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Pluging a tire
#602161 04/19/2022 10:59 PM
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reave1 Offline OP
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What is the consensus on repairing a flat? This would be for an America with alloy wheels.
The shop originally said they would not plug it but when I was going to take it elsewhere they plugged it. A friend said the tire is not safe. The small nail was in the tread on the front tire

Re: Pluging a tire
reave1 #602162 04/20/2022 7:03 AM
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If it is a rope style plug it will probably be OK. That being said I wouldn't do it for anyone else because it isn't safe. Best way is a patch or plug patch from the inside(my choice) Most shops I know will not plug a motorcycle tire due to liability.


I learned all I need to know about life by killing smart people and eating their brains.
Eat right ,Exercise ,Stay fit, Die Anyway!
Re: Pluging a tire
reave1 #602167 04/21/2022 6:19 PM
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Agree with Ian, at least when it comes to motorcycles. Personally, I consider a plugged motorcycle tire to be an emergency repair, not a long-term fix. Harry Callahan's famous question regarding luck of course applies in this situation.

Re: Pluging a tire
reave1 #602168 04/21/2022 6:22 PM
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Ill advised in my opinion. I was running around 50 when it blew out. I luckily managed to get it mostly stopped before the tire wadded up in the trailing arm and locked the wheel. It could have gotten real ugly.

Re: Pluging a tire
chy #602169 04/21/2022 6:25 PM
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A buddy who rode old Triumphs told me he had a blowout on the front once.. Showed me his jacket.. Flipped him right over the handle bars.

Re: Pluging a tire
reave1 #602175 04/21/2022 9:04 PM
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I have had both front and rear blow outs, lucky I was able to keep it upright every time. Back not so bad but front was hairy.


I learned all I need to know about life by killing smart people and eating their brains.
Eat right ,Exercise ,Stay fit, Die Anyway!
Re: Pluging a tire
reave1 #602193 05/08/2022 8:58 AM
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reave1 Offline OP
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Harry Callahan? Now where do I know that name? Oh yeah!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=38mE6ba3qj8

Enough said I will buy a new tire.

Re: Pluging a tire
reave1 #602204 05/13/2022 5:41 PM
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We discussed this a long time ago I think but I do not remember the result. The OEM front tire for a 2009 America is a Metzeler Lasertec 110/90-18 61H. This does not seem to be offered anymore the closest being 110/80.
The replacement appears to be the Metzeler ME888 Marathon 110/90-18.
Does this sound correct?

Re: Pluging a tire
reave1 #602205 05/13/2022 5:52 PM
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Just need to stay close in size, actual tire is a personal choice for the most part the big name tires you are paying for the name not better quality. There are some exceptions, Metzlers are over priced in my opinion. You need to look at speed rating and load rating. Generally the higher the speed rating the softer the compound, the softer the compound the better they grip the road but the faster they wear. If you ride aggressive you need a softer tire if you are conservative riding you probably don't need as soft a tire. As far as size goes the first number 110 is the width of the tire at it's widest point in MM then the 2nd number is a percentage of the first giving you sidewall height in MM. The 61H is load and speed rating 61 being load and H speed. Also when buying a tire the dot number tells you week and year of manufacture, the first 2 numbers are the week and the 2nd two are the year.


I learned all I need to know about life by killing smart people and eating their brains.
Eat right ,Exercise ,Stay fit, Die Anyway!
Re: Pluging a tire
reave1 #602207 05/13/2022 8:24 PM
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My 07SM currently has a 110/90-18 Michelin Commander II front tire. I like it.


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