Flat Tire - Patch, Plug or Buy New?

[Scooterbob]

Got a small screw in my one month old front tire.  I've already done a quick search, but didn't find any answers I liked.  I guess my main question is to Patch it, Plug it, or Buy New?  Obviously the "buy new" is the best, but not the most cost effective.  Feel free to include known dangers, forseen problems and long term effects when giving your answer.  

Much appreciated!

[moparman70]

Got a small screw in my one month old front tire.  I've already done a quick search, but didn't find any answers I liked.  I guess my main question is to Patch it, Plug it, or Buy New?  Obviously the "buy new" is the best, but not the most cost effective.  Feel free to include known dangers, forseen problems and long term effects when giving your answer.  

Much appreciated!

I have plugged my rear tire with no issues at all and it was almost new when done.  I am thinking the front I might patch -- as they are a little more susceptible to pressures of braking etc..... although pulling the tire off --- ahhh plug it ....

steve

[Scooterbob]

I have plugged my rear tire with no issues at all and it was almost new when done.  I am thinking the front I might patch -- as they are a little more susceptible to pressures of braking etc..... although pulling the tire off --- ahhh plug it ....

steve

I pulled mine off the rim manually and then put a patch from the inside, since it was just a little off center of the main contact strip.  Otherwise I would probably go new.  I know plugging is easy (that's what she said!) but I just don't trust it to stay in long term.

[Coronet]

 Actually installing a plug works really well if done right and the correct plug used. The patch also works well but attention to detail and prep of the tire lining as well as the quality of the patch can make make or break this deal. If you used a cheap patch kit and /or did not prep the inside of the tire correctly the patch most likely will start coming loose and leaking.
I only say this as I did a stint for Firestone Tire Co. worked there about 8 yrs. (back in the 80's) and trust me I seen it all.
Mark H.

[Pat Conlon]

Depends on the damage from the screw.
As you described a small screw in the tread of the tire is probably ok, (as opposed to a screw in the sidewall)

1) On the road, a Stop and Go mushroom plug I have found is the best type of plug for sealing the tire.
http://www.racerpartswholesale.com/category/Stop_and_Go/?r=gsng&gclid=CJOf98Dqj6cCFQcObAod5wEOcQ
The only problem with these mushroom plugs is that with very small punctures, you have to ream out the puncture (sometimes, a lot) to get the plug nozzle into the tire carcass to insert the mushroom. You can cut the tire's radial cords when doing this reaming, weakening the tire.

2) If you are at home, or near a shop, don't plug the tire. Dismount it and take it in for a patch. For a small puncture on the tread, you will be fine with a patch for street riding (not so for track days, where you need to replace the tire)

Pat

[Travis398]

I vote for patch, as Pat said, putting a plug in requires you to ream or cut the rubber and possibly cutting the tires radial cords or stretch them considerably.

if it were my pick up truck I would plug it in a second, but the front tire of a bike that you may or may not do 100+ mph 

if you find someone who knows what they are doing, they will buff the tire and cement a patch on without a problem.

a new tire works too.

[Scooterbob]

The patch is on it now. We'll see how long it lasts. At least long enough to order another tire and get it delivered I would hope.

[RichBaker]

Most MC tire manufacturers recommend a patch-plug..... it's a patch with a plug sticking out the middle of it. They also recommend derating the speed a step.

[andyb]

I've used a patch-plug on a motorbike tire and had very good results with it.  If I was road racing or otherwise using 100% of my tire's capabilities, I'd probably prefer to replace it, but I'd be a very good pro-level racer.  Not very likely, sadly, so I used the funny patch and it worked quite well for the 1500 miles worth of life that tire had left.

[FJ Flyer]

I just found a nail in my new Angel rear tire yesterday.  Got to work, was waiting for the garage to open and had a 'lo press' warning for the rear tire.  Found the nail to left of center in the main tread area.  Mother....  It had about 20 psi.  Felt a little squirrely on the ride in, but I'm still getting used to the Angels. 

Pulled out the compressor and pumped it up to about 30 psi before the garage opened.  Had to leave at lunch and it still had about 25 psi when I went to leave.  Pumped it back up to about 35 psi and a buddy lent me a can of fix a flat just in case, and I also have a plug kit on the bike.  Made it home and only lost about 1 psi.

Picked up some patches last night and will pull the wheel and tire and see how it goes.

[Scooterbob]

It's a crappy feeling when a tire goes down on a motorcycle. Sorry to hear it. The front tire I had to patch is only about a month old. That hurt even worse.

I was surprised at how easy it was to get the tire on and off the rim manually. I had more trouble getting the bead to grab enough to start building pressure! Ended up putting a strap around outside edge of tire and then tightened the strap enough to mushroom to bead into place and then it started taking air. That was my only pain during the process.

[Rich Pleines]

From the Dunlop Information Center

Question.
Can I have my motorcycle tires repaired?

Answer.
Some punctures in motorcycle tires can be repaired if no other damage is present. Dunlop recommends only individual permanent plug-patch repairs of small tread area punctures from within the demounted tire by a qualified tire repair shop or motorcycle dealer. Never perform an exterior repair and never us an inner tube as a substitute for a proper repair. Your bike should not exceed 50 mph for the first 24 hours after the repair and the repaired tire should never be used over 80 mph. Dunlop speed ratings are voided by repairs.

No form of temporary repair should be attempted because secondary damage caused by the penetrating object may not be detected and tire or tube deflation may occur at a later date.

Dunlop does not recommend the use of liquid sealants. These are a form of temporary repair that may adversely affect ply material and mask secondary damage caused by the penetrating object. Reliance upon sealants can result in sudden tire failure and accident

My vote is to replace the tire ASAP. For the price of a tire I would rather not would worry about it and I would worry about it.

[Scooterbob]

Good thing mine is an Avon and not a Dunlop!   

[the fan]

Not sure if they are still doing it, but Avon tires offered a road hazard warranty a few years ago.

I never trust a plug or patch. If I have to repair a tire I replace it asap.

[Mark Olson]

 Buy a new tire.

I get mine at cyclegear and add the road hazard warranty.

a plug is ok to get ya home but I don't trust them at speed.

there is enough to worry about when you ride , don't add a cheesy tire repair to the list.