Fix-A-Flat

[bradleymaynar]

So I'm on my way home from work and notice the rear is acting awfully strange. It feels like the rear is flat, and upon checking the pressure when I get home (only 2.5 miles away from work), I find it's only got 5psi.:shock: I rotate the tire and find something has gotten into the tire (not quite sure, I didn't remove it). It seems to be a very slow leak because after refilling the tire and riding around 10 miles, it's still okay.

Here's my question: Can I use Fix-A-Flat? I bought a can, and after reading the directions (stupid me didn't do it before purchasing), it states to not use it on motorcycle tires. I'm assuming it's because if the stuff fails, the bike will become unstable when the tire goes flat. Unfortunately when I was trying to replace the cap on the stuff, it pressed the button enough to let a little come out (so I won't be able to return it).

I'm mainly trying to keep the tire for a little bit longer. It's pretty close to replacement time, so I'm trying to stretch it's life a little longer. If the Fix-A-Flat is inadvisable, could I pug the hole, or maybe patch it, or just buy a tube for the time being?

Thanks
Brad tt

[U.P.dragracer]

As a motorcycle mechanic I have to say don't do it {I hate the mess I have to clean inside the rim when someone uses that stuff }

I'd rather put a plug in the tire , but you really need to get a new tire ASAP I have heard that shinko tires are on sale everywhere cheap 8-[

[Jethro]

I'm sure the can says it for a liability standpoint. I have a buddy that fixed a tire on his ZRX with fix-a-flat and it was fine for many miles. I think balance can be an issue with fix-a-flat, and that can affect the way a motorcycle handles big time. I myslef would use it only to get home, and then immediately replace the tire.

[bradleymaynar]

So even a tube is out of the question? The puncture is less than a 1/4".

Brad tt

[pntrdave]

I ran a 16 penny nail through my tire and took it to a bike shop and he put a patch on the inside of the tire and then just to be on the safe side we put a tube in it also. got another 3000 miles out of the tire.

[gromit]

Seems like false economy to me trying to stretch a tire that's on the way out anyway. The only thing between your +/- 110 hp and the road is that tire. I wouldn't bet my life on it.

[jimcor]

Try to plug it first. I have had excellent results with the old rope or string plugs. Complete kit less than $10 at your local discount auto parts. If you use the Fix a Flat first you can't use a plug later. It does make one hell of a mess to clean up, as youper said. I've got a can of Fix Flat in the trunk of the car I acquired in the same manner.

[Cyg]

I would opt for the plug. I know of one dude who used fix a flat and it settled on the bottom of his tire. I gave him wheel wobble. So if you do use it too get home, dont go over 45 I would suggest.

Did you know that tire cleaner, is known too weaken the bead on a motorcycles. I found that out too the hard way.

[Joe Nardy]

BUY A TIRE!

You've already been an asphalt tester once, would you care to go through that again?

Just my opinion,
Joe

[bwringer]

BUY A TIRE!

You've already been an asphalt tester once, would you care to go through that again?

Just my opinion,
Joe

I second that opinion...

I did use fixaflat once with some success years ago on a bike with tubed tires. It was Sunday evening in the middle of NOWHERESVILLE, Indiana, a couple of hours from anyone I knew. It took two cans to get home, and the gunk made a sticky mess everywhere (I cleaned it all up and removed the tube before taking the rim with the loose tire in to be replaced.)

Unless it's a dire emergency, replace the tire. Since you're posting here, I doubt it's an emergency...

The only safe way to repair a small pucture in a tubeless tire is with a glued mushroom patch applied from the inside. In my experience, plugs always work loose, but they'll get you home if you watch the air pressure carefully.

In a tubed tire, you have to at least replace the tube or apply a good patch. If the hole in the tire is very big at all, replace it rather than take a chance on a cut belt.

[Planecrazy]

Let me be the one to "third" that suggestion (replace it). If you plug or patch it the tire not only will still be compromised and dangerous to risk your life on (especially on twisties), but it will also be out of balance. Just bite the big one and replace it ... CHEAP insurance versus the alternative you have already experienced (through no fault of your own)...

Regards,

[koolaid_kid]

I have used plugs successfully on car tires (the sticky, tarry kind at Wally World for about $10 with reamer tool and applicator tool). Got about 10k miles out of one on my old Tracker before I traded it in.
But I would not do it on any of my bikes; I only have one wheel per axle. If one goes down, so do I.
Just my opinion...

[chef1366]

Any of us GSers that would like to see you lead a long fruitful life would say NO to fix a flat.[-o<

[retchidxs]

Any of us GSers that would like to see you lead a long fruitful life would say NO to fix a flat.[-o<

some of these dudes try to mislead u? not very nice who should i watch for?

[bradleymaynar]

Looks like I'm gonna invest in a tire. And Jim, the Fix-A-Flat is going in the car's trunk.

Thanks guys. I was trying to make it back up north this weekend one last time before the Galena run. Oh well. Better safe than road pizza.

Brad tt