Plugging A Tire?

[Sven]

OK, it seems like it was just a couple weeks ago that Landy had his question about plugging a tire, but I have to ask again.

Tonight while prepping for a run over to ARK on Sunday, I see a small nail in my back tire.  THe tire is a Pilot Road with about 2,000 miles on it, so it still looks new.  The nail is right in middle of the tread area, pretty mush straight in, and when I wiggle it, I hear hissing, so I shove it back in.

Since I had to order this tire, if I go to the dealer tomorrow, and buy another tire, I will be stuck with whatever they have on hand, not what I wanted.

I do a lot of commuting and my weekend riding is backroads touring.  I'm not a real sport rider, no track days and don't challenge the curves.

So, knowing all that:

1)  Am I OK to plug it and try to get some more milage out of the tire?

2)  If I plug it, do I need to go the MC shop (12 miles away) or would the tire shop across the street from my apartment do just as good a job?

Whatever I do, I need to do it first thing in the morning, so your quick thoughts would be appreciated.

I wonder how long I've ridden with that nail in?

[PeteSC]

Here's the most recent thread....
http://forums.banditalley.net/viewtopic.php?t=2171

My understanding is, most bike shops won't repair a tubeless tire.

[Sven]

With some searching, I found the Dunlop MC tire site which sez:

Some punctures in motorcycle tires may be repaired.  Dunlop recommends only permanent plug-patch repairs of small (maximum 1/4-inch diameter) tread area punctures from within the dismounted tire by a qualified tire repair shop or motorcycle dealer. Never perform an exterior repair and never use an inner tube as a substitute for a proper repair. Speed should not exceed 50 mph for the first 24 hours after repair and the repaired tire should never be used over 75 mph. Check inflation pressure after tire cools for at least three (3) hours following run-in, or sooner if air loss is suspected.

That 75 MPH number is 80MPH on a different page on the same site.  The two links are http://www.dunlopmotorcycle.com/infocenter_tiretips.asp?id=30 and http://www.dunlopmotorcycle.com/infocenter_tiretips.asp?id=13#tip

Based on this as guidance from a manufacturer, I would feel comfortable getting a patch, at least for the near term, but finding someone to do it on Saturday might be a bitch.

[Sven]

BTW, thanks for the link to the previous thread.  I had searched on "plug" rather than "patch".

[billybandit]

I plugged my new tyre after I got a screw right in the middle, and it was fine for the rest of its life (a good 6000 miles). The warning on the packet is something like "Not for use over 30mph" but thats just to cover their own arses if something does go wrong. Totally safe, and will save you plenty of money

[Mongo]

I keep a plug kit under the saddle in case of emergency, I have not had to use it yet but a friend of mine had the misfortune to find a cotter pin in his tire while on the 405. The nice thing with these kits is they come with a refill system to get aired up and down the road. He rode with that plug in his tire for a couple thousand miles with no issues before stepping up to the Michelin Pilots. I also keep a plug kit in the toolbox at home and have used them more times than I like to think about on the cars and never had any problems.

[Sven]

Well, here's how it played out:  Took the bike in this AM to the shop, had them put a new tire on the back (they only had one in my size, so I took it) and had them patch the "old" tire (old being only one month and 1200 miles on it) which I will put back on when the new one wears out, which won't be too long, it's a softer sport tire.

Mongo, I do want to start carrying a tire plugger for emergencies...the kit you have looks complete, what brand is it?

Billy, thanks for the testimonial about patches being usable.

We head out to Mountain View tomorrow, in the rain. I guess the group that was out there this weekend will have decamped, but as they sing down in the bunker, "Make your own kind of music!"

[Mongo]

Mongo, I do want to start carrying a tire plugger for emergencies...the kit you have looks complete, what brand is it?

Sven,

I've witnessed these plugs survive 130 mph with the front tire looking at the stars and 160 mph speed passes on my buddies turbo ZRX 1200. So I would say it is safe to say I would back them. The company is called Genuine Innovations. You can take any ones opinion but until you see the product in service you can accept any ones BS.

Mongo

[turbo-bob]

I'd have to agree with Mongo - Plugs can be put in and run safely.

But, if your not comfortable with it, then once the plug gets you home

have it patched !


FYI.......I have seen hot patches fail also !

[turbo-bob]

Mongo, I do want to start carrying a tire plugger for emergencies...the kit you have looks complete, what brand is it?

Sven,

I've witnessed these plugs survive 130 mph with the front tire looking at the stars and 160 mph speed passes on my buddies turbo ZRX 1200. So I would say it is safe to say I would back them. The company is called Genuine Innovations. You can take any ones opinion but until you see the product in service you can accept any ones BS.

Mongo

Mongo - Nice Ride  

[turbo-bob]

Mongo, I do want to start carrying a tire plugger for emergencies

Hmmmmm. Is it eayser to carry a truck !!

[Landry]

FWIW, I'm still running with my plug in the rear.  I'm not doing the corners like I usually do . . . lately, I've been just enjoying the ride.

I AM ready for this tire to wear out, so I can return to my normal riding style, don't get me wrong.  I'm probably looking at another 1500 miles before this tire wears out.  Dammit.

I have safely speed tested the plug to 100 a couple of times.

. . . in the appropriate, safe environment, of course (yeah, right).