Flat tires are always an annoyance, but that’s especially true if you’re out on the highway. Even worse, you usually get a flat at the most inopportune times. How can you safely get back on the road? This useful guide to handling flat motorcycle tires on the road should help you.
No Spare? No Problem!
As you know, most motorcycle riders don’t carry spare tires on their bikes except if they’re riding cross-country for extreme distances. You’re better off carrying a tire repair kit sourced from a trusted supplier of the best motorcycle parts and accessories. Your tire repair kit should contain a few basic essentials including tire plugs, a plug insertion tool with a T-type handle, attachable rasps, glue, a pressure wheel with surface preparation tool, a knife for trimming plugs and a hole cleaner. A good kit will also include an inflator valve adaptor with CO2 air cartridges to inflate your tire. Some kits will also have patches for tube-type tires.
Making Your Repairs
You should first pull off the side of the road and park your bike at a safe distance from moving vehicles. Figure out what caused the flat and where the damage is located. For leaks or foreign objects in the sidewall or corner of the tread, you’re probably better off calling a tow truck. If it’s anywhere else on your tire, you can proceed with repairs:
- First, get your rasp ready by attaching it to the T-handle and applying glue along its length.
- Next, quickly remove the offending projectile and insert your rasp, moving it back and forth through the hole to rough up its edges. Temporarily leave the rasp in if there’s any remaining air in the tire.
- Thread your plug material through the open end of the needle attached to the T-handle and apply some glue to it. You’ll want to insert the plug into the hole, but rotate your wrist during the process to slowly work the material into the tire carcass.
- Pull the needle out about an inch and push it into the plug material again using a bit more force. Keep rotating it gradually until the plug is about two-thirds inside the hole.
At this point, you should insert your CO2 cartridge into inflator tool to pump your tire back up. If the cartridge isn’t already covered, wear gloves to avoid direct skin contact with its extremely cold surface. Check your pressure with a tire gauge to ensure proper inflation. As a final step, use your trimming knife to remove excess plug material from the tire’s surface and check for escaping air.
Fixing the Flat, Not Changing It
While it’s possible to fix a flat, it’s best to check your tires regularly to reduce the chances of getting sidelined. Replace your tires when their tread is less than 2/32 of an inch, they’re more than five years old, they won’t consistently hold in air or they exhibit punctures or cracks. Source your next set from your trusted powersports parts supplier and keep your wheels rolling.
