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[bribe36]

I just got my first ever flat in the tubeless rear tire of my 09 SERG. The tire has less than 1000 miles and I have a nail in the center of the tread. Is it  safe to fix this tire and if so what is the best way? Thanks for the help guys.

[djkak]

Tire & wheel warranty?

[hd-dude]

I have a no patch rule at the shop. I get asked often to patch tires and will not do it. A new tire is cheap compared to what can happen with a tire failure. Its not worth the risk.

[bribe36]

Nope, no tire / wheel warranty.

[djkak]

I have a no patch rule at the shop. I get asked often to patch tires and will not do it. A new tire is cheap compared to what can happen with a tire failure. Its not worth the risk.

What he said! 

[djkak]

My wife had a flat tire while we were running through rural North Carolina on a crooked 4 lane a couple of years ago. Her headlight disappeared from my mirrors, and after a little bit I pulled over to wait for her. A person in a minivan pulled in behind me, rolled down his window and asked me if I was traveling with a girl on a white motorcycle. He went on to say that her bike was wobbling and that he thought that she had a flat tire. I immediately asked him if her motorcycle was still upright, and when he said yes, I’m here to tell you that the sense of relief was worth a dozen or more tires. Give yourself a HUGE treat and replace your damaged tire.

[grc]

1.  A plug repair can be made to get you home or to a shop, but under no circumstances should you consider that to be a lasting repair.  Even in a four wheeled vehicle, plugs should be considered temporary emergency repairs only.

2.  A proper repair involves removing the tire and patching it from the inside.  This process is pretty reliable if done properly with fresh patches and adhesives, and I wouldn't have any qualms about doing this on a car or truck.  On a two wheeled vehicle, however, I side with those who say no patches. 

3.  In theory, most Harley bias ply tires will accept tubes and you could repair the leak by installing a tube.  However, this will add weight and will cause the tire to run hotter as well.  Since you have to break the tire and wheel down to install a tube, it makes more sense to just replace the tire and keep all the benefits of a tubeless tire.

I know it really irks a cheap guy like myself to throw away an almost new tire, but you have to ask yourself if your life really isn't worth a couple hundred bucks.  My answer to your question:  Replace the tire!

Jerry

[porthole]

I carry a patch and "air" for on the road and stuck repairs (trips only)

Other then that  - replace the tire

[ragrep]

Spend the $$ and replace the tire- better safe than sorry- tires are one of those items on your bike not to skimp on-

[greglyon]

I agree with everyone's comments, but assuming you are in the middle of buttf**k nowhere, if someone has done the patch from the outside please explain the steps.  As well as the "what not to do."
Of course, when the bike makes it to a HD dealer the tire will then be replaced.

[ragrep]

If you  run tube tires- your pretty much hosed if you are out in BFE and get a flat- unless you have all your tools- tire spoons- compressed air in your side bag- yeah right-....call roadside assistance 

If your run tubeless, you can use a tire plug to get you home- not a permanent solution - and there are a bunch of motorcycle oriented portable tubless repair kits with C02 inflators out there to choose from- I carry one on my offroad bike-

the kits range in price from 7.95 up to 59.95 depending what you want to carry-

here are couple of the better ones:

http://www.genuineinnovations.com/motorprods.aspx
http://www.phatperformanceparts.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=0363-0003&click=37735

[Firechief2]

I have to agree with the majority here ----replace it. A patched tire will play with your head every time you twist the throttle.

[murphy]

Sit down and figure out what your life is worth... then price a new tire.

You can guarantee the next tire will last a long time, because you will have put the extra bucks down for the warranty for that one!

Murphy's Law!!!

[AXIL]

      replace the tire, or most of the time you can put in a tube. the tube will derate the speed limit of the tire but the
speed limit rating will be higher than you nominally ride. your chose.   axil

[pokerpig]

I carry a plug and inflation kit for emergencies, but I would only ride as far as the next town before I got a new tire.