What's the Best Flat Tire Fix?

[Marty_in_MN]

Hello:

Story:

I installed brand new Avons on my I/S at the start of this season, and haven't ridden more than 500 miles on them. I don't know why I checked the tire pressures before riding this past weekend, but oddly, I found the rear not having much, if any in it. First thing that came to mind was a rim leak, since the tires are so new. I topped off both tires, forgot about it, and rode a little bit this weekend, then parked my I/S in the garage. Well, I came home from work today and found the rear flat. Not sure if it's a rim leak or not, since I'm too PO'd to look at the thing right now. I'm a "glass half-empty" type, so I'm expecting a nail or something similar stuck in it.

Questions:

1. What have you used successfully to fix a rear flat on your Valkyrie over the years?

2. Did you need to remove the tire/wheel assembly from your bike to fix the tire properely?

3. Did you find one flat fix better than others?

4. Any concerns (safety, succes rate, longevity of the repair) regarding repairing the flat with any of the methods you've used?

I have a Walmart flat fixxer. The type that uses a tar-coated cord that you shove into the hole and trim off. They've worked pretty good for me on my cars, but I thought that I'd get your expert opinions before I decide and dive into that method of fixing it.

If the tire was worn out, or nearly worn out, it would be a no brainer and I'd install a new one, but it's nearly new. What pisser!

Thanks in advance.

Marty

[bigdog99]

if its a nail, you can plug it,,,, but i wouldnt take it on a trip. the best way to fix a hole is have it patched from inside. 

[Oss]

I would look at that 90 degree valve in the tire If the original kind you also need the clip or you can lose air quickly

do you replace them when you get a new tire  There are some great ones out there someone will post the link I am sure  Here is one to start you off http://www.motorcycleanchor.com/tire_valves/index.htm

I use the ride-on.com stuff  its not slime and safe for the aluminum

[sandy]

I've used the Stop-N-Go Tire plugger. Last summer I towed my tent trailer over 2K miles with a plug in it. Hit 90 MPH with the trailer a few times. Never lost any air. Maybe I got lucky, maybe not.

[Misfit]

If you use a stem patch you will be fine.

[F6Dave]

I use the cheap sticky string plugs you buy at Wal Mart or any auto parts store.  I've used them dozens of times, on my Valks as well as my trucks.  I've driven on them for at least 100K miles, and the worst problem I've had is that two of them developed a very slow leak.

[R J]

Hello:


Questions:

1. What have you used successfully to fix a rear flat on your Valkyrie over the years?

1st ya find out why it is leaking.   Then ya figure out what ya is doin to do next.

[NITRO]

Last summer I found a huge screw in my rear tire the night before leaving on a 3K mile trip. We (MP, Alph, and I) plugged it with the string type plug. I rode the first 2K miles without losing any air. Before heading back to WI (from WV), I added three pounds just in case. I had no problems until Oct/Nov. With the colder weather I would lose about 10 psi/week.

This spring I had an inner patch put in at a GoodYear place. The bike was totaled shortly thereafter, but I had zero problems with the tire. It had about 7K miles on it since getting the screw.

[BigMac (SoCal)]

Same thing happened to me yesterday.Tire has 2000 miles on it. I used the string type patch. I used them before and rode over 8000 miles without any abnormal air loss. If I rode 2 up I would most likely replace the tire. If you not comfortable with them I would have the tire patch done from the inside.

Dave

[hueco]

I have used a plug out on the road. When I got home I took the tire off and had a "rat tail" or plug patch put on. It plugs and patches from the inside. Did not lose any air at all after that.

[greggh]

Ride-On tire sealant works really well!!

[Hoser]

Let him find the leak, first, it could be a valve stem.  40 yrs ridin and never had a flat on the road.  Had one overnight in the garage once.  It was the stock valve stem, rubber cracked.  Always use all metal now.(patchboy)  Hoser

[Jay]

My buddy had a similar problem with his front tire.  Turned out to be the valve stem.  I replaced it with an all metal 90 degree stem.

[Mildew]

Use a radial plug. I've used them in everything without problems. I have had one of those cheaper brownish color plastic ones pop back out though.

[tbone]

 I 2nd the Valve stem. Just had 2 new tires put on, I did not think to ask them to put on new stems. Had the bike in the garage for a week after new tread and took for a spin. little mushy so I stopped and found 18lbs of air in the rear. Did not find the leak until I pushed on the stem. just my 2 cents. Hope you find the cause.

[Hef]

If you don't see something in the tire I would say it is the valve stem. This is more common than you might think. If it is the valve stem, does anyone know if it is possible to change it without removing the wheel? I saw on a GW tech board years ago that a guy claimed he put his GW on a lift to get the back tire off the ground, then used a clamp-type bead breaker to loosen from the rim. Was then able to push the side of the tire over and get into change the valve stem. If possible it sounds like it would be very difficult to do.

[roboto65]

If it is the valve stem, does anyone know if it is possible to change it without removing the wheel?

It is not hard to change it out with a few C Clamps I forgot yeah CRS anyway forgot to bring the stem when I went darkside so we told him not to seat the bead and we put it on when we got back. We as in the crew at Wizards Darkside session 

[gordonv]

I'll play the devil's advocate for a second. Had this discussion in another forum.

Looked on the Dunlop web site, and the recommendation is NEVER to us a tempory fix on a MC tire. Which basicly means to me, replace rather than repair. I don't have the link, but would recommend anyone who hasn't yet, to look over their web site with regards to tires. Some VERY interesting reading.

Now with that done, I have a patched tire, and I carry an air compressor and a tire repair kit at all times, so I'll never be stuck with a flat tire again. I want to use the balancing beads, so won't use the ride-on, but am looking at those never flat tires.

I would look at that 90 degree valve in the tire If the original kind you also need the clip or you can lose air quickly

do you replace them when you get a new tire  There are some great ones out there someone will post the link I am sure  Here is one to start you off http://www.motorcycleanchor.com/tire_valves/index.htm

I use the ride-on.com stuff  its not slime and safe for the aluminum

Oss, I think you posted this link earlier in the year and I bought a pair from them. Wasn't sure if they would clear the caliper or not if mounted at 90' to the rim, have you used them yourself and know the answer to that? The widow of the owner wasn't sure, and I'm waiting to get back to her when I finally go Darkside and mount the steam then, of how they work on a Valkyrie, as they mentioned problems with some GW.

[Misfit]

I'll play the devil's advocate for a second. Had this discussion in another forum.

Looked on the Dunlop web site, and the recommendation is NEVER to us a tempory fix on a MC tire. Which basicly means to me, replace rather than repair. I don't have the link, but would recommend anyone who hasn't yet, to look over their web site with regards to tires. Some VERY interesting reading.

Now with that done, I have a patched tire, and I carry an air compressor and a tire repair kit at all times, so I'll never be stuck with a flat tire again. I want to use the balancing beads, so won't use the ride-on, but am looking at those never flat tires.

I would look at that 90 degree valve in the tire If the original kind you also need the clip or you can lose air quickly

do you replace them when you get a new tire  There are some great ones out there someone will post the link I am sure  Here is one to start you off http://www.motorcycleanchor.com/tire_valves/index.htm

I use the ride-on.com stuff  its not slime and safe for the aluminum

Oss, I think you posted this link earlier in the year and I bought a pair from them. Wasn't sure if they would clear the caliper or not if mounted at 90' to the rim, have you used them yourself and know the answer to that? The widow of the owner wasn't sure, and I'm waiting to get back to her when I finally go Darkside and mount the steam then, of how they work on a Valkyrie, as they mentioned problems with some GW.

Keep in mind that Dunlop sells tires and would just as soon sell you a new tire for every ride. Also a stem patch is NOT a temporary fix. Unless the hole is huge plug it to get to a place for a permanant fix.

[John U.]

Quote
If it is the valve stem, does anyone know if it is possible to change it without removing the wheel?

It is not hard to change it out with a few C Clamps I forgot yeah CRS anyway forgot to bring the stem when I went darkside so we told him not to seat the bead and we put it on when we got back. We as in the crew at Wizards Darkside session

It's a lot easier if the wheel is off the bike. Use a bead breaker on only one side to get the best clearance.
I use the vulcanizing mushroom plugs available from Patchboy, not the cheapest plugs or guns but they work great. You can get the chrome valve stems at the same place. No affiliation etc.
http://patchboy.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=P&Product_Code=12-213&Category_Code=PL

[Marty_in_MN]

To everyone who replied, a big thanks.

Cause of my rear flat? It was a loose valve core! I went to put in a second round of air pressure in it to put it up on the lift, in preparation of removing the rear wheel, and felt some air flowing against my fingers. A little investigation, and I found the valve core loose. Seems the shady tree mechanic that I had mount and balance my Avons, didn't tighten it enough. And I had given him an extra $5 bucks for turning the job around so quick. Go figure.

[Bonzo]

check for little cracks inside the treads of your Avon tires. They have a known defect and should replace your tires if you find this to be the case. happened to me last year on a brand new tire.