Should You 'Plug' A Motorcycle Tire?

[Dispatch]

Got a bike with a slow leak in the front tire but was wondering, should you plug a motorcycle tire or is replacement the only option?

 

[HMAN]

I carry a tire plug kit in the roll. I would only do it as a temp fix till the tire can be replaced. When you pull the old tire off, CLEAN that wheel good. Check for high spots or in my case a slightly bent rim.

 

[Jersey Big Mike]

Got a bike with a slow leak in the front tire but was wondering, should you plug a motorcycle tire or is replacement the only option?

First, are you sure the slow leak is from a puncture?
My last slow leak was from the bead -- pulled tire off and cleaned the rim, re-installed and all is well.

A plug from the inside of the tire done in the shop I might trust and as Hman says home/to repair shop is ok but I'd rather rely on AAA+RV and get it towed. Not a lot of margin of error with only 2 wheels.

 

[Jersey Big Mike]

That's true I'm not sure if its a puncture or the rim as its a slow leak so I have no idea.

Soapy water time! and bump up the pressure a bit while testing.

 

[Jersey James]

I'm an older guy, I have plugged my rear tire on my Pit Bull twice. This was approximately two years ago & no problems. I am NOT going to throw out a tire that has 2,000 miles or more life left in it. I understand that "booting" the tire from the inside, is the preferred method of repair. Just my two pennies... JJ

 

[Twincam8888]

I've used mushroom type plugs on radial and bias ply motorcycle tires. Tire companies and their lawyers don't like it but depending on the location of the leak they work fine.

 

[Mikeinjersey]

Got a bike with a slow leak in the front tire but was wondering, should you plug a motorcycle tire or is replacement the only option?

Your best bet is to replace the tire if you find a nail or screw in it. I've used plugs on cars and never had a failure but failure would only mean a temp delay while changing the tire on the side of the road. On your bike it's a tow truck or worse. I check my air pressure and battery connections before each ride and oil when I return.

 

[Rottweiler]

I would feel ok with a rear tire. I don't think I would plug a front, as a road repair maybe?

 

[PROFLYER]

Many of us have plugged them with good success, especially if the tire still has plenty of life left. It'll throw off the balance quite a bit though, so I'd suggest some dyna beads to even that out.

 

[alxdamon]

I agree with PROFLYER. I have had a standard plug in my rear tire for the past year and a half with no issues. Dyna Beads are a plus, been using them for ages.

 

[Sven]

https://www.grainger.com/product/1ELA3?gclid=CjwKCAjwydP5BRBREiwA-qrCGilmckkgjkrK498AejTgqOK7OgenhHe5kheF2Hh0jyk40JKTaQf_5RoCeAYQAvD_BwE&cm_mmc=PPC:+Google+PLA&ef_id=CjwKCAjwydP5BRBREiwA-qrCGilmckkgjkrK498AejTgqOK7OgenhHe5kheF2Hh0jyk40JKTaQf_5RoCeAYQAvD_BwE:G:s&s_kwcid=AL!2966!3!264955915805!!!g!437993990829

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This would be the style. Same experiences as above mentioned; where it's a brand new tire and the rope played out along with the worn out treads. I carry a higher end kit in the vehicle and a cig air pump.