall cost of is much lower even in the event of a replacement.
 
I guess this is in the air.
Being a Cager in the 0 degree weather currently engulfing Maryland, I have had nails in car tires, had them plugged and still driven the hell out of them.
And before anyone says anything, yes doing 80+.
No I am not an asshole, the speed limit here on the Interstate is 65-70. So I am just keeping up. But being on 2 wheels is different. I wonder if they have insurance to replace tires punctured by nails. I know my auto ins has windshield replacement.
 
Runnin1ife said:
I guess this is in the air.
Being a Cager in the 0 degree weather currently engulfing Maryland, I have had nails in car tires, had them plugged and still driven the hell out of them.
And before anyone says anything, yes doing 80+.
No I am not an asshole, the speed limit here on the Interstate is 65-70. So I am just keeping up. But being on 2 wheels is different. I wonder if they have insurance to replace tires punctured by nails. I know my auto ins has windshield replacement.
Click to expand...

I've been a cager for the past few days too. A friend of mine that works at a BMW dealership explained to me how motorcycle tires should not be treated like car tires in these cases. Idk if he just wanted to sell me a new tire but I just played it safe. Cycle gear will sell you tire insurance in case of a puncture for around $20, so I'm definitely getting that.
 
superaar99 said:
I've been a cager for the past few days too. A friend of mine that works at a BMW dealership explained to me how motorcycle tires should not be treated like car tires in these cases. Idk if he just wanted to sell me a new tire but I just played it safe. Cycle gear will sell you tire insurance in case of a puncture for around $20, so I'm definitely getting that.
Click to expand...
I feel you. Havent had a flat tire yet. I am sure my time will come and when it does I will probably get a new tire as well.
 
My R6 is currently sitting in my garage with a flat. I'm going to plugging it because the it has a small metal shard in it. I've asked around & everyone told me that since the shard is in the groove part of the tire, that I should just plug it. I have all the equipment(pump & plug) & I'm going to be doing it today :)
 
Thanks ya'll. I guess next time it happens I'll just plug it and make sure it's done right instead of dropping $160 on a new tire.
 
While I have never had a flat on my bike I have heard over and over again that if its not the side of the tire plugs are fine. Keep in mind that most stores will try an upsell you a new tire. If you think you will feel safe plug it, if you have any doubt buy a new tire. Better to feel confidant on your bike.
 
Have to say I have plugged a tyre twice with the good old wiggle worm style plug and done over 4k miles on it with no trouble.

But also I have plugged a tyre that was a little close to the side and that deflated after about 20 miles.

Plugs are ok unless your going for the track or doing stupid speeds etc or if the hole is approaching the side of the tyre.

If you have the money though I would always replace!
 
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