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Nail in tyre

5904 Views 12 Replies 7 Participants Last post by  Jinx
Hey guys, I rode to work thismorning, all was well.. On my way home this afternoon, I got a bump from some wanker on his phone at a set of lights. I rode home (60+km) and checked if there was any damage. Upon inspection of my tyre and tail, I noticed I had a nail in the tyre. I called up my roadside company and they told me that I am up for a new tyre (NOT HAPPY!). I have a few questions.
Firstly, what tyre should I be looking for? I'm mostly doing highway & main road riding.
Secondly, will I need to do the front tyre aswell (front tyre is still in good condition without anything lodged into it) seeing as though the tread pattern may be different? (I'm new to bikes and don't know much tbh)
Thirdly, what does everyone prefer/ what is available out there?

I'm getting it towed in the morning free of charge, so see how I go! Unfortunately this has happened, however, thanks to the guy that nudged me from behind for making me aware of it!

Another thing, the guy from my roadside assistance company that come out said to me that because it is a tubeless tyre, I am able to get a tube put into it, but it will not be strong enough to cope for long? Especially seeing as though the bike will be travelling at greater speeds of 60+km/h. Is this true does anyone know?
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I'm assuming you're on the OEM tires. I'd say just update both front and rear with new tires and call it a day.
Sorry, I forgot to mention, I'm currently running the factory standard "Michelin pilot streets".
Any pics of the damage? Did it puncture the sidewall?

Some may advise against it, but I had a puncture within 1500 miles into owning my R3, I used a plug kit - specifically this one. And I'm at 4K miles now.. Also didn't leak any air when I was out of town for a week.

I too do lots of highway riding, 60 miles a day (97KM for you lol), and all has been fine.

But like mentioned above, this is a nice opportunity to upgrade your tires.
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I wouldn't plug it. Heck, I don't like pluging car tires too often. Remember, you only have two tires. I wouldn't trust my life with it. Just spend the couple hundred bucks and fix it correctly.
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I'd say just update both front and rear with new tires and call it a day.
I agree with Chad... its my first time riding on the street consistently... but I can say, the OEM tires are junk. I dont feel comfortable pushing the bike because I can feel the tires slipping often.

That being said... Ive put on nearly 2500KM on a plugged rear tire on my R3. No leaks. Plug kit =$10-$15 Tires + install=much more than $10-$15

You can plug a tire. But with a few caveats. In no particular order, some recommendations and guidelines

- It must be close to the center of the tread pattern (less so on car tires)
- USE rubber tire sealing cement on the plug!
- Properly ream out the puncture. Improperly done the tire could leak.
- Depending on the weight of the repair it could slightly throw off the tire balancing.
- If the puncture is on the sidewall your S.O.L.
- If the puncture is too close to the edge of the tread, its at a greater risk of pushing out (especially if no cement is used)
- Puncture hole cant be any larger than the average nail/screw, it requires skill and/or a patch on the inside of the tire to not risk integrity of the tire and to get it to seal 100%
- Dont drive like a hooligan. If you ride more than 80-90mph just get new tires, dont risk excessive speed with tires that arent up to snuff.

I used a rope type plug with a good dabbing of cement and I've had zero issues. Ive done this countless times over the years and only ever had one that leaked 2psi/week. I currently have over 15000KM on a plugged tire on my SUV after taking a pen tip, yes a pen tip through brand new tires with 700KM on them.

This is just my opinion but if you're on a budget, plugs are fine when done and used properly, otherwise new tires.....

anyone want to donate to my 'new tire' fund??
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Thanks for the input guys, I got a new tyre today, it cost $155AUD supplied and installed and was able to keep my old tyre.
For those of you that may need to tow the bike for any reason in the future, this is an easy way to tie it down and it did not move at all. Note: the straps go on top of the lower triple tree but around the forks.
http://postimg.org/image/e3e7j2gqf/ (photo of where the straps go for transport)
http://postimg.org/image/d7qwv3ltj/ (photo of where the straps go for transport)

Thanks so much for the input and information!

Maverick, out of curiosity, what does S.O.L mean? Also, sorry, but I wouldn't be able to help with your new tyres mate aha.
Naripsta, I'll upload a photo of the puncture.

Overall, I'm happy with how they perform, but not too financial to get better tyres just yet :/

For future reference, for those guys in Sydney, Australia, particularly western Sydney, do not go to "Western Motorcycles" 283 Mulgoa Rd, Jamisontown. Service is slow, arrogant & egotistical salesmen and upon completion of the new tyre, I paid for it, but come back and noticed a gouge/scratch on my tank which was not there prior..

Pictures:
http://postimg.org/image/5evm1udyv/ (Nail in blue area)
http://postimg.org/image/dno5703sn/ (Photo of the bike from inside of the cab of the truck)
http://postimg.org/image/l7i6zc7cn/ (Brake side)
http://postimg.org/image/wga5scpbr/ (Clutch side)
http://postimg.org/image/p5a22hjjr/ (Scratch on clutch side of tank on the front (note where tank pad is))

Good luck to all!
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Maverick, out of curiosity, what does S.O.L mean?
Sh.!t outta luck....
I had a set of Bridgestone Battlax BT-003 on my Ninja 300. My goodness were those some sticky and comfortable tires. I'd go for those if youre looking for some Diablo Rossos, which are also great tires. I'd say just replace the rear if you don't have too much money to just BLOW.The front tire is not as important in terms of grip as the rear IMO. And the rear will wear out faster than the front. On my Ninja at 8K miles the rear was due but the front easily had 4k left. At 10K it still had good tread in the front.

Unless you buy a package deal for the tire you won't be saving too much. At my shop I just paid for install and they only took of $5 for front and rear change as a package (I brought my own BT-003s in).
I wouldn't mix a bias-ply with a radial. They need to match.
I also wouldn't put a tube inside a tubeless tire.
Sucks! Flat tire this morning myself. Only 3300 miles on the bike. Was wonder the same thing. To plug, or not to plug? I looked briefly, couldn't see a nail or anything. Still a little dark out. I'm thinking new tire, even though this one still looks pretty good. A lot of highway time. Going back with the M Street Pro's, just to keep the balance.
Sucks! Flat tire this morning myself. Only 3300 miles on the bike. Was wonder the same thing. To plug, or not to plug? I looked briefly, couldn't see a nail or anything. Still a little dark out. I'm thinking new tire, even though this one still looks pretty good. A lot of highway time. Going back with the M Street Pro's, just to keep the balance.
If there's a puncture, depending on where it's at..plug is fine. If it's near the sidewalls, I'd replace the tire. Along the center of the tire, plug is alright.
It actually looks like a slice in the middle of the tire. Have an appointment set up Thursday to get it replaced. Gonna see if I can go up a size, to 150. If not, its all good.
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