Rear tire nail and "Ride On" update

[Brian]

Okay guys I took your advice and pulled the nail. First the dang thing slipped right out the needle nose pliers and shot somewhere in the garage. The Ride On came out of the hole just like in the video but it never stopped or slowed the leak.Tire pressure zero now. So Ride On does not work in a hole the size of a finish nail? If the weather is better here on Sunday I might fill it up and take a short ride before I plug it.  We'll see what happens.

[Bighead]

Why chance it? Replace it!

[PAVALKER]

Could be the hole size is too small for the fibers to block it up.  I had a similar issue and had to ream the hole out on the nail puncture I had, and I put a plug in it. 

With as much tread as you have left and where the hole is at.... I'd plug it and ride it without giving it a second thought.  But, if you opt to replace it.... I might just take it off your hands for the price of shipping.   That is a rear tire correct?

[hubcapsc]

Could be the hole size is too small for the fibers to block it up.  I had a similar issue and had to ream the hole out on the nail puncture I had, and I put a plug in it. 

With as much tread as you have left and where the hole is at.... I'd plug it and ride it without giving it a second thought.  But, if you opt to replace it.... I might just take it off your hands for the price of shipping.   That is a rear tire correct?

I had the tiniest of (nail?) holes in a new tire a couple of years ago. The hole was
so little it was hard to find, leaked down over a day or so... the "tire exchange" process
was real fresh on my mind, and I didn't look forward to taking it off and
patching it from the inside, so I put in some RideOn. That was my first experience
with RideOn... it is designed, I think, to get you home, not as a repair. But that
tire never leaked again 



-Mike "I think RideOn likes small holes..."

EDIT: here's what RideOn sez, though...

Q. I pulled a tiny staple out of my tire, but it still leaks?

A. In case that the puncturing object is too small (staple, needle, etc.), enlarging the hole with a tire awl will aid in Ride-On sealing the hole. For Ride-On to work effectively, the solid particulates inside the sealant need to be able to enter the wound from inside to the outside. If the hole is too small, the liquid may flow in the hole but the solid fibers will get stuck inside the tire casing (think of it like spagetti or rice in a colander - the water will drain but the spagettin/rice will stay inside the collander).

http://www.ride-on.com/technical.html

 

[Brian]

Could be the hole size is too small for the fibers to block it up.  I had a similar issue and had to ream the hole out on the nail puncture I had, and I put a plug in it. 

With as much tread as you have left and where the hole is at.... I'd plug it and ride it without giving it a second thought.  But, if you opt to replace it.... I might just take it off your hands for the price of shipping.   That is a rear tire correct?

Yes sir, rear tire. It will no doubt get the string plug on Sunday. Wreathes Across America event today.

[Brian]

Could be the hole size is too small for the fibers to block it up.  I had a similar issue and had to ream the hole out on the nail puncture I had, and I put a plug in it. 

With as much tread as you have left and where the hole is at.... I'd plug it and ride it without giving it a second thought.  But, if you opt to replace it.... I might just take it off your hands for the price of shipping.   That is a rear tire correct?

I had the tiniest of (nail?) holes in a new tire a couple of years ago. The hole was
so little it was hard to find, leaked down over a day or so... the "tire exchange" process
was real fresh on my mind, and I didn't look forward to taking it off and
patching it from the inside, so I put in some RideOn. That was my first experience
with RideOn... it is designed, I think, to get you home, not as a repair. But that
tire never leaked again 



-Mike "I think RideOn likes small holes..."

EDIT: here's what RideOn sez, though...

Q. I pulled a tiny staple out of my tire, but it still leaks?

A. In case that the puncturing object is too small (staple, needle, etc.), enlarging the hole with a tire awl will aid in Ride-On sealing the hole. For Ride-On to work effectively, the solid particulates inside the sealant need to be able to enter the wound from inside to the outside. If the hole is too small, the liquid may flow in the hole but the solid fibers will get stuck inside the tire casing (think of it like spagetti or rice in a colander - the water will drain but the spagettin/rice will stay inside the collander).

http://www.ride-on.com/technical.html

 

I need to ream the hole anyway for the string plug. The ride on did help to keep the air in the tire so I guess it worked to me get home and some extra riding till I noticed it being low and checked. Me bad for not checking pressure more often. I don't do a lot of highway traveling two up especially. We have a lot of construction taking place where I work right now. I see more nails in my future. UGH! This will be my fourth MC tire that got nailed or screwed. I am thinking about asking my local bike shop where I bought this tire if they can patch it on the inside. Too much tread to throw it away and not sure if I want to chance depending on the "ride on" if I did get it to seal.

[Oss]

yep hole too small it wont seal  I made the same mistake once not enlarging the hole, I only found the hole using the windex/soapy water bottle

the trick is getting the tire filled with air before riding  a mile or so to seat the ride on in the hole

I filled to 50 lbs before quickly jumping onto the bike and riding to seal the hole  The air was whooshing out quickly   Do you have at least 12 oz of ride on in the tire

it was at 25lb by the time the tire stopped leaking air (that was on the beemer with the run flat tire)

I did string plug the next hole and when the tread got to the wear bars replaced the tire

[Brian]

yep hole too small it wont seal  I made the same mistake once not enlarging the hole, I only found the hole using the windex/soapy water bottle

the trick is getting the tire filled with air before riding  a mile or so to seat the ride on in the hole

I filled to 50 lbs before quickly jumping onto the bike and riding to seal the hole  The air was whooshing out quickly   Do you have at least 12 oz of ride on in the tire

it was at 25lb by the time the tire stopped leaking air (that was on the beemer with the run flat tire)

I did string plug the next hole and when the tread got to the wear bars replaced the tire

Yes and maybe a little more. I am going to try the same thing tomorrow when the rain is gone. I can do a one mile loop to get back home just to see what happens before I plug it. I will use an awl first to enlarge the hole a little bit before the tire plug rasp/reamer. Thanks,

[Oss]

dont make hole too big 

I recall, check the site, it will only seal up to 1/4 inch so make the hole like  1/8 or a little bigger

[Kunkies]

Agree with BigHead, this is a two wheel vehicle; replace the tire.  Why risk it?   

[Brian]

Agree with BigHead, this is a two wheel vehicle; replace the tire.  Why risk it?   

I've already started to price new. Looking at the taxi tire or the American Elite. I at least need to plug it for now. We have not had that great of riding weather here this winter as you know. I will be doing my winter maintenance soon anyway and the rear wheel be off then.

[R J]

I never added goopy stuff in my tires.   I saw what it did to the wheels on our service bikes, CHP.      They were right on to add any kind of self repairing of tires.     We didn't have time to have a bike down due to a flat tire so the front office thought.

Then we started getting wheel (rim) leakage.    Took a wheel off, took the tire off and not only did it have a dozen nails and crap in it, the repair stuff had ate small holes in the rim itself.    Those holes the fast repair as we called it failed.

From then on we either had a tube in spoke wheels or nothing in the other wheels.      I'd say I probably only had a dozen or less flat tires on the bike assigned to me.     We went in some hellish places to pick up thorns, nails, piece of bone and whatever else ya can think of in my tires.

Knock on wood; I don't ever recall being hauled in for a flat on duty.    Had gone out several mornings to go on duty and had a flat tire.    Left the key in the ignition, called in to go on duty with the Cruiser and told them to go to my house pick up the motor and repair the tire.

We used string plugs, mushroom plugs and etc in the repair.      I don't recall one of those repairs ever failing.

I plugged many tires on MGM before I put the mud flap on the front to deflect those items from the rear tire.

I'll use them if needed.    I'll also take a tire off, put a flattop plug in it, trim the outside of the stem, mount it, balance it and put it back on the bike till it hits the wear marks.

[Ricky-D]

Would you post a picture of your mud flap?

I've often though about installing one on my bike.

Mixed emotions about drilling holes in my fender.

Are you really convinced of the value?

Thanks.

***

[Highbinder]

I was a dealer for Ride-On years ago, toured the plant and met with the owners, who gave me the full demo...no doubt about it, the stuff works and doesn't damage the rims at all...Oss is right on how it works, if you just pull the nail out sitting in the garage, it will leak air, you must inflate the tire, get on the bike, have someone pull the nail out and ride away, as long as the hole is in the contact area it will seal...the centrifugal force and the air leaking out of the hole with place the compound in the hole and seal it, something like hair plugging your drain in your tub... ...I have seen it plug tube type tire also..

[Brian]

I was a dealer for Ride-On years ago, toured the plant and met with the owners, who gave me the full demo...no doubt about it, the stuff works and doesn't damage the rims at all...Oss is right on how it works, if you just pull the nail out sitting in the garage, it will leak air, you must inflate the tire, get on the bike, have someone pull the nail out and ride away, as long as the hole is in the contact area it will seal...the centrifugal force and the air leaking out of the hole with place the compound in the hole and seal it, something like hair plugging your drain in your tub... ...I have seen it plug tube type tire also..

Okay, I'll fill it with air today and take off for a short quick ride to see if it seals it. If it does seal it, is this product meant to be there till the tire is replaced without using a plug of some type?

[Highbinder]

The answer to your question is yes, hence the name ride on... ....the only problem that might occur is that this product is made to work in it's contained environment, meaning if you have a continued leak and keep adding air to it, it will start to dry out and no longer work...I don't mean adding a pound or two, this will occur when continually adding a lot of air each time...after you ride it to seal, check the air pressure, if it needs a few lbs. bring it back up to the pressure you ride at, then check it again later to see if it sealed, if not go ahead and plug it or replace..good luck..

[Westsider]

Would you post a picture of your mud flap?

I've often though about installing one on my bike.

Mixed emotions about drilling holes in my fender.

Are you really convinced of the value?

Thanks.

***

A full face shield, one used for grinding and buffing metal has the perfect conture of the front fender, I attached one with 2 inch wide commercial grade Velcro , attached correctly i.e. cleaning mating surface, cutting the Velcro to form , (nest), in the fender and on the shield is the key for its longevity, mines been on for 3 yrs. now and I just make sure its still tight  on pre ride walk arounds, and washings. Finish the shield as you like/ paint /stickers/?? keeps the engine clean, no drilling needed....

[R J]

Would you post a picture of your mud flap?

I've often though about installing one on my bike.

Mixed emotions about drilling holes in my fender.

Are you really convinced of the value?

Thanks.

***

I'm looking for a picture, but right now I can't find one that has a good shot at the mud flap.

The flap is a rubber one from J&P Cycles.    If ya remember the old Harley Davidson Cruisers, that is what it looks like.

http://www.jpcycles.com/search/search?Ntt=fender+mud+flap&N=28012733&Ntk=All

I have a plain one like Part Number: 7110316

Everyday Low Price: $9.99

 

[Tropic traveler]

Would you post a picture of your mud flap?

I've often though about installing one on my bike.

Mixed emotions about drilling holes in my fender.

Are you really convinced of the value?

Thanks.

***

I have had 5 rear only flats on my Valks & Rocket 3 since I have been riding. Two of the 5 flats came with the front flap on the front fender. All were nails or screws that were able to be plugged but I always replaced the tire as soon as possible.
My conclusion is the front flap idea keeping you from getting a flat is busted. 

Real results on multiple bikes.

[vanagon40]

I will repeat my advice to remove the tire and patch it from the inside rather than enlarging the hole.  But then you likely will have to dump and replace the RideOn in the tire (not that it seems to be working for you anyway).

[hubcapsc]

I will repeat my advice to remove the tire and patch it from the inside rather than enlarging the hole.  But then you likely will have to dump and replace the RideOn in the tire (not that it seems to be working for you anyway).

I think patching a tire from the inside is a good way to fix a hole.

Should work on a tire with RideOn in it, too... but ugh... what a goopy mess
to clean up. RideOn collects on the inside in the tread area... looks like
vomit.

-Mike "bleggh..."

[Brian]

I will repeat my advice to remove the tire and patch it from the inside rather than enlarging the hole.  But then you likely will have to dump and replace the RideOn in the tire (not that it seems to be working for you anyway).

Yep, might just patch it. It's time for winter drive line PM anyway. I am going to try to call Ride On tomorrow anyway just to hear what they have to say. Thanks.

[justintyper]

if you are going the patch route id suggest a patch plug. mainly because you get the best of both worlds and it keep moisture away from the steel belts (assuming its a radial)

[Brian]

Yep, radial E3.
Bike shop will not patch it officially. Unofficial is to plug it with the stringy type. They told me what local tire shop will patch it.They do not recommend the rubber mushroom plugs, they have seen these fail. They actually suggest getting the commercial stringy plugs that are orange. I did not know there was such a thing as all I ever saw were the black type. When I checked the Ride On website their application calculator states that 15 ounces  be used in this tire size with 19 being the most. Correct me if I misread it.

 It's going to warm up this Sunday into the 70's so I might try adding 4 more ounces seeing that I lost some and take it out again. Hopefully the weather man is wrong and it won't rain like they are predicting. We'll see.

FYI, I have e-mail out to the Ride On folks. I might call them this week. Their videos sure are convincing.

[b1rks]

plugged and Tubed Tire.  Still running on it. It was a new Dunlop  I was not happy to have a flat on a tire a few months old. No issues but I think I will replace with a new Dunny in the Spring. Expensive but I will allways be consious of plug. And my wife rides on Bike allot.

[229857]

Just returned from US129 'The Dragon'. When I returned home and tried to roll off my trailer I found the rear tire down. Right up on the lift, I found a 16p double headed nail buried in a tread groove. HOW does that happen?

Reamed and Plugged the hole since it was in the tread groove and off rolling center. Holding pressure. Ride On.

[98valk]

Would you post a picture of your mud flap?

I've often though about installing one on my bike.

Mixed emotions about drilling holes in my fender.

Are you really convinced of the value?

Thanks.

***

back on the old board some were using a 3M marine glue. I'll see if I can find the post I printed back then.

[Bonzo]

Don't Leave Home Without It! With the CO2 inflator!
http://pashnit.com/product/stopngo.html

[Bighead]

Just returned from US129 'The Dragon'. When I returned home and tried to roll off my trailer I found the rear tire down. Right up on the lift, I found a 16p double headed nail buried in a tread groove. HOW does that happen?

Reamed and Plugged the hole since it was in the tread groove and off rolling center. Holding pressure. Ride On.

Do you ride a black and red standard with aftermarket bags and Trunk? The reason I ask I was at the store at deals gap Saturday and saw on to the right of the store that had 30+k on the odo but never saw anyone around it. I was gonna make nice and talk to whoever it was but didn't see anyone near it

[229857]

Nope, not me! Mine is very unique.