G'day all,

Old mate got a puncture on his trumpy the other day in the middle of nowhere - so I continued on to Pemberton and got them to come out with a couple of plugs and a compressor.

Now they say a plug is only a temporary repair and the tyre should be replaced asap. This is a near new $300+ tyre so whats the general consensus? Shell out for a new tyre or keep riding on the repaired one until it's worn?

I know what I would do if it was on the car - just keep using it, I have in the past with no problems, but unsure about bike tyres - never had to plug one before...

cheers, stumbly

I plugged a near new tyre on my FLHT and promptly forgot about it untill I worn it out and replaced with a new tyre.  The changer asked me when I plugged so I told him (14000km) and he said they often see them as nobody buys new tyres if they do not leak.

What's his safety worth?

It's all good an a car when ya can still roll along on 3 and a flat - Not so pretty on a bike. Not sure i'd gamble the $300 bucks against my future??

Mate of mine plugged his Speed Triple rear tyre then rode at ballistic speeds until it was completely worn out. Not a problem.

If he was really worried, you may be able to fit a tube.
It's probably unlikely it will cause him a problem though.
If it's a front tyre, It would play on my mind. A rear, not so much.

+1 you've got no chance if the front goes.

Its a liability issue with the company that makes the plugs. They say to replace the tyre so if it blows its not their fault. Truth is a very small percentage of punctures actually damage the belts. Damaged belts means a dangerous tyre. So its up to you. Replace it or keep it, the choice is yours.
I've used plug on bikes, cars, 4x4 and never had a problem. run your hand over the tyre and feel for ANY distortion or out of round. If yes, replace. If no, continue to check at regular intervals and replace if concerned.
Regards Russ

Thanks gents, rear tyre so I think he's going to keep it.

I am running with 2 plugs side by side in mine and have done for about 9 months now with no problem. In fact I just got back from a run down the coast to Batemans bay with no issue whatsoever, still the same pressure when I got back as when I left.. The reason there is 2 side by side is, I had a flat piece of metal about the size of a points file (for those of you who actually know what one of those is!) put a slice right through the tyre, and because it was a wide hole one plug would not seal it, so, I put another plug next to it in the same hole, and it has been working great, I check the pressures regularly and there doesnt seem to be a leak or anything. IT IS A REAR TYRE THOUGH, NO WAY WOULD I RISK IT ON THE FRONT!!!

yes I know what a points file is. Damn that grey hair it gives me away.

 

Russ