Kawasaki Concours Forum

The C-14, aka Kawasaki Concours-14, the new one :) => The Bike - C14/GTR 1400 => Topic started by: Haroldo_PSF on May 03, 2012, 09:40:59 AM

Title: Finally got my first nail in a tire ever
Post by: Haroldo_PSF on May 03, 2012, 09:40:59 AM
See the pics. It looks like a staple, but it is a bent nail, with one puncture only.
The tire (Pirelli Angel) has about 1000 miles on it (son of a ....!).

1) Can this be fixed with a simple tire fix/patch kit I have at home?
2) If yes to the above, would that be a temporary fix, or could I ride the remaining life of the tire on that patch/fix?
Title: Re: Finally got my first nail in a tire ever
Post by: momo65 on May 03, 2012, 09:46:21 AM
Bummer,  were you able to make it home, patch kit time.
Title: Re: Finally got my first nail in a tire ever
Post by: Haroldo_PSF on May 03, 2012, 09:52:46 AM
Bummer,  were you able to make it home, patch kit time.

Oh yes. I can't tell you how much I LOVE these TPS sensors. It is the second time they not only warned me I had a flat, but also their readings told me it was a slow leak flat, and I could get home as I monitored the pressure in the highway.

First time was a couple of years back, when I was about to leave from work and the front tire was on the ground. I inflated it, and rode to the shop while monitoring the pressure on the dash.

This time yesterday, as soon as I got on the freeway, I noticed the rear pressure was at 35psi, compared to 41psi that same morning. I immediatelly knew I had an issue. And at the same time, I knew I was OK to keep going, as I had enough pressure (35psi), and I could keep monitoring the pressure as I went.

These sensors are one of my favorite features of this bike. In addition to identifying a possible flat, they also let you know when you tires are warm in cold mornings after a few miles, when the pressure goes up a bit.

But again, I have zero experience with patching, or having it patched, or riding with a patched tire. If I fix it, can I actually ride the remaining life of the tire on the fix? If not, I would just patch to learn how to do it, and then get a new tire anyway. The bike is in my garage.
Title: Re: Finally got my first nail in a tire ever
Post by: Conrad on May 03, 2012, 09:58:19 AM
You'll get a lot of differing opinions on this. I recently had my first flat on my C14, picked up a screw in the back tire. I patched it using my sticky rope kit and I plan on riding with the tire that way till it's worn out. The fix worked perfectly and the tire is not losing any air at all.

I asked my dealer's tech about this and his advice was to ride on but to keep it below 100mph. I didn't listen to the second part of his advice...
Title: Re: Finally got my first nail in a tire ever
Post by: Jeremy Mitchell on May 03, 2012, 11:54:09 AM
If it were me I would do a plug/patch and just keep a close eye on it. 
Title: Re: Finally got my first nail in a tire ever
Post by: Son of Pappy on May 03, 2012, 12:01:37 PM
Well, for the sake of entertainment I would suggest watching Freds videos after a six pack of your favorite brew.  Wait a coupla days, patch/plug using elmers glue.  Post up results as help is required!!  Lets turn this into another epic thread for the memory books, I would also suggest waiting until the 10th to begin.

If ya aint ready for that again, I would follow what Jeremy said, but where would the fun be in that?

Bummer on the staple, I had something similar happen when I was going through the State Instructor Prep class on my RT.  I simply filled the tire to 50ish and rode home, still had 42 after 50 mile trip.  I was due a new tire anyway so I went that route, which turned me into a Pireli fan.
Title: Re: Finally got my first nail in a tire ever
Post by: B.D.F. on May 03, 2012, 03:08:51 PM
Hey Haroldo, good to see you around and posting.

As Conrad said, you will get the entire smear of opinions on this one. I would plug a tire and keep going but only if the hole was clean and round, the tire had a decent amount of life left in it (maybe 50% or more) and the hole was close to perpendicular to the tire carcass.

Another, and probably better option, is to patch the tire from the inside. A properly installed patch should let you forget all about it for the rest of the tire's life. The downside is that you have to de-mount and remount the tire to patch them.

All of that said, even if a plug fails they usually seem to leak rather than have the tire blowout. Given that these bikes have TPS, it reduces the danger of having a <reasonably> slow leak in a tire in the first place and makes a plug more forgiving.

Brian

See the pics. It looks like a staple, but it is a bent nail, with one puncture only.
The tire (Pirelli Angel) has about 1000 miles on it (son of a ....!).

1) Can this be fixed with a simple tire fix/patch kit I have at home?
2) If yes to the above, would that be a temporary fix, or could I ride the remaining life of the tire on that patch/fix?
Title: Re: Finally got my first nail in a tire ever
Post by: koval68 on May 03, 2012, 08:52:11 PM
Plug it for now and when you can (if you can find someone willing to do this...), patch it from inside using the mushroom with the stem type patch.
Title: Re: Finally got my first nail in a tire ever
Post by: Gsun on May 03, 2012, 10:45:33 PM
I have Angels and got a nail (rear) at about the same milage, maybe less. I plugged it and it's still going strong. Not going to bother patching unless it starts to leak. TPMS saved me too.
Title: Re: Finally got my first nail in a tire ever
Post by: McJunkie on May 04, 2012, 05:23:38 AM
I always believed that if you ended up getting something in your tire that it's best to replace it. Why take a chance of a sudden deflation and risk your life. That was until I picked up a screw a thousand miles after buying new tires. Took it in and had a patch/plug put in and monitored it for another 12 K until I needed new tires.
Title: Re: Finally got my first nail in a tire ever
Post by: MikeERideWNC on May 04, 2012, 09:45:24 AM
I would Mushroom plug/patch it from the inside of the tire.

I have successfully done this for several riders who have gotten many more thousands of miles from the tires.

I have these on the shelf if ever needed in the Western NC area.
Title: Re: Finally got my first nail in a tire ever
Post by: Haroldo_PSF on May 04, 2012, 05:01:29 PM
Plug it for now and when you can (if you can find someone willing to do this...), patch it from inside using the mushroom with the stem type patch.

that's exactly what I'll do. I had spoken with this family owned shop I take my Triumph Tiger to (third party), and they do that for $30 bucks or so (wheel off the bike when I come in, they take tire off, mushroom it, and put tire back on the rim). I'll do that and ride the tire until its done.

Hey Brian!!! The two year in the planning 10000 miles ride to the arctic and back is in a month! If you plan to be around Seatlle at the time, I'd like to meet you for....what was it you liked again...a Scotch, right?
Title: Re: Finally got my first nail in a tire ever
Post by: Taff on May 04, 2012, 08:21:13 PM
that's exactly what I'll do. I had spoken with this family owned shop I take my Triumph Tiger to (third party), and they do that for $30 bucks or so (wheel off the bike when I come in, they take tire off, mushroom it, and put tire back on the rim). I'll do that and ride the tire until its done.

Hey Brian!!! The two year in the planning 10000 miles ride to the arctic and back is in a month! If you plan to be around Seatlle at the time, I'd like to meet you for....what was it you liked again...a Scotch, right?

Hit me up too  :chugbeer: :chugbeer:
Title: Re: Finally got my first nail in a tire ever
Post by: Son of Pappy on May 05, 2012, 02:15:00 AM
Me three Haraldo.  Tools and whatnot on hand and any other assistance you may need or desire, includes a lake side camping spot complete with geese and goslings ;D  Not too far off the path your'e likely to be traveling either.  Name and info is in the book, Chet Mainwaring in Port Orchard, WA.  I'm good for anywhere in the state, provided I aint on the mountain.  Shoot some likely dates, my schedule is extremly flexible knowadays.
Title: Re: Finally got my first nail in a tire ever
Post by: B.D.F. on May 05, 2012, 07:28:30 AM
That sounds like a fine plan with the tire.

As far as Seattle goes (Tacoma actually but close enough), nothing definate yet but there is a plan that has me leaving here (east coast) on or around 6 June and getting to the west coast on 8 June- another CC 50. I would be in Tacoma until somewhere around 20 June and then head back although at a more relaxed pace and with my wife for at least part of the trip. If we do cross paths, by all means let's meet up somewhere and see what damage we can do to the local establishment(s)! Best of luck on your trip north.

Brian

that's exactly what I'll do. I had spoken with this family owned shop I take my Triumph Tiger to (third party), and they do that for $30 bucks or so (wheel off the bike when I come in, they take tire off, mushroom it, and put tire back on the rim). I'll do that and ride the tire until its done.

Hey Brian!!! The two year in the planning 10000 miles ride to the arctic and back is in a month! If you plan to be around Seatlle at the time, I'd like to meet you for....what was it you liked again...a Scotch, right?
Title: Re: Finally got my first nail in a tire ever
Post by: RideBellChain on May 07, 2012, 05:11:08 PM
There's a great product out there called "Ride On" that I put in all my tires.  Rode my cruiser home (1100 lbs loaded with 2 passengers) with a 4" nail stuck in the tire.  Makes it like a self-sealing tire, then I used the gooey plug and was fine until I replaced it.

Sidewalls?  No way. Replace it immediately...in the tread, you're ok.  I wouldn't race with it, but for street use, sure.
Title: Re: Finally got my first nail in a tire ever
Post by: stevewfl on May 07, 2012, 11:16:11 PM
I went from Co to west coast then back to FL on a plug named Jill. Reminds me...I still need to send Rick Hall a little sumthin' for the help him and stavee gave me out there
Title: Re: Finally got my first nail in a tire ever
Post by: maxtog on May 20, 2018, 12:09:19 PM
Well, add me to the list.  I just discovered my first nail in a tire, ever.  I went to ride this morning and when I uncovered the bike, I noticed what looked like a white line on the rear tire's tread (of my practically new PR4GT).  I looked closer, and it looked like a large staple.  I went and got some pliers and pulled on it to discover it was a steel nail with no head!  I wonder how long that had been in there???

I carefully pulled it out- it was embedded at a very acute angle, about 3/4" into the tire.  Surprising how much force it took to remove and how "sticky" the tire is.  No air loss and no leaking, even after 100+ miles today.  I am not sure if I should be worried or not.... I suppose not.
Title: Re: Finally got my first nail in a tire ever
Post by: B.D.F. on May 20, 2018, 12:20:02 PM
If the angle was shallow enough (meaning close to parallel with the outside of the tire), it is entirely possible that it never penetrated all the way (Easy Boys!) through the tire. Otherwise, this would be the first time I have ever heard of a tire puncture of any size that did not at least result in a slow leak.

But if the tire is not leaking, I personally would not worry about it. It sounds like the object was fairly small in dia. so it is doubtful any structural damage was done to the tire carcass.

Brian

Well, add me to the list.  I just discovered my first nail in a tire, ever.  I went to ride this morning and when I uncovered the bike, I noticed what looked like a white line on the rear tire's tread (of my practically new PR4GT).  I looked closer, and it looked like a large staple.  I went and got some pliers and pulled on it to discover it was a steel nail with no head!  I wonder how long that had been in there???

I carefully pulled it out- it was embedded at a very acute angle, about 3/4" into the tire.  Surprising how much force it took to remove and how "sticky" the tire is.  No air loss and no leaking, even after 100+ miles today.  I am not sure if I should be worried or not.... I suppose not.
Title: Re: Finally got my first nail in a tire ever
Post by: maxtog on May 20, 2018, 01:07:45 PM
If the angle was shallow enough (meaning close to parallel with the outside of the tire),

It was a remarkably shallow angle.  If I had to guess, I would say maybe 15 degrees.

Quote
it is entirely possible that it never penetrated all the way (Easy Boys!) through the tire. Otherwise, this would be the first time I have ever heard of a tire puncture of any size that did not at least result in a slow leak.

Hopefully it will continue to not leak.  I assume if it didn't leak after 100 miles today, then it probably still won't.  I will keep my fingers crossed.   The nail had to have been in the tire for at least a week (of course, pulling it out is more likely to result in a leak than leaving it in).

Quote
But if the tire is not leaking, I personally would not worry about it. It sounds like the object was fairly small in dia. so it is doubtful any structural damage was done to the tire carcass.

The diameter of the nail is 3mm.   I was angry after I pulled it out and didn't remember take a photo of it before removal.
Title: Re: Finally got my first nail in a tire ever
Post by: Rhino on May 21, 2018, 07:39:49 AM
What am I doing wrong? I've only been riding since 2004 and I've had at least 6 nails/screws/flats. All but one successfully plugged at the scene of the flat and the tire ridden until the tread worn to the wear bars.
Title: Re: Finally got my first nail in a tire ever
Post by: mvjr1904 on May 21, 2018, 09:27:29 AM
I heard all the same stories about the risks to self and bike about "to plug/repair or replace the tire".  Although, each scenario is different due to various variables, I got my 1st nail on my 2011, that had a newer back tire (under 2000 miles). I needed self proof about plugging a tire.
I bought a plug kit from WalMart, did some research and got a portable compressor. 
I plugged the tire, aired it up, rode up and down my block, extended my range to some local neighborhood rides, then short freeway rides and then back to regular riding. Tire has gone another 10,000 miles and now its ready for replacement.

My self proof, No issues what so ever! It worked for me but your mileage may vary.
I now carry the plug package and compressor when I go on rides with the guys, for there unlikely need and benefit! 
Title: Re: Finally got my first nail in a tire ever
Post by: Rubber_Snake on May 21, 2018, 08:51:35 PM
Well, add me to the list.  I just discovered my first nail in a tire, ever.  I went to ride this morning and when I uncovered the bike, I noticed what looked like a white line on the rear tire's tread (of my practically new PR4GT).  I looked closer, and it looked like a large staple.  I went and got some pliers and pulled on it to discover it was a steel nail with no head!  I wonder how long that had been in there???

I carefully pulled it out- it was embedded at a very acute angle, about 3/4" into the tire.  Surprising how much force it took to remove and how "sticky" the tire is.  No air loss and no leaking, even after 100+ miles today.  I am not sure if I should be worried or not.... I suppose not.
I think this was nail 200 for me...
Title: Re: Finally got my first nail in a tire ever
Post by: VirginiaJim on May 22, 2018, 02:59:47 PM
You know, I've been riding since 1995 or so and the Indian is the only bike I've received punctures (2) on the rear tire.  Thank goodness for TPMS as the checking of tire pressures is a PITA on that bike.  I've plugged them both and they are holding so far.
Title: Re: Finally got my first nail in a tire ever
Post by: Conniesaki on May 22, 2018, 04:43:33 PM
You know, I've been riding since 1995 or so and the Indian is the only bike I've received punctures (2) on the rear tire.  Thank goodness for TPMS as the checking of tire pressures is a PITA on that bike.  I've plugged them both and they are holding so far.

Heh, yeah, well, just don't take her above anything over about 120.


Oh, wait ... you can't!!!





 :P  ;)



Title: Re: Finally got my first nail in a tire ever
Post by: VirginiaJim on May 22, 2018, 06:40:08 PM
Actually the estimated top speed is 125 mph.  I've only had the C14 up to 100 mph.  Not exceeding speed limits by much these days.  Not going to do it.  Not prudent.  And especially not on Dunlops.
Title: Re: Finally got my first nail in a tire ever
Post by: mikeyw64 on May 22, 2018, 11:24:15 PM
Statistically you are more likely to get a puncture to a rear tyre than a front tyre.
This is because the object is (generally) lying flat when the front hits it, it then gets thrown up and starts tumbling so there is a good chance of the pointy bit hitting the rear.

This is also more likely to happen in a rainstorm as water acts as a lubricant.

(I was told this many years ago during a tour of the Avon tyre factory)
Title: Re: Finally got my first nail in a tire ever
Post by: Conrad on May 23, 2018, 04:05:45 AM
Actually the estimated top speed is 125 mph.  I've only had the C14 up to 100 mph.  Not exceeding speed limits by much these days.  Not going to do it.  Not prudent.  And especially not on Dunlops.

I was very muchly not being prudent on a long stretch of empty road yesterday.    :-X

Cause if it had a set of wings man I know she could fly    :cool:
Title: Re: Finally got my first nail in a tire ever
Post by: deepseamdv on May 24, 2018, 02:02:03 AM
Actually the estimated top speed is 125 mph.  I've only had the C14 up to 100 mph.  Not exceeding speed limits by much these days.  Not going to do it.  Not prudent.  And especially not on Dunlops.


Of which Dunlops do you speak?
Title: Re: Finally got my first nail in a tire ever
Post by: VirginiaJim on May 24, 2018, 04:28:35 AM
Elite3 I think..  Once they're worn out then Elite4.  Don't have much of a choice with tires..  They're not bad tires per se but they aren't PR's.
Title: Re: Finally got my first nail in a tire ever
Post by: gPink on May 24, 2018, 05:07:06 AM
Elite3 I think..  Once they're worn out then Elite4.  Don't have much of a choice with tires..  They're not bad tires per se but they aren't PR's.

Them's Harley tires aren't they?
Title: Re: Finally got my first nail in a tire ever
Post by: Summit670 on May 24, 2018, 06:05:10 AM
Good point about water acting as lube for punctures. 

I avoid riding in middle of lane.  That is where all the crap, nails, boards, etc, eventually end up.   

I agree, every puncture is unique and each rider has to make thei own decision th plug, patch or replace based upon the puncture type.

Personally, I have used plugs on my mc, truck, trailer and atv without one failure.  Gotta have a sturdy plug insertion tool because some tires require plenty of force to ream and insert. 
Title: Re: Finally got my first nail in a tire ever
Post by: mikeyw64 on May 24, 2018, 08:18:59 AM
my record is 5 in one year (IIRC my mileage that year was about 28k).

4 in the rear and one up front, cant remember how many times it was wet though lol

2 of the rears were replaced under Avons Road Safety warranty as the punctures occurred in the first 1mm of wear  (actually one of them was closer to 2mm but the area rep asked my spanner man if I was a regular Avon customer.....

Not going to say how many miles since my last puncture in case I jinx myself!!!
Title: Re: Finally got my first nail in a tire ever
Post by: lather on May 24, 2018, 11:36:36 AM
Statistically you are more likely to get a puncture to a rear tyre than a front tyre.
This is because the object is (generally) lying flat when the front hits it, it then gets thrown up and starts tumbling so there is a good chance of the pointy bit hitting the rear.

This is also more likely to happen in a rainstorm as water acts as a lubricant.

(I was told this many years ago during a tour of the Avon tyre factory)
566,000 lifetime miles I have never gotten a puncture in a front tire. Estimate about 25 rear tire punctures.
Title: Re: Finally got my first nail in a tire ever
Post by: Rubber_Snake on May 24, 2018, 02:29:46 PM
566,000 lifetime miles I have never gotten a puncture in a front tire. Estimate about 25 rear tire punctures.
In my thirteen years riding for the department, I only got one puncture in a front tire.  It was on an old school Kawasaki KZ1000.  I was clearing a crash on I-680 in Milpitas, CA, and luckily, it had gone flat before I started riding.  Not wanting to wait for a tow truck, I rode it with a flat front across town to the dealership for a new tire.  A little dodgy for sure, but I was young, impatient and stupid.   :nuts: :loco:
Title: Re: Finally got my first nail in a tire ever
Post by: lather on May 24, 2018, 03:24:21 PM
Although I have never had a front puncture I did have a front blowout not to long after I got the Concours 14. Came over the crest of a blind right hander and there was a chunk of concrete the size of a softball. I ran right over it and the low pressure warning immediately came on. A big dent. I figured the rim and tire were toast so I just road the 5 miles home (rural back roads) at about 15 mph.
Title: Re: Finally got my first nail in a tire ever
Post by: VirginiaJim on May 24, 2018, 08:23:37 PM
Them's Harley tires aren't they?


Not necessarily Pinkerbell.  I ran Elites on my 'Kawasaki Voyager XII'.  There are other MC brands that run them as well such GoldWings, Victories, etc...  I can go on if you wish.
Title: Re: Finally got my first nail in a tire ever
Post by: gPink on May 25, 2018, 05:06:26 AM
 :)
Title: Re: Finally got my first nail in a tire ever
Post by: VirginiaJim on May 25, 2018, 06:10:55 AM
 :rotflmao:
Title: Re: Finally got my first nail in a tire ever
Post by: maxtog on May 28, 2018, 08:28:06 AM
The diameter of the nail is 3mm.   I was angry after I pulled it out and didn't remember take a photo of it before removal.

Not that it matters, but while cleaning up today, I found the nail.  I wanted a pic in the tire, but this is all I have now.   Probably 300 more miles and there is still no air loss.
Title: Re: Finally got my first nail in a tire ever
Post by: tweeter55 on May 28, 2018, 12:16:22 PM
So...put it back in the tire & take a picture. What can go wrong?
Title: Re: Finally got my first nail in a tire ever
Post by: maxtog on May 28, 2018, 01:51:58 PM
So...put it back in the tire & take a picture. What can go wrong?

:) I think I will pass on that.
Title: Re: Finally got my first nail in a tire ever
Post by: B.D.F. on May 28, 2018, 01:54:41 PM
You said earlier that that nail was around 3 mm, which is 1/8" in 'real money'. There is simply no way to punch that big of a hole into a tire and not have it leak after the part that pierced it is removed. So I am convinced that it never got to the inside of the tire at all. Which is by far the very best way to get a nail in any tire, any time.  Nice work, max.  ;) ;D

Brian

Not that it matters, but while cleaning up today, I found the nail.  I wanted a pic in the tire, but this is all I have now.   Probably 300 more miles and there is still no air loss.
Title: Re: Finally got my first nail in a tire ever
Post by: maxtog on May 28, 2018, 03:56:15 PM
You said earlier that that nail was around 3 mm, which is 1/8" in 'real money'. There is simply no way to punch that big of a hole into a tire and not have it leak after the part that pierced it is removed. So I am convinced that it never got to the inside of the tire at all. Which is by far the very best way to get a nail in any tire, any time.  Nice work, max.  ;) ;D

Yeah, it was, apparently, completely in the tread, without ever puncturing through.  It had to be pretty close... although it was a very horizontal angle, it still was going in a long way.  It was pretty freaky, that is why I hate that I didn't get a photo to show just how strange it looked.  You will also notice where the "head" of the nail should be, it is missing, and bent, and worn way down.  The nail had a hard life and tried to make mine that way, too.
Title: Re: Finally got my first nail in a tire ever
Post by: B.D.F. on May 28, 2018, 04:46:28 PM
BTW- I have found that to be the hardest part of plugging tires, following the original path of the nail (or whatever it was) that punctured the tire. If the nail went in at, say, 30 degrees, and you are trying to punch the plug in perpendicular to the tire, 1) it will not go and 2) you have no idea what the puncture path was once the object was removed. It really does pay to pay attention to the angle of entry (yep, there is a joke in there too).

Brian

Yeah, it was, apparently, completely in the tread, without ever puncturing through.  It had to be pretty close... although it was a very horizontal angle, it still was going in a long way.  It was pretty freaky, that is why I hate that I didn't get a photo to show just how strange it looked.  You will also notice where the "head" of the nail should be, it is missing, and bent, and worn way down.  The nail had a hard life and tried to make mine that way, too.
Title: Re: Finally got my first nail in a tire ever
Post by: maxtog on May 28, 2018, 04:57:33 PM
BTW- I have found that to be the hardest part of plugging tires, following the original path of the nail (or whatever it was) that punctured the tire. If the nail went in at, say, 30 degrees, and you are trying to punch the plug in perpendicular to the tire, 1) it will not go and 2) you have no idea what the puncture path was once the object was removed. It really does pay to pay attention to the angle of entry

That is a very good point.  Had I removed it and THEN discovered it was leaking, with that type of strange angle, and without photographs, plugging would have been almost impossible.  Meaning that patching would be the only remaining option to repair (which is expensive and complicated).
Title: Re: Finally got my first nail in a tire ever
Post by: maxtog on October 05, 2019, 10:21:35 PM
Not that it matters, but while cleaning up today, I found the nail.  I wanted a pic in the tire, but this is all I have now.   Probably 300 more miles and there is still no air loss.

AND I now have experienced my very first flat tire on a motorcycle, ever.  After driving to Richmond for a meeting, left the meeting headed to Mom's house for a visit, the bike felt strange, a few blocks later the alarms went off- rear tire pressure gone.  Pulled into an empty business lot and started looking.  Sure enough, a tiny metal something in the center of the rear tread, flush.  No head, and I had nothing I could use to pull it.  So I opened the plug kit I have carried around for something like 20 years (a Slime kit) and used the reamer to test the metal and it just pushed all the way in and into the wheel.  Reamed, threaded rope, put rubber cement in hole then on rope, inserted rope, pulled out tool, let sit 20 min until Mom arrived with a compressor from her neighbor, cut off excess.   It worked!    It held pressure as I followed mom to her place.  It then held for the 100 miles home.  Took interstate instead, since shorter/faster/more help available, and kept loaned compressor from her neighbor (who didn't care).

This could have been so much worse- it could have been 50 miles from nowhere.  It could have been at night.  I could have had no plug kit.  The cement could have been dried out.  I could have failed at plugging.  I could have had something I couldn't remove.  I could have had something in the tire I couldn't find.  So I have to think I did well, considering I didn't really know what I was doing and had no way to fill the tire, and lost only an hour of time.

So, second nail, first flat, and first plugging.  I suppose I should carry CO2 or micro-compressor or something now.  The tires are nearly toast anyway, so I will order a set tomorrow.  But the age-old "is it safe to ride more" discussion keeps running through my head....
Title: Re: Finally got my first nail in a tire ever
Post by: just gone on October 06, 2019, 11:56:47 AM
I suppose I should carry CO2 or micro-compressor or something now. 

Nah, it'll never happen again. Just continue on the way you did before.  ::) ::) ::)
Title: Re: Finally got my first nail in a tire ever
Post by: maxtog on March 13, 2020, 09:18:28 PM
Nah, it'll never happen again. Just continue on the way you did before.  ::) ::) ::)

I can't believe it.  So almost new tires.  Now 45,327mi.  Left for friend's and running late.  3 miles later I check tire pressure and rear is 9psi too low.  It held the same pressure for the 30 miles.  At his house I looked and I had picked up a tiny nail, about 1” right from midline, directly opposite the fill stem, in thinnest part, going in at maybe a 30 degree angle toward the right.  Hours later, filled pressure to 45 cold and it held the entire 30 miles back home.

It looks too small to plug- I would have to ream out a hole something like 10 times as large and I am not sure I can follow the path.  So now I face a dilemma as to what to do :(
Title: Re: Finally got my first nail in a tire ever
Post by: VirginiaJim on March 14, 2020, 04:26:45 AM
Well, it's probably in the best place it could be...center of the tire.  I use the sticky ropes personally as they seem to hold up better for me.  I've seen two sizes out there and prefer the skinniest one, especially for that nail.  You really don't have a choice in fixing it other than replacing the tire.
Title: Re: Finally got my first nail in a tire ever
Post by: Gscott on March 14, 2020, 05:40:39 AM
Picked up a staple in a angle gt  pulled the tire off and put in a patch. Could not see why to make the hole much larger to use the string type plug, patch held for over a year till tire was replaced.
Title: Re: Finally got my first nail in a tire ever
Post by: VirginiaJim on March 14, 2020, 06:00:56 AM
That's the best way to do it but requires some disassembly.  Strings work fine as well.
Title: Re: Finally got my first nail in a tire ever
Post by: maxtog on March 14, 2020, 06:48:03 AM
I have a plug kit (I used it to plug that last large nail in the previous set), but the ropes and reamer are huge.  Online I only see only one size rope.  My only alternative is paying lots of money to pull the wheel, unmount the tire, patch the hole, remount tire, balance, then mount wheel.  Ug. 
Title: Re: Finally got my first nail in a tire ever
Post by: gPink on March 14, 2020, 08:33:12 AM
JB Weld
Title: Re: Finally got my first nail in a tire ever
Post by: maxtog on March 14, 2020, 03:13:00 PM
JB Weld

:)

32mm x 2mm
I took it to Precision and they used a "patch plug" from the inside to repair it.  $84.
Title: Re: Finally got my first nail in a tire ever
Post by: gPink on March 14, 2020, 04:09:50 PM
 ::)  Didn't have a proper American ruler?
Title: Re: Finally got my first nail in a tire ever
Post by: MAN OF BLUES on March 14, 2020, 04:11:18 PM
:)

32mm x 2mm
I took it to Precision and they used a "patch plug" from the inside to repair it.  $84.

BUMMER... sorry i didn't see your post prior to your recent "cashectomy"...

I also surmise you did not attend my tech session at the '07 National, which I gave on tire plugging "all aspects"..

In your case, already having the ropes and kit, (and hopefully you bought a new sealed tube of glue, after opening the last one..), you could have fixed that. You know already the reamer is kinda big, but not really an issue...
Take the Gummy Worm" rope, and use a pocket kinife, to slice it lengthwise, going along with the strands, and make it half the size width, then, place it in your hook tool first, to prepare.. coat the reamer with the glue, and imediatly pull the nail and shove in the reamer.. it's now lubricated by the glue, and will go right in... leave it sticking in the tire to block the hole, and goober up the rope plug, then pull the reamer, and jamb the now downsized rope plug into place.. it will seal fine..
I showed this technique for plugging holes from small .080" diameter, to 3/16" diameter, and based on sliceing a rope to make it smaller, or adding additional rope, sliced from a plug combined with a full rope (tricky to thread in the "hook tool" but doable) and having them all prepared before pulling the reamer, you can plug pretty much anything up to 1/4"...  I have a tire in my garage I used for this demo, 13 years ago, with like 20 plugs in it, and it still holds air.. Oh, and the "holes" were actually drilled in the tire, using various drill bits, so they were not a simple "puncture"..
Now you know, share this with others..
Title: Re: Finally got my first nail in a tire ever
Post by: maxtog on March 14, 2020, 05:18:04 PM
::)  Didn't have a proper American ruler?

All my rulers are both crazy units and metric.  When measuring small things, I typically use metric.
Title: Re: Finally got my first nail in a tire ever
Post by: maxtog on March 14, 2020, 05:22:02 PM
In your case, already having the ropes and kit, (and hopefully you bought a new sealed tube of glue, after opening the last one..),

Well, I admit I was lazy and did not replace the glue, so I had none.  I will make sure to remedy that, soon.  And to obtain some type of air pump to carry.

Quote
you could have fixed that. You know already the reamer is kinda big, but not really an issue...
Take the Gummy Worm" rope, and use a pocket kinife, to slice it lengthwise, going along with the strands, and make it half the size width, then, place it in your hook tool first, to prepare.. coat the reamer with the glue, and imediatly pull the nail and shove in the reamer.. it's now lubricated by the glue, and will go right in...

Oh, it never even occurred to me to cut the rope lengthwise.  Ug.  You can shove it in through a 2mm hole with that large hook thing, though?  And without reaming at all??
Title: Re: Finally got my first nail in a tire ever
Post by: MAN OF BLUES on March 14, 2020, 05:31:15 PM
once it's (the reamer, and the reduced size rope) "lubed" with glue.. it's easy.. I'm not going to say anything bad,(porno) but I can say it's... easy...(porno) lets leave it at that... (donkey porn)  :rotflmao: :rotflmao: :rotflmao: :censored: :rotflmao: :rotflmao:
Title: Re: Finally got my first nail in a tire ever
Post by: maxtog on March 14, 2020, 07:37:05 PM
:)
Title: Re: Finally got my first nail in a tire ever
Post by: maxtog on March 20, 2020, 08:58:36 PM
Well, I admit I was lazy and did not replace the glue, so I had none.  I will make sure to remedy that, soon.  And to obtain some type of air pump to carry.

Um, so, as promised, I ordered a glue and a pump.  The glue arrived today on a blister/cardboard...  in a box that could hold 15 of them....  in turn, in a box that could hold 500, filled with paper.