Are Tire Repairs Safe?

[TheKid]

Rick, I rode home from Stearns on a flat. I didn't notice it until I stopped for a bit, just 5 miles up the road. Then, the slow leak got worse and flattened. The bike will ride home, or along the side of the expressway until you hit an exit. As it flattens, the bike will "drift" around the turns. You should not ride more than 35
mph on a complete flat.
I AM NOT TELLING ANYONE TO RIDE ON A FLAT TIRE
But I have and will, just to get more air, a plug, tire sealant or whatever it takes to keep me in the wind.
The sidewall on these tires are very strong. After home, I ordered a new tire. Not worth much after you run them low.
It is my experience that I talk about, not my advise for anyone on here to do as I do.
Rick, this would be a good time for you to learn how a bike feels when they are going flat. Do not empty the tire, but run it with 10 pounds of air, really slow around the block. Then you will have some experience of a tire going low.
Also, Please replace ASAP
This is an unsafe practice!!!!!!!
Just saying

 

[warp9.9]

Over 500 miles ago I plugged my rear tire since is was darn near new. Many years ago I did tire repair on our equipment we used at the rock crusher. Anyway I use one type of plug that just can not be cut by steal belted radials. Like below

And I do not use the glue. Never had one fail and have used multiples in larger holes. Now the internal plug but above is one of the best jnternal boot made. Worthless on the highway. And wothless if you much the bead up removing our tires and putting them back on. Remembering how easy the go on and come off

 

[Jay]

Plugging a MC tire is fine if you have plenty of tread and the hole is more than 1/2 from sidewall. Any closer and you might not have enough ply for a good repair. Buddy at work has over 10k on a plug he did last year whileriding to work on his Kawasaki Concourse. He rides every day, all conditions including snow.

Now, if the plug causes you to think about it while riding and you are distracted from riding because you worried about safety, then replace the tire. Saving the $100-$200 isn’t worth your life because the distraction can affect your ability to safely pilot your motorcycle.

 

[Idaho Red Rocket 3]

Well said Jay.

For me I like to think of a plug as a temporary get me home kind of fix. Then dismount the tire and install a good radial plug patch as a permanent fix.

 

[Navigator]

I plug them and don't think about it. I've done a few and never had an problem.

A few years ago I was talking to a Washington State Patrolman at a local diner and asked him the question about plugging and safety. He told me if they had to change a tire every time they got a flat, the bikes would be in the shop all the time. He had 6 or 8 (cannot recall exact number), in his rear tire. He showed me the repair plug they use and it was the brown sticky one that is readily available. It's what I now carry.

 

[Joesmoe]

@Navigator Mike: link ?

I use the one @warp9.9 posted, in my cars.

 

[1K9]

I carry a can of fix a flat and a small air pump in the Indian on touring trips. We do visit some remote areas. Of course just kidding about money, I know your loaded with it.

No problems brother. I can drift just fine.

 

[1K9]

Rick, I rode home from Stearns on a flat. I didn't notice it until I stopped for a bit, just 5 miles up the road. Then, the slow leak got worse and flattened. The bike will ride home, or along the side of the expressway until you hit an exit. As it flattens, the bike will "drift" around the turns. You should not ride more than 35
mph on a complete flat.
I AM NOT TELLING ANYONE TO RIDE ON A FLAT TIRE
But I have and will, just to get more air, a plug, tire sealant or whatever it takes to keep me in the wind.
The sidewall on these tires are very strong. After home, I ordered a new tire. Not worth much after you run them low.
It is my experience that I talk about, not my advise for anyone on here to do as I do.
Rick, this would be a good time for you to learn how a bike feels when they are going flat. Do not empty the tire, but run it with 10 pounds of air, really slow around the block. Then you will have some experience of a tire going low.
Also, Please replace ASAP
This is an unsafe practice!!!!!!!
Just saying

I did that on I 45 south. I knew I was going low and then flat. Had to make it home. Ran about 10 miles on what I know now to be a full flat. When the rim comes off Ill inspect the side wall for cracks. Ill probably trash. I the bead makes the take off, keep it to learn how to burn out like you said.

 

[1K9]

Over 500 miles ago I plugged my rear tire since is was darn near new. Many years ago I did tire repair on our equipment we used at the rock crusher. Anyway I use one type of plug that just can not be cut by steal belted radials. Like below

And I do not use the glue. Never had one fail and have used multiples in larger holes. Now the internal plug but above is one of the best jnternal boot made. Worthless on the highway. And wothless if you much the bead up removing our tires and putting them back on. Remembering how easy the go on and come off

I ordered the plugs without the glue. It looks easier. Glue gets hard even in a closed tube. I hope I never use it so it has to be ready if I ever do. One kit in every bike.

 

[Navigator]

@Navigator Mike: link ?

I use the one @warp9.9 posted, in my cars.

I buy them at O'O'Reilly's. I'll check the package for tge brand