Plugged Tyre

[veracocha]

Just had new tyres (Michelin Road 6) and after a 43 mile trip I noticed a tack in the rear. I pulled it out and obviously a very slow deflate took place. I plugged it with the sticky plug type and trimmed it down and reinflated the tyre; it seems to be holding well. How likely is this going to be a problem for me as I have a trip to Scotland in a fortnight  and just don't want it spoiling my trip. Do I chance it or is it worth taking to a specialist to do a professional job?

[AstronautNinja]

Personally I'd be making note of any pressure loss over the coming days, if its holding pressure and your not giving the bike death I'd carry on. If you plan to hammer said bike I'd replace for my trip and have the plugged tyre professionally repaired knowing I have a solid replacement for future use. I've had a weird slow leak on the car tyre for the last year, slow enough to stick air in weekly and avoid a £200 replacement, I do however start to question its integrity at 120+ and back off haha.

[keith1200rs]

Most people seem to plug tyres and ride for miles with no problems. For Z rated tyres there isn't a recommended repair method but otherwise you could get it repaired if you are not confident. I've never had tyres plugged and changed them when punctured

[Tinkicker]

Back in the day, I had a new honda blackbird.  400 miles on the clock.  Z rated tyres.  I got an old split pin puncturing the rear tyre.

 

I had  and was in charge of a fully equipped motorcycle repair workshop, complete with mushroom plugs to repair tubeless tyre punctures professionally.  However Z rated tyres should not be repaired.  On the other hand, I would not very likely be sustaining 180mph plus.  So what to do?

 

I thought and thought.  I hated looking at that rear wheel with an almost brand new tyre sat in the corner. A lot of dosh on the line.

 

I picked up my tool of choice.. A hacksaw, very literally ran at the wheel and hacked a wide cut into the tyre.  Then got on the phone to order a very expensive replacement.  I removed any choice I had in the matter.  True story.

 

I have devoted my entire career to absolute vehicular roadworthyness.  I had to and do, apply that to my own vehicles, no matter the cost, else how could I possibly advise others to do the right thing?  I practice what I preach.

 

At the end of the day, You ave not given enough detail to hazard a guess as to your course of action.  But as my mentor once told me to great and lifelong lasting effect.  You examine a part to see if it is still serviceable.  If you have to procrastinate more than a couple of seconds of its suitability, clearly it is not serviceable.

 

Clearly you have thought long and hard, and finally asked advice on an internet forum....  You are not happy... The tyre is not, in your mind, fully serviceable in its present state.

 

Two options.

1. One, have it professionally repaired.

 

2.  Have it replaced.

 

It is the only way you will have faith in it.

Edited August 22, 2024 by Tinkicker

[Mississippi Bullfrog]

I fitted new Road 4s to the CBF and within a week had a nail in the front tyre. I took the tyre to a local bike shop and paid £30 for a proper repair. I've done a couple of thousands miles on it with no trouble. 

 

For road use and speeds that's perfectly adequate.  

 

In my view the DIY repair kits are get you home. Then get a proper repair done and just ride it. 

[veracocha]

Tried two dealers and both said they won’t repair. New tyre it is. Where’s my saw

[husoi]

Unless either the tyre is always worn to the point where soon you will have to change it or the puncture is too close to the tyre wall. I can't see why they wouldn't repair it.

Probably trying to convince you to buy a new one from them

 

A plug is always a temp solution and as many already stated, a permanent plug should be installed as soon as possible.

[keith1200rs]

1 hour ago, husoi said:

can't see why they wouldn't repair it.

As said earlier, there is no approved method of repairing Z rated tyres.

[Mississippi Bullfrog]

1 hour ago, keith1200rs said:

As said earlier, there is no approved method of repairing Z rated tyres.

The tyre I had repaired is Z rated and our local bike place had no issues putting a plug in it. 

 

Not a main dealership though. But a very highly respected service and MOT centre near us. 

[Tinkicker]

Some will, some won't.  The deciding factor is where the puncture is.  If it is more than halfway across towards the sidewall from the tread centre line. most will not.

[Ian Frog]

4 minutes ago, Tinkicker said:

Some will, some won't.  The deciding factor is where the puncture is.  If it is more than halfway across towards the sidewall from the tread centre line. most will not.

That`s correct the proximity to the side wall is what decides whether it`s safe or possible to repair.

I have ridden over 4000 miles on a repaired tyre on my ZRX including a fair amount of "Spirited" riding with no problems.

Cheers

Ian

[veracocha]

It's just off centre and in one of the deep grooves. 43 miles on the clock since replacing it.  Had the bike booked in for a service for tomorrow and after three weeks the dealer calls me 20 minutes ago to cancel His spanner wanted a long weekend

 

[keith1200rs]

"BSAU159f states that no repairs are allowed in the sidewalls (these flex continuously and a repair is likely to fail), and the standard says repairs are not allowed on high speed Z-rated tyres"