http://www.ebay.com/itm/281862534104...%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

Any thoughts on this kit or others?

 

There are many brands of similar products, some of them are bike specific. I've never used one so can't give any recommendations.

 

Is there one specific to Sportsters? I couldn't find anything on the HD site.

 

If you plan on using kit just to get where you can have tire replaced its a viable option..However, if you plan on repairing tire and continue to ride bike for other than getting to a place to have tire replaced. BAD IDEA!!

 

I don't know of any H-D ones, they are usually aimed at bikes in general. Search Ebay for 'motorcycle puncture repair kit' there are quite a few of 'em! Also check major bike equipment shops and websites.

 

Is it a death sentence for a tire to have a nail? Local HD place seems to think a nail is automatic replacement. TIA

 

I suspect it depends on local laws. IMHO a nail in the tread area can be repaired using a plug and I know enough friends who have done substantial mileages with one installed. As none of us have Harley dealers and bike tyre shops on every street corner your H-D place is out of touch!

 

I found the flat before I went riding so I didn't know what to do. I am not sure when it got there but it seems like I couldn't pump it up as it went out as fast as the pump put it in. Hopefully I didn't ride on it like that but wasn't 100% sure. Always that doubt.

is what I used to get it up to spec. When I called around, the shop didn't recommend any patches or fixes. I'm not sure what to do at this point. Should I ride it there and have them dismount it and see if it has been ridden on and fixed? There is about 3/32 thread left on front and back. Is that a lot left?Opinions?

 

You did the right thing IMHO. Especially on the rear I change tyres around 3/32, possibly earlier, as they have usually worn down in the centre, which affects handling. I replaced my Buell rear recently because of that. You're pretty close to needing new tyres, especially on the rear, so a good solution would be to fit a fresh pair. Nothing nicer than new tyres!

It is often the rear that punctures, because the evil front sees a nail and flicks it up into the face of the dumb rear, which can't duck out of the way! And once the rear tread gets low it becomes more vulnerable to a puncture. Which one is your puncture in?

 

The "Stop & Go" plug kits work very well and are the preferred patch method of many long distance riders. Replacing the tire is preferred by many, but if you get a flat in the middle of BF Egypt, this an a small pump can get you rolling.