Tire plugs

[Jay B]

I know that this has been covered before on the old board however when I searched I came up with a whole lot of other garbage with it. Here's the story. Last year in the spring I replaced my front tire. I rode most of the summer till one day I was getting on the bike and the wife pointed out a nail in the front tire. It had less than 1500 miles on it and I was miffed to say the least.

I've heard/read both good and bad about plugging the front tires. I really want to get on the bike and ride but don't have the money for another new tire as yet. Opinions please.

[Valker]

I always plug mine and ride them until they wear out. I have never had a plug leak.

[John U.]

I use this kit: http://patchboy.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=P&Product_Code=12-210&Category_Code=ki
If the hole is in the tread area and not too big or ragged it should work. They have worked well for me
The safest way is to remove the tire and patch the inside.

[Kidd]

I have plugged 2 holes .
1 was  flat & the other was leaking/not flat  , yet.

It was much easier  to   fit the one that still had air  than the one  that was flat.

Fill it up with  air then fit it , ya gotta do it kinda fast  .
Well , mine was leaking pretty slow   

[sandy]

I have a Stop&Go plug in the rear of my Wing now. I plan on using it till it wears out. Doesn't lose any air. Some shops won't repair a tire. Others will put one plug in, but not two. Good luck.

[Master Blaster]

Plugged a bunch, there is a technique to it for best results.  Look at it this way, what have you got to lose.  The tire will not catastropically destruct from plugging.  Worst case senario is you may have a slow leak.  Was on a trip once and holed a rear.  Hole was large and a mushroom plug wouldnt stop the leak, so I shoved in some sticky string alongside the shroom.  Got it down to the point that I only had to air every 300 miles.  Rode it that way about 3500 miles to complete the trip, and was pulling a trailer.  That was an exception, most of the time you can plug it and forget it.

[Steve K (IA)]

I have plugged tires a few times now on my Valks.  Just get one of those string kits from the auto store and follow the directions.  I don't have an air source, so I ride to the gas station,  pull the nail, run rasp into tire, leave it there until I get the string in the insertion tool and glued up...pull the rasp and insert string.  Cut off extra and forget about it.

[Valker]

If it is really an emergency situation or you are as cheap as me, I have also temporarily plugged a tire with a sheetmetal screw. Those work better if you have some rubber cement on them, but they will usually hold even dry if you use a big enough one. I will never run one like this for long, but I will replace the screw with a real plug and let that stay. I despise being stranded by the roadside. YMMV

[Craig N. AZ]

I use the Stop & Go plug gun to get me home then I pull the wheel and have a plug/patch put in from the in side and keep riding but only if the hole is not in the side wall.

[dreamaker]

I have used those mushroom style plugs for years in autos and my Valk and I never had an issue with them. I recently bought a kit from HDL and keep it in my saddle bag with a electric pump.  As long as you don't put them in the sidewall I see know problem with them.

Dan

http://www.hondadirectlineusa.com/stores/product.asp?pid=753&str=2&ID=448232011

[PatrickDoss]

Recently heard about these Dynaplugs.  A buddy showed me his that he's bought but neither of us has experience using it.  Supposedly getting great reviews from those that have used it.  As usual, no affiliation...

www.dynaplug.com

[Valker]

Recently heard about these Dynaplugs.  A buddy showed me his that he's bought but neither of us has experience using it.  Supposedly getting great reviews from those that have used it.  As usual, no affiliation...

www.dynaplug.com

Warning*** I have one of these and have tossed it into the bottom tool box drawer. I have tried it several times. The plugs (you HAVE to use their brand to fit) are very thin and don't plug any large holes. They recommend using several for larger holes. They are hard to insert, and the metal tips break off easily. I added it to my "do not buy again" list.

[Ricky-D]

I like those sticky gooey string-like plugs found at all the auto departments and parts stores.
You've got to really lube them up good with the cement. I'm always looking for extra cement, it doesn't last at all.
One thing I found was that those reamers (rasps) don't work well at all and after a couple of pushes, they're smooth.
Need a good rat-tail file, that wire in the tires is tough, and you need to get the hole smooth to have the plug work best.
I've had a plug leak very slowly, never a problem, just replace it with a new plug.