Isn't it interesting how you just can't, in good conscience, ride on that type of thing once you are aware of its existence?
We worked the inch plus long rod out, hoping that it hadn't penetrated the carcass since its angle was almost completely parallel with the surface of the tire. There wasn't any hissing to indicate a mighty leak. But the soapy water revealed minuscule bubbling. As the tire guy said "There isn't such a thing as a little heart murmur."
So the decision: to patch ourselves, or replace.
I have never, in my life, worked with tire plugs. Actually, I've never had to trust my life to a tire with a plug in it. The riding lawn mower doesn't count. I know Oilburner has, and I know many other people that have. I'm just not sure how I feel about it. Oilburner was leaving this decision up to me.
With only 3,000 miles on the tire, it was a bit of a bitter pill to swallow. But I ultimately don't have any qualms about the $275 for the tire, mounting, disposal and MotoGuard replacement. Of course, purchasing that means that I won't get another nail in my tire. :)
 |
| Already removed the rod, but it had done some visible damage |
Good choice Lori, I would have changed the tyre also. I would not be comfortable for riding to long on a patch job. Actually PARANOIS, would be the word I would use.
ReplyDeleteNice one Lori - that internal voice is what keeps you safe. Tyre plugs are only for emergencies and the quality of plugs varies enormously. If the tyre still has good tread left, I wouldn't object to having a patch properly vulcanised on the inside. Did it once when the tyre I punctured had only travelled 100-odd km from new and it was perfect for the whole life of the tyre.
ReplyDeletelori:
ReplyDeletewe want you to be safe. good choice. most times it can be repaired with an inside patch. Plugs are only for emergency to be able to ride it somewhere for replacement
bob
Riding the Wet Coast
Lori,
ReplyDeleteGotta' listen to "the voice". If you don't it keeps whispering which is crazy making. And, heaven knows there is enough crazy making stuff in most well lived life. No reason to add to it.
Hi Roger, Yeah. I'm paranoid too. Just isn't worth the worry. As I've told others, my life is worth $275. :) Some may disagree, but we quiet that voice with chocolate. LOL.
ReplyDelete-Lori
Hi Geoff, Can you believe we couldn't find anyplace here that will vulcanize/patch a motorcycle tire? They won't take the liability risk. So it was replace or do it ourselves. I would have considered the inside patch if the puncture didn't appear too bad on the inside of the tire (and turns out we couldn't even see anything on the inside) but it wasn't an option. Glad yours worked out for you. I hear they are quite permanent.
ReplyDelete-Lori
Hi Bob, Do they perform inside/vulcanization patches in Canada? We couldn't find any place here that would do that on a motorcycle tire. The one place that might have been willing to do it was closed for vacation. :)
ReplyDelete-Lori
Hi Keith, That damn little voice was whining because I was again going to lose my chicken-stripe-less tires. Egads! I had finally tuned into the curves and had some great "track like" scrubbing on the edges from the 469 miles of twisties I just came off of. Bummer. :)
ReplyDelete-Lori
Lori:
ReplyDeleteHmmm, for $275. I can afford two of you . . .
bob
Riding the Wet Coast
Oh Bob, you silver tongued devil. You say the sweetest, most romantic things and make me feel worth every penny of $550 US. :)
ReplyDelete-Lori
Bummer about the tire. And you misunderstood Bob, he wants two of you ;-)
ReplyDeleteI've patched truck tires before after temporarily plugging them. I then driven on them many miles.
Richarf
Plugs are to get you home..or someplace safer. I bought a tire changer that has paid for itself many times, and would have vulcanized the tire myself.
ReplyDeleteAnd like Bob, I think $275 USD is a bargain!!! :)