Flat Tires

[novatz]

Four flats in two years. Read a few links regarding plugs - it appears folks are in fact plugging a tire on a short term basis (I had been previously told to never plug a bike tire).

A few options suggest the Dynaplug appears to be the quickest, easiest to use - enough to get you home.

Recommended ?

BTW - last tire, rear. Wanted to replace with like kind Dunlop Elite 4 and was told - on about October 1 - that the earliest to get would be around 11/1 and that was even somewhat of a wish. Opted instead for a Bridgestone that was readily available. Don't like riding with two different makes due to differences in compounds that grab differently but I am 82 so I'm not exactly doing curves at 75. Tire also slightly bigger (9mm in total) so it added about 1/4". Doesn't sound like much but at 5'5" I didn't need to add any height.

[novatz]

Forgot to ask - if plugging, what are you using for a small portable air compressor?

[tamathumper]

I use sticky ropes - Slime kit and Slime compressor. I change out the little tube of glue every few years, or immediately if it's been used.

[LK1LK1]

Thinking of plugging a tire on a Wing? There are a number of good products out there, and I've found the "rope" type of tire plug to be the best for a TEMPORARY plug. Such as, when you're in town or in your own Garage. Or, ideally, very near a tire shop to purchase a new tire.

But, "out there" on the road and Winging along at highway speed with a plugged tire is like expecting to win at a Las Vegas slot machine. A real gamble.

Bottom line: If you can avoid a tire plug, then just avoid it for overall safety.

[Rambozo]

I've used Dynaplugs for years. They have always worked fine for me. I like that they are much closer in size to your typical nail or screw puncture, so you don't have to massively enlarge the hole, just to get a rope type plug in. Everything stores in the handle, so it's easy to keep tucked away.

[AZgl1800]

I'm not fond of the rope plugs,
you have to make the damage much worse in the tire,
just to get the rope pushed thru.

if the hole in in the tread area, I will DynaPlug it and wear the tire out, before I replace it with a new one.

they are too damned expensive, and dynaplugs rarely ever leak, don't think I have heard of one leaking

[ptilford]

"Dynaplug" is the best system I have ever used. They sell a kit that has the unique, self-contained items for a complete fix. Mini-compressor, battery clips, plug tool and the easiest plug inserts you will find.
It comes in a zip pouch and easily stores. I carry mine in a side bag everywhere I ride.
Good rides !

[jsmithrmga]

I agree on the Dynaplugs. I've used them on my bike and ridden with them until I had to change the tire due to wear. In fact, I got a leak on my Tundra near the sidewall, and I used a Dynaplug on it; stopped it cold! Great product.

[blupupher]

Rear tire, I have just plugged it (rope style plug) and kept riding till I need a new tire (if the hole is in the center 2/3 of the tread).

Front tire, so far I have not had to deal with it, but when it happens, I plan to plug it (again rope style) till I get home, then will reassess (keep riding as is, replace rope plug with an internal patch plug, or replace tire).

But what do I know, I am just some idiot on the internet.
I do know that all tire manufacturers, large national tire shops, and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration all say that plug only (regardless of type) or patch only kit are not an appropriate repair option, only a plug with an internal patch is acceptable.
But again, I am one that also runs a car tire on a motorcycle, so apparently I am not the smartest person in the world.

[Missourimike]

If anyone has ever read the directions on the use of a tire "plug", you will have seen that it says they are a TEMPORARY fix, not a permanent fix. Meaning, you use it to get you to where you can get a proper fix, such as a "patch" on the inside. If the hole is large, like what was done to my Tundra yesterday(it was a BOLT, not a screw), then a patch with a built in plug is used to fill the large hole in the tire. Yes you can patch the inside of a motorcycle tire, just like a car's tire, and it will be absolutely safe. Now, keep in mind, we are talking tubeless tires, here, not tires WITH tubes. For those, the tube gets it's own patch and the tire itself might be needing a patch for itself also, if the hole is large, like a bolt!

[Rambozo]

It's only flat on the bottom.

[ptilford]

FYI for all, I have never dealt with any motorcycle dealer or repair shop that will "patch" a motorcycle tire. They refuse citing liability issues. Make your choice wisely.

Similar thread...Valve Stems, NEW every time with a tire change. I mention this because a dealer mounted a new tire for me and did not change the old valve stem!!! Riding toward Payson, AZ I came about a foot from riding off into the rocks and bushes as I suddenly could not hold my line on a curve. For a second I couldn't understand how I had forgotten how to ride my wing?
Luckily I controlled this issue after crossing two full lanes and not intended by me. I limped, low speed, up to Sunflower towing just a short distance away. I used some liquid cleaner to spray and leak check; I couldn't locate the problem. Then I decided to check the valve stems. The front stem showed no leak...until I put a little side pressure to it and 'bubbles galore'.
A 50 mile tow truck ride latter and a missed multi-state trip and I was back at the dealer. I was mad as hell but the service manager blew me off saying they only changed the stems, 'as needed'! I was stunned and never returned.
I learned later that his answer was BS, someone missed finishing their job.
Beware and check all the work done while replacing tires; don't for get to check the valve stems!

Good Rides

[Rambozo]

The old push in rubber stems, should always be replaced with the tires. However, the modern all metal stems with O-ring seals typically can stay, along with the TPMS stems that are often a higher cost than the tire. Those typically last the life of the battery, 5 to 10 years plus.

[ptilford]

Rambozo, I absolutely agree. I later added to both wheels, the metal 'T' stems where you can add/subtract air and monitor as you wish.
I had no balance issues, they required less pressure adjusting (leaked less air), and were less susceptible to damage; win, win.
A good friend died as a result of having low pressure in his bike tire and the wife was also riding and died a few weeks later.
MORAL: This was preventable if they had a TPMS (factory or add-on) as both give you instant notification!!!

PAY ATTENTION TO YOUR TIRES, PRESSURE, ALTITUDE CHANGES, TEMPERATURE CHANGES AND LOADING!!!

BE CAREFUL MY FRIENDS.

Good Rides

[LK1LK1]

In full agreement with "ptilford" on this valve stem topic. A leaking valve stem can (and has) put motorcyclists alongside the road or left them dead on the road. If you can wiggle that stem, then you have a potential disaster. I installed the 90-degree (bolt tightening) metal stem, front and rear, when my tires were changed. The dealership didn't want to install new stems at all, mistakenly believing the old rubber stems looked good and would continue to perform well. Nope. Tire work, or new tire install, requires new stems regardless of the appearance of the existing stems.

[Wildwilly018]

The summer before last I picked up a drywall screw in back tire with 3000 kms on it. I put a plug in to get my bike 3hr back home from our trailer. Sure I thought about it all the way since I have never put a plug in before, but it was fine. I did put on a new tire. One with plug is still in my garage. Plug looked good inside.

[joecoolsuncle]

I'm not fond of the rope plugs,
you have to make the damage much worse in the tire,
just to get the rope pushed thru.

if the hole in in the tread area, I will DynaPlug it and wear the tire out, before I replace it with a new one.

they are too damned expensive, and dynaplugs rarely ever leak, don't think I have heard of one leaking

i am with you on that. after all, a new tire is only a temporary repair too! got a nail in your tire, buy a new tire, get a nail in new tire, buy a tire. lol
if a new tire gets a hole and leaks pressure while riding, isnt that the same as a plugged tire leaking pressure while riding?