To patch or replace. That is the ????? : V-Twin Forum: Harley Davidson Forums

HyDr8 · 09-29-2003, 07:14 PM

Picked up a nail in my still new 240 rear tire. Haven't found a shop that will plug/patch it. Liability thing, they say. I say they just want to sell me a new tire. What you say?

I know. I know. What price, safety????

It's just a pi$$er.

stevenslow · 09-29-2003, 07:56 PM

I know alot of people will tell you to get a new tire, but I put a patch on my rear tire and it lasted for a long time, till the tread was gone matter of fact. I would never do it on a front tire though. Have you experienced any tires going flat at any speed? Never had a blow out but the rear going flat is something you can deal with. Do what you think is safe.

Lightnin · 09-30-2003, 12:22 AM

I agree with steven that patching a front tire is a big no-no in my book...but I'm riding a 21" spoked wheel.
There's the whole "what price do you put on safety...etc" schpiel and I do agree with it but I understand that your tire is relatively new.
You have a couple of options. You can say "sh!t happens" and get a new tire (if you have it professionally installed maybe they'll have a road hazard optional plan if you're lucky) OR you can take it to an indie shop and advise them that you're aware of the risks and as long as the puncture isn't in a critical area, you accept the risks. JMHO

shovelbolle · 09-30-2003, 01:29 AM

Find a shop to patch it.
Or patch it and insert an additional tube (provided you can find one this size (agriculture equipment ???

I`m serious)
Nobody in Germany is installing a new tire when it got nailed (....) and some of my pals are going slightly faster then I do with my Shovel

, particular on the freeway
ray

03Vulc · 09-30-2003, 06:55 AM

Tough break HyDr8. I say patch it and see if it holds. It's not on the front so not as much danger. If it does not hold then replace. Car tires are routinely patched and never leak.

HyDr8 · 09-30-2003, 09:47 AM

03Vulc,

I called Kens M/C Tires in Woodstock. He said he'd patch it but he doesn't have a machine to take it off-reinstall. He said if BD would take it off he would patch it and BD could reinstall.

However, I have about 1500 miles on the tire and Ken said they're only good for about 3000 miles anyway. I'd be blessed if I got 4K out of it.

Anyway, BD is going to install a new one for me. It's only money. LOL

JayC · 09-30-2003, 10:11 AM

Personally, I'd get a new tire. something that wide suddenly going flat at speed is quite a bit to handle, but that's just my opinion.

Patching is good for a temporary solution, but I wouldn't keep it on there but a few thousand miles.

HyDr8 · 10-01-2003, 08:26 PM

Had them save me the tire with the nail in it. The nail was about an inch long inside the tire.

That experience was $354 total. MUTHA.....

Think I'll make a coffee table out of the other tire. Gotta recycle. Get SOME more use out of it.

03Vulc · 10-02-2003, 04:20 PM

You made the right choice. And, you're right, it's only money and one day when we're too old to ride, all we'll have are our memories.

HyDr8 · 10-02-2003, 07:06 PM

03Vulc,

You going to Lakewood this weekend?

gilesie · 10-03-2003, 03:21 AM

You could make a shiet load of condoms with it!!!

03Vulc · 10-03-2003, 06:47 AM

HyDr8,

My wife's birthday. Need to spend time with the one who helps finance my disease. What's going on at lakewood any way?