Print

Please login or register.
1 Hour 1 Day 1 Week 1 Month Forever
Login with username, password and session length

[Maladjusted]

I picked up a nice sheetrock screw in my rear tire last year while on a road trip in the middle of nowhere.  Even with HOG road side assistance the tow job still cost me $230 to the nearest dealer.

Any of you have experience with a small emergency tire repair kit with the CO2 inflators?   Before I get bashed... I know the dangers of riding on a damaged tire... this would be for emergency only, to get me to a dealer.

Thanks
Mal

[ultrafxr]

I carry a small 12v air compressor.  Made by Slime but now H-D has one also.  Along with that I have a plug kit I got from Auto Zone I think.  Saved me a couple times and allowed me to get back home and to the dealer for repair.

http://www.slime.com/shop/power-sport-tire-inflator-40001/

http://www.harley-davidson.com/gma/gma_product.jsp?PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=845524448777490&default=none

[Fired00d]

I have a puncture kit I got from an auto parts store & a small compressor I got from Sears. I use the pump more at home to add air to tires when needed (never have needed it to repair a flat on the road yet). It's a nice thing to have for security when travelling and would recommend everyone have them. As you stated if I ever have to use it on the road it will be just to repair the tire so I can get somewhere to have it replaced.

 
Ride Safe,
Fired00d
 

[erniezap]

Like the replies above, I carry a small 12V compressor and a motorcycle tire repair kit, the difference being that it uses mushroom style plugs instead of the normal ones.  Takes up practically no room in a saddle bag, and it came in very handy when I got a front flat on the way to Solvang.  Plugged the tire, called the nearest dealer, and had the tire replaced.  A lot quicker than roadside assistance, and a lot cheaper depending upon where you are at the time.

[Maladjusted]

"small compressor"... how much room do these take up?  Space is tight on our 10 day trips.  

I wonder if those CO2 inflators work or just inflate enough to get you off the highway.

[ultrafxr]

"small compressor"... how much room do these take up?  Space is tight on our 10 day trips.  

I wonder if those CO2 inflators work or just inflate enough to get you off the highway.

The Slime compressor is quite small.  Comes in a case with various connection options - clamp for direct to battery post, cigar lighter plug, and a plug that fits a Battery Tender connection which is the one I always use.  You could take with just what you would use and leave the others and the case at home to save some space. 

I think the H-D version is a bit larger but never done a side by side.

Never used the CO2 cartridge system but does not appeal to me.  Would not have helped when I struck a railroad tie landscape timber earlier this year on a dark interstate road.  Bent the rim and tire slowly leaked down.  I was able to get home (over 30 miles) by stopping three times to add air to the tire.  If not for the air compressor I had with me I'd have been waiting in the dark by the side of a very busy interstate for a tow.

[Twolanerider]

Ditto.  Small 12v compressor (Slime) and plug kit in the bottom of the saddlebag on each bike.  For that matter have the same thing behind the seat on the pickup.  The little compressor won't air the tire up quickly but it'll get the job done in a few minutes.  I also check the little compressor for function as part of the spring maintenance each year. 

[SBB]

and a motorcycle tire repair kit, the difference being that it uses mushroom style plugs instead of the normal ones. 

Ernie

Where do you get the "mushroom style plugs?"
You have a picture?

SBB

[Twolanerider]

Ernie

Where do you get the "mushroom style plugs?"
You have a picture?

SBB

Chip, around here I can get them at auto parts stores.  I actually carry both the more common "string" type plugs and the mushroom type plugs though.  I prefer the mushroom type plugs when they can be used.  But they can't always be used.  A really ratty puncture might seal and get you in to a hotel or dealership with use of a couple of plugs side by side if you absolutely have to.  You can do that with the string type plugs and you can't with the mushroom type.  Since it's all about getting you to a new tire and off the side of the road this is a case where I like the option of both belt and suspenders.

[Maladjusted]

"Bent the rim and tire slowly leaked down."

Sold me on the little compressor.

[ultrafxr]

"Bent the rim and tire slowly leaked down."

Sold me on the little compressor.

Good insurance but hope you never need it.   

[erniezap]

Ernie

Where do you get the "mushroom style plugs?"
You have a picture?

SBB

Got mine through Jim.  There are several different kits to choose from.  Here is the one that I use:
http://www.dragspecialties.com/products/?lfr=product%2F90848

[LARGEANDREW]

Aerostitch has small compact compressor with various connections as well, along with tire patch/plug kits.

Just another option.

[erniezap]

Here's the compressor that I carry as well:
http://www.dragspecialties.com/products/?lfr=product%2F90351

[Twolanerider]

I used to carry the little gas cartridges and did so for quite a few years.  Used them successfully a few times but had a couple of occasions where the cartridge wouldn't puncture with whatever tool was at hand to complete the inflation.  Age, too much use on a limited use tool, who knows why....  But after the second time it didn't work I started carrying the little compressors instead.