Rear tire repair and "Ride On" ?

[Brian]

Good morning all,

My rear tire started loosing air over the last two weeks. Checked yesterday to find it lost 10# in over a week while out of town. I found this nail in the rear tire. Evidently the puncture is not in the travel path of ride on. I have yet to plug it till I have more time to handle it. Looking to take the rear end a part for winter maintenance after the first of the year anyway.

Has anyone else experienced punctures that "Ride On" did not seal? I added the amount of "Ride On" my dealer told me to use for the size of the tire.

This is my last E3. Looks like a Taxi tire is in my future.

All comments greatly appreciated. Thanks.

[hubcapsc]

RideOn wants you to remove the nail. Maybe that will help. Your nail seems to be in the
RideOn "protection zone".... 11 oz is the right amount to put in the Valkyrie rear, I think...

-Mike

[Cliff]

RideOn wants you to remove the nail. Maybe that will help. Your nail seems to be in the
RideOn "protection zone".... 11 oz is the right amount to put in the Valkyrie rear, I think...

-Mike

yes, pull the nail and give the ride on a chance to seal the puncture site.

[Hook#3287]

I got one of these, worked great when I used it on my truck, haven't needed to do a bike tire yet.  I'll only plug the rears, if it was a front, I'd replace it.

http://www.gemplers.com/product/150996/Tubeless-Tire-Plug-Gun-Kit?gclid=CLDcqtT4oLsCFUjxOgodxjEAfQ&sku=150996&CID=25SEPLA&ci_src=17588969&ci_sku=150996&ef_id=UeRX4AAAAWY77mUy20131208152911s


This is the one I bought, the first kit i listed didn't have the install gun.

[Bighead]

I don't care if it is the front or rear I am not riding it with a plugged tire not worth the risk to me and my life is worth more than the cost of a replacement to me.

[Hook#3287]

I don't care if it is the front or rear I am not riding it with a plugged tire not worth the risk to me and my life is worth more than the cost of a replacement to me.

That, of course, is your choice to make.

I've plugged at least 50 tires in my life time and the only one I had a problem with, is one I did on my Bobcat, in the winter, in the field.  I didn't clean it enough and the glue was to cold.  It blew out two weeks later at 60 psi.

I've plugged (old style) three REAR M/C tires and when I took the tires off, the plug was in perfect shape.

If installed correctly, I can't see how the new Mushroom style can fail?

[Bighead]

That too is your choice I am just stating my opinion and hope it works out for you.
Also can I ask why you will ride a plugged rear and not front?

[Hook#3287]

That too is your choice I am just stating my opinion and hope it works out for you

Thanks 

So far so good

[Hook#3287]

Also can I ask why you will ride a plugged rear and not front?

Ha, good question.   And I think you knew the answer before you asked.

I'll gamble a little, anything can happen.  If, on the outside chance a plug fails, I feel it will be slow enough and will handle good enough, to pull it over, maybe not.  Not so much with a front.

I've had good results with plugged tires.

[Valker]

Then there are those of us who live "on the edge". I've plugged front and rear on multiple occasions. I even patch tubes on my tube type bikes.

[salty1]

RideOn wants you to remove the nail. Maybe that will help. Your nail seems to be in the
RideOn "protection zone".... 11 oz is the right amount to put in the Valkyrie rear, I think...

-Mike

+1    Pull the nail and let the Ride-on doe it's job!

[Hoser]

Then there are those of us who live "on the edge". I've plugged front and rear on multiple occasions. I even patch tubes on my tube type bikes.

I carry a kit, I'll use it if I need it. Believe it or not, I have never had a rolling flat in 45 years of riding .  Always went down while it was parked.  Oh, I like to wear my tires out before I change them,too.My year of living dangerously, I guess, huh Valker?  Hoser  

[Bighead]

Then there are those of us who live "on the edge". I've plugged front and rear on multiple occasions. I even patch tubes on my tube type bikes.

I carry a kit, I'll use it if I need it. Believe it or not, I have never had a rolling flat in 45 years of riding .  Always went down while it was parked.  Oh, I like to wear my tires out before I change them,too.My year of living dangerously, I guess, huh Valker?  Hoser  


What brand tire is that I don't recognize the tread pattern.

[Hoser]

Dunlop American Elite, 180/65B/16  Hoser 

[Bighead]

Didn't realize they made them to fit the Valk I had one on my FLHX and really liked it.

[Hoser]

It's the same tire, I get mine at Jake Wilson on the internet.  Cheaper version of the D407, which is Harley labeled,
available only at the Harley store. For a higher price, of course.    Hoser

[Brian]

Thanks for the comments. I was told by my dealer that "Ride On" would seal around the nail, really? I don't see how seeing that the nail will keep moving around. I will pull it this week to see if does seal up. If it doesn't, the sticky rope stuff goes in. I have used this method before on my truck and car tires with excellent results. This will be my first MC tire to plug. If the tread was more worn I would replace it. This is the second nail in an almost brand new tire. The first nail was in sideways and head first in the center of the tire, that one never lost air.

Thanks again all,

[PAVALKER]

Thanks for the comments. I was told by my dealer that "Ride On" would seal around the nail, really? I don't see how seeing that the nail will keep moving around. I will pull it this week to see if does seal up. If it doesn't, the sticky rope stuff goes in. I have used this method before on my truck and car tires with excellent results. This will be my first MC tire to plug. If the tread was more worn I would replace it. This is the second nail in an almost brand new tire. The first nail was in sideways and head first in the center of the tire, that one never lost air.

Thanks again all,

I had a similar situation just a few months ago.  Small nail in the tire that I picked up on a ride and didn't notice anything odd til I got home and noticed low rear tire pressure and a weep spot of Ride On out along side the nail on the tire.  The hole was too small for Ride On to fill and seal. Believe it or not, they claim it needs to be a bigger hole (IE pull the nail) I pulled the nail, but it was actually a sliver of metal, and it was a very very thin so I don't think it would have sealed.  I had to ream it, actually drilled it with a small drill, and put a mushroom plug in it.  All sealed up and didn't leak, but the tire wasn't all that new so I did a  repair just to make it last the season more or less.   I recently pulled the tire and put on an Austone Taxi tire.  No test ride yet... since it's not a studded tire (for the ice and snow we have now).  I want to get a little ride on the new tire to check it out before I add Quad Boss to the Taxi tire to make sure all is well first.  

Oh and the amount of Ride On in the tire at tire change was surprising.... it covers well and does not corrode the wheel.  Wipes/Washes off the rim easily and most stays in the tire when I changed it.

I have no problem plugging a rear tire and riding, but depending on the wear on a front tire and where the plug is, I might or might not.  I picked up a Stop N Go, Mushroom Tire Plugging kit, at a Bike Show a few years ago and have used it for friends bikes, my GF's car tire and my rear tire.  Well worth it... and I prefer the mushroom plugs over the tar ones.... JMO.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/like/370622015645?lpid=82


Looking at your tire pic again, I think I see the RideOn weeping on the tire as well.  The hole isn't big enough to let the sealing fibers/particles in to do it's job completely.  But that weep sure gave clue as to where the puncture was on mine, and your as well it seems.

[PAVALKER]

Then there are those of us who live "on the edge". I've plugged front and rear on multiple occasions. I even patch tubes on my tube type bikes.

I carry a kit, I'll use it if I need it. Believe it or not, I have never had a rolling flat in 45 years of riding .  Always went down while it was parked.  Oh, I like to wear my tires out before I change them,too.My year of living dangerously, I guess, huh Valker?  Hoser  

That tire caught my attention as you know.... I like the tread pattern on it and it appears to be a deep tread..... but how deep is it?   I have that tire info saved to history..... just in case.   

[Hoser]

Here is Dunlop site blurb about the tire
When hitting the road on your motorcycle for that long journey there's no better brand to trust in motorcycle tires than Dunlop. Dunlop's long term experience in manufacturing street bike motorcycle tires allows them to provide a superior motorcycle tire that you can trust to get you there and back.
•Only replacement motorcycle tire for Harley-Davidson® motorcycles which is designed in America, tested in America and made in America.
•All new Dunlop American Elite replacement tire line ensures that industry-leading Dunlop Tires will be on your Harley-Davidson® motorcycles for years to come.
•Dunlop's decades-long engineering experience with Harley-Davidson® motorcycles is the foundation for the all-new American Elite line of replacement tires.
•All-new tread design provides even tread wear and quiet operation in all conditions wet and dry.
•Sidewall design proudly features the American Elite name and made in the USA logo.

Size: Speed Rating: Load Rating:
180/65B16 H (130 mph) 81 (1019 lbs)

[PAVALKER]

Here is Dunlop site blurb about the tire
When hitting the road on your motorcycle for that long journey there's no better brand to trust in motorcycle tires than Dunlop. Dunlop's long term experience in manufacturing street bike motorcycle tires allows them to provide a superior motorcycle tire that you can trust to get you there and back.
•Only replacement motorcycle tire for Harley-Davidson® motorcycles which is designed in America, tested in America and made in America.
•All new Dunlop American Elite replacement tire line ensures that industry-leading Dunlop Tires will be on your Harley-Davidson® motorcycles for years to come.
•Dunlop's decades-long engineering experience with Harley-Davidson® motorcycles is the foundation for the all-new American Elite line of replacement tires.
•All-new tread design provides even tread wear and quiet operation in all conditions wet and dry.
•Sidewall design proudly features the American Elite name and made in the USA logo.

Size: Speed Rating: Load Rating:
180/65B16 H (130 mph) 81 (1019 lbs)

Oh my... that load rating is a bit low.   I had my Valk I/S out and about with 3/4 tank or better, some stuff in the bags and trunk (tools, jackets, gloves etc) and pulled into the dump to use their scales and check the bike weight.  Bike alone was like 980 and with me on just over 1200lbs if I recall.  Not sure if load rating is calculated as being divided amongst the two tires on a bike or not.   

HD's are quite lighter/smaller than the Valk I believe.

[Bert AKA,Valkaholic]

CHECK THE VALVE STEMS.
I have had several Valve Stems Crack and Lose Air Pressure  over the years, They are Notorious for the Rubber Part to crack and Leak air .
I Replace them with  All Steel 90 degree Valve Stem Replacements that can be easily found on E-Bay.

[Hook#3287]

1200/2=600   Your good with that tire.

[PAVALKER]

1200/2=600   Your good with that tire.

Whew..... I thought I was going to have to go on a serious diet and right during the holidays... not good.   

[old2soon]

1200/2=600   Your good with that tire.

Whew..... I thought I was going to have to go on a serious diet and right during the holidays... not good.   

    The manufacturer will NOT come right out and admit nor will they stand behind the "fudge" factor. Tires on my 18 wheeler were good plus some over on 80000 lbs gross weight and speed. I have loaded and 18 wheeler-EXACTLY 18 wheels on 5 axles to 110000 lbs gross and gone on down the highway with NO blowouts. If your tire pressures are good i'd feel comfortable on a 25% to 30% over load easy. BUT that's just me. Kinda like your speed ratings on the tires-I believe an H-rating is good to 130 M P H sustained-I KNOW if I sustain 135 M P H the tire WILL NOT blow up. WHY and HOW do I know this?? you ask-cause i'm still here damnit!!  RIDE SAFE.

[Gryphon Rider]

1200/2=600   Your good with that tire.

Whew..... I thought I was going to have to go on a serious diet and right during the holidays... not good.   

Well, that depends on weight distribution.

[Hook#3287]

Holy Crap

Bet the GVW on the zip-splat is surpassed.

Probably wheelies easier

[CoachDoc]

Earlier this year on a ride up the California coast with the SoCal group someone noticed my rear tire looked low at a gas stop. Sure enough it had picked up the mother of all screws, 6" long and thin. BigMac whipped out the plug kit he carries on his Interstate and put a plug in, the non- mushroom type. We waited about 20 minutes, inflated it and were on our way. I was wary at first, but I soon relaxed and just rode it. 4000 miles later I replaced the tire and the plug was still fine. Definitely left me convinced to carry a plug kit on all road trips.

[Bighead]

Earlier this year on a ride up the California coast with the SoCal group someone noticed my rear tire looked low at a gas stop. Sure enough it had picked up the mother of all screws, 6" long and thin. BigMac whipped out the plug kit he carries on his Interstate and put a plug in, the non- mushroom type. We waited about 20 minutes, inflated it and were on our way. I was wary at first, but I soon relaxed and just rode it. 4000 miles later I replaced the tire and the plug was still fine. Definitely left me convinced to carry a plug kit on all road trips.

Sure crazy not to carry one and. Have had to use them but only rode it to the nearest dealer for a replacement. Like I said earlier my life is worth more than a replacement.

[vanagon40]

. . . picked up the mother of all screws . . . .

The large head was INSIDE the tire.  Removed and patched the tire and back on the road.  Never leaked.  It was on a car, not a bike.

BTW, so as not to completely hijack this thread, I would patch the OP's tire on the inside rather than enlarge the hole, but I do not use Ride On.

[Brian]

1200/2=600   Your good with that tire.

Whew..... I thought I was going to have to go on a serious diet and right during the holidays... not good.   

Well, that depends on weight distribution.

This picture can't be real as the sparks are shooting the wrong way to be moving forward.

[ricoman]

I don't care if it is the front or rear I am not riding it with a plugged tire not worth the risk to me and my life is worth more than the cost of a replacement to me.

+1
the risk is not worth it

[98pacecar]

I don't care if it is the front or rear I am not riding it with a plugged tire not worth the risk to me and my life is worth more than the cost of a replacement to me.

+1
the risk is not worth it

Had a plugged tire on da back of my ZX12R.

Made a 180+ run on da skyway bridge, n' sumthin didn't ''feel'' right. 

Bike was all over da place. 

When we parked up I checked my tire pressures.....

Rear had,, 12 psi...   

So,,,,, yer prolly right...   

[Gryphon Rider]

This picture can't be real as the sparks are shooting the wrong way to be moving forward.

Someone put a faked picture on the internet?

[PAVALKER]

I don't care if it is the front or rear I am not riding it with a plugged tire not worth the risk to me and my life is worth more than the cost of a replacement to me.

+1
the risk is not worth it

Had a plugged tire on da back of my ZX12R.

Made a 180+ run on da skyway bridge, n' sumthin didn't ''feel'' right. 

Bike was all over da place. 

When we parked up I checked my tire pressures.....

Rear had,, 12 psi...   

So,,,,, yer prolly right...   

"The risk is not worth it"??   Then why are you even riding a motorcycle to begin with?  You do understand the inherent risk in doing so I assume, but that plugged tire appears to be the deal breaker??  Brand new tires have been known to deflate, de-laminate,  or have belts break and cause accidents.  Have you ever heard of a plugged/patched tire cause an accident?

[Ricky-D]

Well it wasn't catastrophic as some would seem to suggest will happen.

That's the beauty of cast wheel with tubeless tires.

Blow outs are non existent.  Who wants to argue with that?

The tubeless tires just go flat, sometimes quicker than other times, but you will get a warning.

I think plugging a tubeless tire is a 50/50 kind of deal, meaning that if the job of plugging is done

properly, well the job should hold up.  But there will be times where the tire will develop a different

problem then, such as a delamination or bubbles such like was posted in the other tire thread.

http://www.valkyrieforum.com/bbs/index.php/topic,43416.0.html

***

[Chrisj CMA]

Good morning all,

My rear tire started loosing air over the last two weeks. Checked yesterday to find it lost 10# in over a week while out of town. I found this nail in the rear tire. Evidently the puncture is not in the travel path of ride on. I have yet to plug it till I have more time to handle it. Looking to take the rear end a part for winter maintenance after the first of the year anyway.

Has anyone else experienced punctures that "Ride On" did not seal? I added the amount of "Ride On" my dealer told me to use for the size of the tire.

This is my last E3. Looks like a Taxi tire is in my future.

All comments greatly appreciated. Thanks.

I would plug that tire with a mushroom plug and ride it until its wore out.  I have in the past rode a plugged tire until I needed a front tire and then since I get two tires at once, changed it out for the new one and then had the mushroom plug replaced with an internal patch plug.

By the looks of your wear pattern, I see you are basically a straight line rider, a car tire should be a fine choice...

[98pacecar]

I don't care if it is the front or rear I am not riding it with a plugged tire not worth the risk to me and my life is worth more than the cost of a replacement to me.

+1
the risk is not worth it

Had a plugged tire on da back of my ZX12R.

Made a 180+ run on da skyway bridge, n' sumthin didn't ''feel'' right.  

Bike was all over da place.  

When we parked up I checked my tire pressures.....

Rear had,, 12 psi...  

So,,,,, yer prolly right...    

"The risk is not worth it"??   Then why are you even riding a motorcycle to begin with?  You do understand the inherent risk in doing so I assume, but that plugged tire appears to be the deal breaker??  Brand new tires have been known to deflate, de-laminate,  or have belts break and cause accidents.  Have you ever heard of a plugged/patched tire cause an accident?

Don't, get em in a wad,,,, now,,,,  

I was just agreein in principle with him...  

I still plug tires,,, but in the case I mentioned, that practice could well have,,,, offed me...