Aaargh! Puncture!!

[Guest]

OK, took the new bike out for the first time today and had a blast, 5 hours flew by! Got back and gave it the once over - nail sticking out of back tyre! Pumped it up at garage, but hissing out noticeably!

It's a tubeless tyre, whats the process in getting it fixed? Do those 'plug' kits on Ebay actually work, or are they a very short-term answer? I obviously don't fancy shelling out on a new one, it's fairly new, and I've only just started paying off the bike!

If it comes to the worse and I need a new tyre should I remove the tyre, or just limp to my nearest bike garage? What sort of money will it cost me?

Cheers

[dragolith]

Theres a fair few threads regarding punctures on here, all offering the same advice.

If the puncture is a clean hole in the center band of the tyre, then it should be easily and cheaply repaired. I had one plugged a while back and never had a problem.

[Korben]

Hi Mate

Look here for starters, this will probably answer most of your questions. I have a new bike which had a nail in the back tyre after a month.

http://www.themotorbikeforum.co.uk/viewtopic.php?t=10095

All I will say is do not do this yourself!!! Take it to a tyre specialist. I had mine done at a specialist. 20 minute wait, and only cost me £15.

About the puncture.

Where on the tyre is it? If it's sidewall, or too far out to the edge then you will probably need to replace. If it's around the centre a plug should solve the problem.

Has the nail gone in straight or at an angle? If it's straight then you are ok, if it's at a nasty angle then not so good.

[Guest]

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2072/2427860243_43c002a428.jpg

What do you reckon? I'll ring round tomorrow, should I try regular bike garages or a specialist tyre place?

[Korben]

Not an expert, but TBH that don't look great. Sorry mate, could be time for a new tyre.

[Stu]

good excuse to get rid of the Dunlops and get some good tyres

[DutchMick]

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2072/2427860243_43c002a428.jpg

What do you reckon? I'll ring round tomorrow, should I try regular bike garages or a specialist tyre place?

 

That is not good at all.

Ring round a few see what the prices are they quote you, some may have free fitting but the tyre costs 20 quid more

[Guest]

4 days!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 4 days and a new tyre!!! Feck!!!! I haven't even got my Haynes manual through the post yet! Stu, can you recommend a good (economical) replacement? (commuting/weekend blasting)

[Guest]

That looks too close to the side of the tyre to be worthy of a repair (as far as I'm aware).

Darn... always the way heh? (I had an unrepairable puncture 200 miles from home on the weekend I picked up my new Gixxer).

[Stu]

conti attacks are good

heard high milage reports on them but dont forget to change both if you are going for a new brand

im sure others can recomend different tyres too

[Guest]

Both! (Gulp) Dunlops it is then...

[Stu]

which Dunplops have you got on ?

[Guest]

D207 RR back, D208F front (brand new)

[Stu]

what size ? 160/60x17?

[Guest]

yup

[Stu]

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/DUNLOP-SPORTMAX-D ... 18Q2el1247

[Guest]

Ta! I'll see if I can get it new and fitted for under £100(?), otherwise I'll think about doing it myself. If I'm shelling out, I'd prefer something new to go with the front!

[Stu]

theres not much on ebay yet

you can usually get a decent set for about £50

[Guest]

Battle Axe BT04's I think

[Guest]

I shouldn't mix and match brands though, right?

[Guest]

Yeah

[Guest]

that tyre won't fix--- in fact they will refuse to do it---better safe than sorry though--£100 odd squid will mean fook all if you get a dodgy delboy to mend it and it gives out

[Voodoo]

I shouldn't mix and match brands though, right?

 

It really doesn't matter much, I've done it loads of times and never once had any problems. The only time you shouldn't do it is when you mix crossply tyres with radial tyres, but seen as you can't buy crossply tyres for a sports bike it'll never be a problem.