Is this hole in my tire too big to patch?

Same here. After the plugs, never had a problem. I took the SV to highway speeds for a few hours (trips), top speeds, regular commute, etc. The tire wore off and was eventaully replaced, the plug never gave up.

Go see Rosey Toes...

Actually took it to Rosey Toes today, been there before so it was my first choice anyways. Had them look at the plug job and said it wasn't necessary to plug from the inside, checked it for leaks and said it looked good. Anyone think that's not okay?

Edit: Spoke with Heritage Auto, said they won't even patch a motorcycle tire as their insurance won't cover liability, his opinion as well was that he wouldn't trust a patch job. So lot's of conflicting advice here, and I'm sure a lot of people have had success with just a plug, some that have had plugs fail and only trust an inside patch/plug, and some that say replace the tire. Think I'm gonna play it safe with a new rear.
 
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Isn't it highly recommended that you do not use that stuff on a motorcycle tire? I have seen motorcycle-specific products of the same type, though.
Nope, you can use that same stuff. The "motorcycle" version of it is just the small bottle. But it tells you how much to use in the front and rear tire of a motorcycle, reguardless of which size bottle you buy. Just don't put the whole bottle in and you'll be fine ;)

And tire slime, I'd be surprised if it didn't throw off the balance.
It self balances because it never fully hardens. Sometimes, especially cold mornings, you'll notice it is off balance for the first 30 seconds or so of your ride, then it smooths right out :)

-Jamie M.
 
Nope, you can use that same stuff. The "motorcycle" version of it is just the small bottle. But it tells you how much to use in the front and rear tire of a motorcycle, reguardless of which size bottle you buy. Just don't put the whole bottle in and you'll be fine ;)

It self balances because it never fully hardens. Sometimes, especially cold mornings, you'll notice it is off balance for the first 30 seconds or so of your ride, then it smooths right out :)

-Jamie M.


I am kind of confused with this tire slime stuff. I had a nail pierce my rear tire a month ago and I put tire slime in it. Worked fine and tire didn't lose any pressure for the entire month. Them, just four days ago I go down to my bike and see a flat rear. I fill it back up to the specified pressure and the tire again held pressure. Went riding for about two hours later that day and parked the bike to hear air coming out of the hole. Why does this stuff stop and start working whenever it feels like it?
 
I am kind of confused with this tire slime stuff. I had a nail pierce my rear tire a month ago and I put tire slime in it. Worked fine and tire didn't lose any pressure for the entire month. Them, just four days ago I go down to my bike and see a flat rear. I fill it back up to the specified pressure and the tire again held pressure. Went riding for about two hours later that day and parked the bike to hear air coming out of the hole. Why does this stuff stop and start working whenever it feels like it?
lol! Maybe you didn't put enough in? I had it in my tire to patch up a big nail hole, pulled the nail out, sealed up fine. Three months later the rear feels a little squirmy, so I fill her up, check again, no leak. Turns out I had another nail in my tire, and it'd only loose air if I park on the spot with the nail in it! Once I pulled out the nail it didn't loose any more air. Not sure what's causing your issue though, spread soapy water all over the tire and look for other leaks.

-Jamie M.
 
lol! Maybe you didn't put enough in? I had it in my tire to patch up a big nail hole, pulled the nail out, sealed up fine. Three months later the rear feels a little squirmy, so I fill her up, check again, no leak. Turns out I had another nail in my tire, and it'd only loose air if I park on the spot with the nail in it! Once I pulled out the nail it didn't loose any more air. Not sure what's causing your issue though, spread soapy water all over the tire and look for other leaks.

-Jamie M.

Put 2/3 of the bottle in. I don't need to check for other leaks because the original hole revealed itself when I heard the loud hissing noise as soon as I parked. Maybe the colder temperatures now are making it more viscous when parked and causing the hole to not get any slime to seal it up.
 
So far I've had success using the rope style plugs....on multiple tires, multiple times ....to the end of the tire life.
 
Actually took it to Rosey Toes today, been there before so it was my first choice anyways. Had them look at the plug job and said it wasn't necessary to plug from the inside, checked it for leaks and said it looked good. Anyone think that's not okay?

Edit: Spoke with Heritage Auto, said they won't even patch a motorcycle tire as their insurance won't cover liability, his opinion as well was that he wouldn't trust a patch job. So lot's of conflicting advice here, and I'm sure a lot of people have had success with just a plug, some that have had plugs fail and only trust an inside patch/plug, and some that say replace the tire. Think I'm gonna play it safe with a new rear.

It`s simple there is no right or wrong answer when it comes to tires plug questions. Yes there are better optuions like `johnnt`pointed out but in the end a plug that holds air consistently is all you need. Personally if there is more the 75% tread left I will plug with a valcanizing tire plug and ride out the life of the tire.
 
The only safe way to repair a punctured tire is to take it off the wheel, re-drill the hole, buff the area inside, clean with solution, use a patch and plug combo (either separate or joined) with a proper cement and then seal.

'Just the plug' may leak around the rim of the hole because rubber has tiny fractures in it where the foreign object penatrated. It may also come out. Not saying that it will but the failure ratio is 10-fold from my experience compared to an internal patch-and-plug.

Any kind of solution in a can is not recommended.
And yes, if you did put something in a tire be kind enough to inform the mechanic performing the service.

Finally, it is true that while there are no official industry standards in Canada, most professionals do not suggest repairing motorcycle tires.
 
Agreed.
Even with a proper job with an internal "T" plug.
I still do not feel confident about a repaired tire.
You can and should expect it to blow at any moment.
That's why I do not like a repaired tire. I have to ride in a completely different manner.





The only safe way to repair a punctured tire is to take it off the wheel, re-drill the hole, buff the area inside, clean with solution, use a patch and plug combo (either separate or joined) with a proper cement and then seal.

'Just the plug' may leak around the rim of the hole because rubber has tiny fractures in it where the foreign object penatrated. It may also come out. Not saying that it will but the failure ratio is 10-fold from my experience compared to an internal patch-and-plug.

Any kind of solution in a can is not recommended.
And yes, if you did put something in a tire be kind enough to inform the mechanic performing the service.

Finally, it is true that while there are no official industry standards in Canada, most professionals do not suggest repairing motorcycle tires.
 
Until the guy who changes your tire punches you in the nose for using that crap.

Fix the tire properly, patch and plug.

As a guy in the tire industry this is the proper and only way a tire (all tires) should be fixed.

Run flat slime is emergency use only and has a flash point which makes it a possible hazard.
 
Also Bridgestones Moto sight says a "repaired tire should not exceed 80km/h for first 24 hrs after repair is done" "not to exceed 130km/h after the repair and that it becomes an "non-speed rated" tire after its been repaired. All repairs to be done by a qualified technician.

I have plug and patched my newer BS S20's and feel confident.

To the comment about it not being as strong? What do you think the patch is for? To add the strength (steel belts) to re-enforce it.

Few guys made some great valid points. Others gave some of the worst advice possible.
 
Also Bridgestones Moto sight says a "repaired tire should not exceed 80km/h for first 24 hrs after repair is done" "not to exceed 130km/h after the repair and that it becomes an "non-speed rated" tire after its been repaired. All repairs to be done by a qualified technician.

I have plug and patched my newer BS S20's and feel confident.

To the comment about it not being as strong? What do you think the patch is for? To add the strength (steel belts) to re-enforce it.

Few guys made some great valid points. Others gave some of the worst advice possible.

The Bridgestone quote is interesting, thanks for chiming in with an official stance. For me, replacing the tire was the way to go for my own peace of mind.
 
Make sure you use a qualified technician....omg.
$pend whatever gives you peace of mind.
Oh ya never go over 130...absolutely
 
Make sure you use a qualified technician....omg.
$pend whatever gives you peace of mind.
Oh ya never go over 130...absolutely

Right from bridgestone's web site.

Sure beats all the useless and very wrong info some people were giving on here.

It still is always a personal choice.
 
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