Question for Ride-on users

[Hef]

Have two Harley rider friends who recently went to Ride-on for their tires and love it. Convinced me to give it a try. I ordered 3 eight ounce bottles for a total of 24 ounces. For my Valkyrie, chart calls for 9 in front tire and 11 in back. Wondered if I could put 11 in front and 13 in rear? Any current user running the 11/13 combination?

[Valker]

I run one full bottle in each tire on the Valk and the ST1300. Always have, and I go through a lot of tires.

[Memor86]

it wont harm if you use a it more of what is specified. unless you abuse of it 

[MarkT]

I buy the ATV compound which is about $20 for a quart.  I typically buy a gallon of it at a time.  It doesn't spoil.  Balances just as well for 63¢ per ounce rather than $2/oz. It's a marketing thing.  I've done this for years and go thru a lot of tires.  I typically put 11oz approx front and 16 rear.  I think that's approx to their table for "extreme use" or some words to that effect.  Never been stopped by a flat since, and the wheels are always balanced.  I also install the stuff using air pressure.  Much faster.

[98valk]

on the ride on site, they state use higher amount for balancing effect.
it was  there at one time, might still be.

I use Quad-boss, there are other names also and colors, all of it is pretty much made by two companies. just be careful not to use the formula for construction tires, it will not plug smaller holes.

[hubcapsc]

It's a marketing thing.

You think? I don't think so.

-Mike "use motorcycle specific RideOn..."

[98valk]

It's a marketing thing.

You think? I don't think so.

-Mike "use motorcycle specific RideOn..."

http://www.ultraseal.com/pages/aboutus.html

http://permasealtire.com/about

http://www.americansealants.com/pages/about.htm

https://www.berrymanproducts.com/products/tire-sealant/

http://multiseal.us/about-us/

and many more out there......

[MarkT]

It's a marketing thing.

You think? I don't think so.

-Mike "use motorcycle specific RideOn..."

I don't care what you think.  This has been working for me for many years on many motorcycle tires.  If you want to pay over 3 X as much for the same product, go for it.  I have done a close comparison of bike vs ATV and saw no significant difference in viscosity.  Might be a slight difference in the plugging material.  The reason I buy it is for balance and that certainly works.  And I have had no flats since I began using the ATV formula - and stopped a leak that a plug/patch would not seal.  I won't be baited into this argument again.  Go aheasd and waste your money.  But don't mislead others. The fact is, they have to lower the cost to get ATV users to buy the quantities they need - but bikers have more money than a teenager on an ATV and need less compound to seal it - I have been in marketing for many decades and if this was my product I would likely do the same thing. It's business.  I'm done with this thread.

[hubcapsc]

I don't care what you think. 

That's harder than I'd slam a door.

None the less, "t's a marketing thing." is merely what
you think, not a fact.

-Mike

[MarkT]

I don't care what you think.  

That's harder than I'd slam a door.

None the less, "t's a marketing thing." is merely what
you think, not a fact.

-Mike

You contradicted me, I came back in the same tone.  My comments are heavily backed up by experience; not my first day at the rodeo.  I get to use opinion occasionally, just like everyone.  And with lots of marketing school and experience, (as well as schooling and experience in engineering discipline) that's what I'm seeing - and what I would do in their shoes to move the product.  Of course backed up by some "scientific" testing.  However I did my own testing and concluded what I did - and my usage / experience backs me up.  I'm not going to subscribe to their claim and pay 3 times as much unnecessarily.  I'm not offended by their claim, it's business.  But I take it with more than a grain of salt.  Part of being a whitehaired experienced curmudgeon if you like - separating the wheat from the chaff.

Damn.  I said I was done with this thread.  See ya get old and forget.

[Fazer]

I have only owned two bikes in the last four years and have used Ride On in both, according to the chart.  No problems, and the wheels seem balanced.  I like MarkT's recommendation about the quad use material and will try next time.  I think what he says makes sense and I have found him to me knowledgeable about these bikes.

[hubcapsc]

You contradicted me, I came back in the same tone.

You didn't seem at all thin skinned when I met you and shook your
hand at InZane this year.

All Ride-On products are distinctly different formulas
         http://www.ride-on.com/technical.html

I've used RideOn for years. If I thought they were lying scum,
I would avoid them like the plague...

-Mike

[MarkT]

You contradicted me, I came back in the same tone.

You didn't seem at all thin skinned when I met you and shook your
hand at InZane this year.

All Ride-On products are distinctly different formulas
         http://www.ride-on.com/technical.html

I've used RideOn for years. If I thought they were lying scum,
I would avoid them like the plague...

-Mike

Seems like you are putting anger in here, more than I'm intending.  Guess I shoulda used smileys.  I didn't say they are lying scum.  Merely using marketing techniques.  I use their products and have for years also.  Not gonna pay a higher rate for it w/o believing that's necessary.  I buy plenty of their stuff, just at the ATV price rate.  And "thin-skinned" doesn't apply to me either.

I'd say do what you want to - whatever you're comfortable with.  If the tire puncturing protection is important to you, and you think the compound formula varies enough to affect it's efficacy, then it's obvious to me you should pay the extra money for the bike-specific stuff.  Puncture protection is not important to me.  In a quarter million miles, I have twice had a tire fail on the road, and this was before I started with Ride-On.  Actually both times were close, one 3 miles away and the other 14 miles, from home.  One of them I did a string repair and was running again in 15 minutes, while the other was a 3/16 hole from a bolt or something, the Ride-On would not have helped.  Had to get the trailer. I repaired that tire BTW, and rode it to it's wear bars. Both tires were back motorcycle tires. Pretty sure car tires are more robust against punctures - and I'm on ATT back tires now. I use Ride-On for the balancing function, and the puncture protection is a bonus to me.  And for sure, the ATV formula balances my tires.  Better than I can with a static balancer & weights.

Hope to see you in Montana next year - sounds like that's where I-17 will be.  We will probably be camping again, what with Clint's pop-up now.  Makes it more of an adventure, if not quite as sociable as staying at HQ.

[Hef]

Appreciate the replies. Did an on line chat with Ride-on Rep. He said I could use the 11/13 without any problem. As for the disagreement between Mark and Hubcap, I respect both sides and openly state that I don't know who is right but I believe if Mark tried it and it worked, I can see not paying a higher price. As we all know we have various views on several issues (oil, tires, etc) but we all share the same views about riding. Thanks again guys. Ride safe.

[Fazer]

Bringing this back up because I just had first hand experience with Ride-on and anyone using may be interested. 

I picked up a 6 x 1/2 sheet metal screw in front tire that was not noticed until 250 miles from home.  Thinking no problem, the Ride-on must have worked, until I checked the tire pressure.  I had filled to 40psi prior to leaving on trip and when I checked, was down to 15.  WTF??  Ride-on is supposed to prevent, right?  Well I re-aired to 40 and the next morning was flat.  Fortunately I had the Stop n Go tire plugger, the mushroom shaped type, that plugged the tire perfectly.

Ride-on did not work for me.  I followed the directions as to quantity and procedure when I installed.

[98valk]

Bringing this back up because I just had first hand experience with Ride-on and anyone using may be interested. 

I picked up a 6 x 1/2 sheet metal screw in front tire that was not noticed until 250 miles from home.  Thinking no problem, the Ride-on must have worked, until I checked the tire pressure.  I had filled to 40psi prior to leaving on trip and when I checked, was down to 15.  WTF??  Ride-on is supposed to prevent, right?  Well I re-aired to 40 and the next morning was flat.  Fortunately I had the Stop n Go tire plugger, the mushroom shaped type, that plugged the tire perfectly.

Ride-on did not work for me.  I followed the directions as to quantity and procedure when I installed.

I think they have a procedure for a hole/flat in case it doesn't seal right away on their site.

[hubcapsc]

On their site, they talk about what to do if an object (and they cover screws
specifically) gets in your tire:  http://www.ride-on.com/motorcycle-formula-mot.html

It filled a pin-hole leak for me once, that's the only fix it ever did for me
that I know of...

Did you unscrew the screw? I'm not sure how they think you are supposed to
know that you picked up a screw or a nail right away, but they want you to
remove it pretty quickly...

If you read the "What Should You Do if You Find a Nail or a Screw in Your Tire?"
section of their web page, let us know what you think about it vs your
experience...

-Mike

[Fazer]

On their site, they talk about what to do if an object (and they cover screws
specifically) gets in your tire:  http://www.ride-on.com/motorcycle-formula-mot.html

It filled a pin-hole leak for me once, that's the only fix it ever did for me
that I know of...

Did you unscrew the screw? I'm not sure how they think you are supposed to
know that you picked up a screw or a nail right away, but they want you to
remove it pretty quickly...

If you read the "What Should You Do if You Find a Nail or a Screw in Your Tire?"
section of their web page, let us know what you think about it vs your
experience...

-Mike

Well, no I did not follow that procedure.  What they say makes sense, so maybe not the fault of the product, but of yours truly.  It seems a little counter-intuitive to remove the object and immediately ride 2-3 miles to warm the tires.   When I backed the screw out with a phillips head, air came out at a rapid rate.  Now the tire was cold so if I had inflated it, removed the screw and then rode a couple of miles, it may have worked. 

All in all, I feel much better with the plug, although I know they are not fool proof, but so far is working fine.  I always liked the way Ride-on balanced the wheels.

[hubcapsc]

All in all, I feel much better with the plug

I would too  ... I think if I got home with a screw in my tire,
I'd just be glad I got home, and probably be motivated to patch the
tire from the inside or something... I have the mushroom plug kit
in my saddlebag, I think it is another one of those things you have
to "do right"... something to do with jambing it in there and
leaving some sticking out without pulling it tight before you cut
the excess off... after talking to others at night at the motel when on
rides, I'm kind of thinking that maybe those sticky strings might
be better...

-Mike

[mrgeoff]

Hef...I have used Ride On for my 1800 VTX and also on my Valkyrie CT...I have put in a couple oz. more then what is called for...Never a problem...always balanced...no worry on flats...I feel that the extra oz. will just be a little wider coverage inside the tire...just don't over do it...!!! Also, had TPS caps on my VTX that got ruined by the sealer...but now I just use a gage to check pressure regularly...!!!

[Fazer]

Follow up--I had sent Ride On an email about my flat and received a response from Mark F. within 24 hours asking the type of questions that I would ask if it were my company.  Now I am thinking the product would have worked had I followed the procedure outlined on their web site to 1) inflate to proper psi; 2) remove screw; ride 3-4 miles to warm up tire and Ride On material; 3) check air pressure and re-inflate to proper psi.  Had I done this, I would probably be singing a different tune.

Live and learn.

[mark81]

Good follow up Greg.  My guess would be the head on the screw wiggled a little every revolution and let a bit of air out each time.  If I were in your shoes I'd feel better with a plug in the hole even if the ride on sealed it.

[Gabriel]

 If I pulled the screw out and air continued to rush out, I would not ride anywhere.
I would at least say a prayer to Joe Pesci that I made it home.

I have a question about this stuff; does it ever drip down onto the rim when the bike sits?

[The emperor has no clothes]

If I pulled the screw out and air continued to rush out, I would not ride anywhere.
I would at least say a prayer to Joe Pesci that I made it home.

I have a question about this stuff; does it ever drip down onto the rim when the bike sits?

I only used it once. But there was nothing on the rim. It was all up in the tire, but only a couple inches wide.

[davit]

I have a question about this stuff; does it ever drip down onto the rim when the bike sits?

I only used it once. But there was nothing on the rim. It was all up in the tire, but only a couple inches wide.

 That has been my experience as well.

[Gabriel]

This is the sort of thing I have read about this product.
This guy is well respected in several forums...
http://forum.cog-online.org/tires-suspension-c14/ride-on-tire-balancer-sealant/msg135411/?PHPSESSID=r9jrkuc2b8rsuc6aqnp4cktah2#msg135411

[98valk]

This is the sort of thing I have read about this product.
This guy is well respected in several forums...
http://forum.cog-online.org/tires-suspension-c14/ride-on-tire-balancer-sealant/msg135411/?PHPSESSID=r9jrkuc2b8rsuc6aqnp4cktah2#msg135411

there is nothing in the MSD that will corrode aluminum.

the wrong tire/rim lubricate caused the corrosion. I actually looked up one of the so called non-corrosive lubes and it still had small amounts of corrosive in it.
http://www.randakksblog.com/easy-method-to-ruin-your-wheels/#more-1132

[Gabriel]

Most people say it does not get on the rim so I wondered how it could corrode it?

[MarkT]

I've been using it for years.  Never seen it on the rim.  What happens apparently, is after it's first applied through the valve stem, you go for a ride and it heats up and distributes around the perimeter and balances the wheel.  When you stop it cools down and remains where it was distributed - instead of sliding down to the bottom.  I'm guessing it's like a polymer with liquid and solid properties, and becomes less viscous when it warms up.  After it's distributed it's not runny like it is in the bottle.  It's more of a viscous goo like heavy axle grease.  I always put in a bit extra than their charts call for.  e.g. 16oz in a back tire.  It covers about 2/3 of the tread down the center and stays there unless I wash it out with a hose.  Never seen it on the wheel.  And Ride-On claims it is non-corrosive to any wheel metals, and it does not void the warranties of any tire makers.  That I haven't checked.  My experience is, it balances the wheel dynamically far better than I can with a balancer.  I have had no flats since I began using it. It does not create a mess when you change a tire - you just leave it in the tire to be discarded with it.  If you plan to patch a tire - just rinse it out with a hose. I understand, it's non-toxic as well as water soluble (except the little bits of rubber in it) so you don't need a hazmat disposal method. Also, I've never had a flat on a front tire, just the rears. Except when I had a rubber valve stem failure.  I think the front tire rolls over a nail and stands it up to be caught by the rear.

[Gabriel]

Good to know;
I've had six front tire flats in the 56 years I've been riding (rode for two years without a license, you had to be 14 to get it).
Front tire flats can be exciting!
I have been using dyna beads for years with great success, except for the time I forgot to pull the weights off after installation of the beads. That's an experience you want to avoid, it was an energetic experience.
I think I might try some on my next tire replacement...  That type of stuff works great in my lawn tractor!

[mrgeoff]

Make sure a cat isn't pissing on your rims...!!!

[Gabriel]

Make sure a cat isn't pissing on your rims...!!!

I have three German Shepherds, I haven't seen a cat in years.
 My rims are safe.

[cookiedough]

Follow up--I had sent Ride On an email about my flat and received a response from Mark F. within 24 hours asking the type of questions that I would ask if it were my company.  Now I am thinking the product would have worked had I followed the procedure outlined on their web site to 1) inflate to proper psi; 2) remove screw; ride 3-4 miles to warm up tire and Ride On material; 3) check air pressure and re-inflate to proper psi.  Had I done this, I would probably be singing a different tune.

Live and learn.

one issue with this procedure though might be after removing screw, what if the air comes flying out of that hole you removed the screw from?  How you going to ride 3-4 miles on a 15-20 psi or less tire with air coming out rapidly maybe?

I carry ATV plugs and so far, luckily have not used one.  I just get those darn pinholes no major screws, etc. as of yet getting lucky have had 2 screws in cars though.

[Fazer]

Follow up--I had sent Ride On an email about my flat and received a response from Mark F. within 24 hours asking the type of questions that I would ask if it were my company.  Now I am thinking the product would have worked had I followed the procedure outlined on their web site to 1) inflate to proper psi; 2) remove screw; ride 3-4 miles to warm up tire and Ride On material; 3) check air pressure and re-inflate to proper psi.  Had I done this, I would probably be singing a different tune.

Live and learn.

one issue with this procedure though might be after removing screw, what if the air comes flying out of that hole you removed the screw from?  How you going to ride 3-4 miles on a 15-20 psi or less tire with air coming out rapidly maybe?

I carry ATV plugs and so far, luckily have not used one.  I just get those darn pinholes no major screws, etc. as of yet getting lucky have had 2 screws in cars though.

I hear ya CookieD.  I eventually did remove the screw to plug the hole and air came rushing out--but a number 6 screw is not very big, maybe 3/32, so what sounded like a lot of whooshing probably wasn't that much.  If the Ride On sealed the hole up in quick order, would have been ok.  best would have been to air up, leave the screw in, ride to warm everything up, then remove screw and see what happens.

[Brian]

Hey guys, I am not believer in Ride-On's ability to seal a small leak. I had a small nail in my rear tire just to the right of center and in a rain sipe. I did everything R/O suggested and it still did not work. I ended up using a rope type tire plug. Issue fixed! I ran that tire down almost to the wear bars.  I am not sold on this product and willing to try something else to use as sealant as well as a balancer. I must admit that using this has kept the ride smooth as the tires wear. I went darkside when replacing that rear Dunlop. I have yet to add anything in the C/T.

[Gabriel]

Hey guys, I am not believer in Ride-On's ability to seal a small leak. I had a small nail in my rear tire just to the right of center and in a rain sipe. I did everything R/O suggested and it still did not work. I ended up using a rope type tire plug. Issue fixed! I ran that tire down almost to the wear bars.  I am not sold on this product and willing to try something else to use as sealant as well as a balancer. I must admit that using this has kept the ride smooth as the tires wear. I went darkside when replacing that rear Dunlop. I have yet to add anything in the C/T.

After several reviews like this, I have decided to just carry a small compressor and a plug kit.
It looks like this stuff is hit or miss...

[MarkT]

I had a hole I plugged on a bike tire which wouldn't stop leaking. I used one of those combo patch/plugs on the inside, and it was properly installed. Made no sense to me. It tuned out the air was getting out by going in between laminations for a ways.  I added Ride-On and that fixed it.  I ran the tire down to bald.