FLAT TIRE on my FatBob
That's why I have tire and wheel coverage! It more than pays for itself on every bike I have owned. In this case, I'd call the dealer and they'd put on a new one free of charge. Just have to sign a couple of papers.
That's why I have tire and wheel coverage! It more than pays for itself on every bike I have owned. In this case, I'd call the dealer and they'd put on a new one free of charge. Just have to sign a couple of papers.
Last edited by maddghost; Oct 4, 2009 at 09:57 AM.

I was actually riding every day with that nail in the tire for about a week. It was losing 5 psi per day, so I just kept pumping it up every day, figuring it was a tire valve leak. I finally took the time to inspect the tire and found that the nail was the cause of the pressure loss.
At $190 for a new tire plus $70 for install and balance, I wasn't going to take this sitting down. I went down to WalMart and bought a $9.00 tire repair kit.
Here is the plug today, 4,000 miles and 4 months later.

It should be good for another 2,000 miles during which time I hope to use up the remaining tread. I use it hard, but not fast. Nothing over 85 mph. I've never met anyone that recommends this tire repair method, but so far, it has worked for me.
Disclaimer: Use of this tire repair method may cause loss of control of vehicle, which could result in death or serious injury.
To Lucy Brown, plug the damn thing and quitcherbitchin. BTW, any relation to Leroy?
If the puncture is in the tire wall or near where the tire wall joins the tread, "plugging" is a risky repair at best. This is where the tire flexes the most. You don't want to plug the "flex" part of the tire. This is true in automobile tires also, but way more important on motorcycle tires.
Perhaps we should start a thread to survey how many bikers have experienced tire failiure due to plugging a tire leak. This is the first time I have "plugged" and no failure yet.
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
First one was a nail at 6k miles on it so I replaced it.
Now the new one picked up a screw on a ride and I tried calling a local dealer to patch it....they won't do it, they want to sell you another tire of course.
Now don't get me wrong here....I don't advocated plugging a motorcycle tire except in roadside flat repair situations to get you home.
HOWEVER a patch done from inside the tire is very reliable if done correctly and if the puncture is in the center and not on the side wall of the tire.
There is no reason a dealer should not be able to do this.....especially on a brand new tire with less than 500 miles on it.







