Today I met a few local BMW club members on a RTE (Ride To Eat) for lunch. What a great day to get out for a lunchtime ride? Afterall, the temps got above freezing today with warmer weather coming this weekend. Lunch was nice, and the ride even better (although I had to go through parts of Arlington and Falls Church - can be congested at times). However - I got an added bonus on the way back to work from the RTE - I got SCREWED! That's right - a screw in my rear tire.
When I was headed back to my bike at the end of the workday I noticed something about the rear tire. I was hoping it was some kind of white-ish 'dirt' I recently ran over. A closer inspection revealed a screw! Arrrrggghhh! That's a fairly new tire; I just mounted it new years weekend and if my math is correct, I have almost 700 miles on it. I was able to make it home ok but that SUCKS!
Forgive the low picture quality - it was a dark parking garage and camera photo. After a better look in MY garage, I don't think it went all the way through but I'll pull it out tomorrow and see if a plug is needed. Most likely, I'll put a plug in there.
John
Member 293 (I think)
'17 Triumph Tiger 1200 XRX
The only 100% safe solution is to replace the tire. That's not what I would do however.
You will hear a variety of opinions on this but I would patch the tire with a radial tire patch if it is a clean puncture (can't tell from the photo). This will require you to remove the tire from the wheel but the repair is among the safest you can do. A couple of years ago, I picked up a sheet metal screw right in the center of my MEZ6's that had about 900 miles on them. My local group has a Coates changer and on the advice of several folks, I removed the tire, patched it with a radial repair kit (available at most auto parts stores), remounted and rebalanced it and rode for something like 8,000 miles with no issues. I actually kept the repaired tire when I replaced my rubber this summer and will post some pictures of the repair when I get some spare time. Bottom line was that the patch looked the same as the day I applied it.
My opinion (and I stress it's just that) is that patching is pretty safe repair method. If you decide to replace the tire, let me know though - I'd be happy to take the punctured one off your hands.
Charlie
'03 R1150R
Life member 365
Errabundi Saepe, Semper Certi
challey wrote:The only 100% safe solution is to replace the tire. That's not what I would do however.
You will hear a variety of opinions on this but I would patch the tire with a radial tire patch if it is a clean puncture (can't tell from the photo). This will require you to remove the tire from the wheel but the repair is among the safest you can do. A couple of years ago, I picked up a sheet metal screw right in the center of my MEZ6's that had about 900 miles on them. My local group has a Coates changer and on the advice of several folks, I removed the tire, patched it with a radial repair kit (available at most auto parts stores), remounted and rebalanced it and rode for something like 8,000 miles with no issues. I actually kept the repaired tire when I replaced my rubber this summer and will post some pictures of the repair when I get some spare time. Bottom line was that the patch looked the same as the day I applied it.
My opinion (and I stress it's just that) is that patching is pretty safe repair method. If you decide to replace the tire, let me know though - I'd be happy to take the punctured one off your hands.
Charlie
I'll plug the tire. I've plugged them before, and will continue to plug them (if possible). I'll have to look into the radial patch. I pulled the screw out today and it went in at a very shallow angle and I'm not sure it actually went all the way through. I'll take a closer look tomorrow, and will most likely put a rope plug in there to be on the safe side.
John
Member 293 (I think)
'17 Triumph Tiger 1200 XRX
The sticky rope plug kits work fine. I've used them and never replace a GOOD tire because of a nail or screw puncture. I'm sure the radial patch inside the tire is even better, if you want to dismantle the wheel/tire.
I had the same thing happen to my new Z6 after 400 miles! A local motorcycle shop installed a vulcanized (glued), mushroon plug/patch from the inside for $25 and it has rolled another 6000 miles without any problems. This screw also went in at a very shallow angle, barely going completely through. The 1/2" stem of the mushroom plug/patch completely filled the hole, and the 1-1/2" diameter head vulcanized to the inner wall ensured no air leaks.
Unfortunately, fewer bike shops are doing this tire service anymore due to insurance liability premiums, but even these shops will tell you they rarely had one fail. It's the only repair recommended by Mettzeler.
I was able to make it home ok but that SUCKS!
