Maybe Ghost can learn me about...

Tire repair kits?

The title is not meant as a dig - hope that Ghost doesn't take it that way. I appreciate your other educational threads. :thumbsup:

I've tried to use the search function to narrow things down, but not finding what I am looking for. And I'll take anyone's suggestions, not just Ghost. :biggrin:

Hoping to get a real world suggestion on a tire repair kit. I'm looking for emergencies only. I happen to be of the opinion that if I have to plug a tire, I'm going to replace that tire ASAP.

So, I just need something that if I catch a flat one day in the middle of nowhere, it will be sufficient and adequate enough to get me home or to the first reasonably safe area.

Will something like this suffice?

Stop & Go Off Road Tire Repair Kit :: New Enough Motorcycle Hard Parts

Thanks.

 

I use the stop and go standard model kit (3rd kit down here)->Motorcycle Products | Stop & Go International | Home of the Award Winning Pocket Tire Plugger. I've used it for years and have had nothing but good experiences with it. It's super easy to use and quick too. I always carry it with me along with my Slime brand mini compressor. I highly recommend the standard kit because of the ease of use with the plunger gun and mushroom caps.

 

I couldn’t agree with .J. more. Sorry boss, I didn’t see this thread until today.

Lets educate..

Ghost says “Lets learn about tires!”

Motorcycle tires are more or less similar to your standard automotive tire, with one major exception. Heat.

For a standard automobile, you have the luxury of more than one tire to rely on. IF perhaps you have a flat, and your doughnut is also, of the same fate, you “could” sacrifice your newly flat tire, and run the rubber and rims for another mile or so till you can get the car to a station to change it properly… or you could attempt a road side patch.

What makes a Motorcycle tire unique than say a normal Automotive tire Ghost?

Well, I like to spout on and on, but lets just take the manufactures word on this.

This is an excerpt with regard to the intricate method of tire structure, to be able to constantly move and support the weight of the bike, as the weight moves and changes its position. If you puncture a weak tire on the side wall, never fear, they are not like traditional tires, and you CAN patch them. Tire beads and hardened or higher durometer rubber strips inside the tire act as a support structure to shift the load. Fortunately, this also serves to isolate areas that are weak, and lend to assist us to patch them, and continue on our way.

What are some issues with patching?

For motorcycles though, there is a problem. Tire manufacturers know that heat plays a large part into motorcycle tires. Hence, a motorcycle tire is made from a more dense rubber. Additionally, the inside of the tire can be made with one of the two additives listed below.

1. Anti-deflate compressed synthetic silicone spray.

2. Anti-oxidant oil.

OMG Ghost you are a nut case… WTF does this load of BS mean? Well, its really not as complicated as is sounds. ADCSS, or item one, is simply a very sticky silicone spray that some manufacturers will apply to the inside of a tire, AFTER it is manufactured. You can also purchase this spray from some local tire dealers, and or have them put it in for you… though, let me just add, this is rather costly. Depends on what is most important to you.

ADCSS is a preventative measure. If a motorcycle tire runs over spikes, or a nail, or series of nails, or even barb wire, the pressure of the air, forces the sticky substance into the hole, and out some. The material will then harden with the UV within a few mins, and thus make its own plug. Your tire will very slowly loose pressure, and I mean very slowly, and subsequently the rider will notice, find the problem and replace the tire at their leisure.

AOO is not the same, it is a method to ensure material structure and integrity. Applying a patch to this type of tire is near impossible, plugs work, but not well for a motorcycle. The heat expansion of the rubber makes this difficult. I believe in 1988, Firestone was the first production producer to move away from oil impregnated rubber tires for motorcycles. I only mention this for people who may have older bikes and tires from this era. Please have them checked for oil on the inside, and replace them as soon as you have the ability to do so.

How does Heat affect a punctured tire?
Due to the reasons of the heat, I do not recommend using a plug or patch. The glues tend to slip from the constant rotation of force pressure from the road pushing back onto the tire, and the constant readjusting the rubber does to disperse the weight load… sort of like if you get a cut on your arm, and you are pressing on the skin near the cut, and constantly pulling and pushing your skin around the area where the damage is… its very hard to heal and or keep a band-aid on it.

Now, what works best for patching an emergency flat?

Internal sealants which also expand with heat are your number one choice. .J.’s suggestions are perfection. He gets a gold star.

Here is a link to the product Ghost keeps under his seat.

SLIME ME!!!

Realistically, prevention and preparedness is key. Be ready for your flat. Cause you don’t have a spare. (in case you didn’t know). You are at the mercy of others if you are walking. Ghost recommends to not scoff at the pre-ride checklist. Check your tires before every ride. You may think this isn’t important, but you could have gotten 3 nails on that 5 min ride to the quick stop gas station. And remember, if you choose to ride the flat, handling and steering are very difficult with flat tires.

Love your Slime. Check your tires often.
Ghost out.

 

I've got slime in my ATV tires, you wouldn't believe how big a hole that will fix. Never thought about it for the street, any balance issues?

 

none. refering to the inner structire of the tire ribbing.

course, balanced tire at that momnet will be the least of your worries right? lol

 

True!:thumbsup:

 

Ghost, you have added more substantive information to this site in the last few weeks the has been posted here in a while. Thanks, man. You rock.

 

Hello¡
You should go to any Auto Zone store, there you can get Slime, tyre pathches or any tyre spray ONLY for emergencies, I had used A rubber piece with bicycles sealant without any problem in a 200 mile trip in Mexico ,as you know there isn´t too many tyres repair shop in secundary roads, Ghost I really respect your knowledge. greetings from Mexico.

 

I carried a bottle of slime under my seat till its cap came off? Maybe from the change in altitudes I was climbing? Vibration? hitting MACH 2? At anycase after it slimed my tail, pipe and tire I said no thanks and carry a plug kit and compressor. Enough to get me home for a good replacement.

I would suggest installing it in the tire from new as a preventative maintenance point.

 

Tire sealant is all fine and good until you're the one changing the tire. What a mess. Looks like someone blew their nose all over the tire machine.:smile: It's makes it worse if the owner of said tire neglects to tell you that he "slimed" it and that nasty crap gets all over your purdy shoes. I don't use the stuff myself, I prefer the plug in my previous post and a mini compressor to get you home, then a new tire. I just had to replace my fairly new front tire because of a small hole caused by a finishing nail. Really sucks when that happens, but better safe and out of money than sorry and crashing a perfectly good bike.

 

thanks boss! I'm just content to share.

for both .J. and SLOVFR I must agree also. although I havent wittnessed this first hand, I have seen the Slime used. As such, I can imagine what this tire looks like when you pull it off. Then again, thats its purpose..."to work long enough to get you to a shop or home". I would rather clean up a rim, than have a tow fee. (assuming you dont trailer it or something easy)