How does a Yamaha dealer fix flats?

[TXFJR]

I read a lot of the posts, but didn't see this particular subject....so I did search first! LOL!

I have a nail in the rear tire. It's holding air (maybe a very slow leak) and I was going to ride it to the Yamaha dealer 5 miles from my house. My question is this: Is there an "official" way that Yamaha dealers deal with nails? I didn't know if for "liability" reasons they would refuse to patch a tire? If they do, is there an "accepted" Yamaha way of doing it (patch from inside?)

I'm seriously considering using a tire repair kit with the plugs that get shoved in from the outside...but not sure if having the dealer fix it would be better?

 

[HotRodZilla]

The way they fix flats is to replace the tire. That's it. I have NEVER seen a dealer or MC specific store like Cycle Gear pull a nail and repair the hole. Lots of people simply plug them. I currently have a rear with a hole in it sitting in my garage. Since it's off the bike, I'm going to take it to one of our Mexican tire shops and have them vulcanize a patch. It'll be good as new.

If I don't want to/can't pull the tire, I would plug it. Ensure its holding air and ride it to the cords. That's just me, as I don't believe a lot of tire voodoo.

 

[El Toro Joe]

I've ridden many plugged tires to the chords. Just plug it and be done with it. If you can get the dealer to patch it from the inside...you'll pay for them to take the tire off & re-mount it...that'll cost more than a patch kit and electric pump, which you should always have on your bike.

I have learned this from experience.

 

[crumpadump]

I had the same question once. I had a nail in a brand new tire so I didn't want to replace it, asked around the forum and was told by a lot of folks that fixing it with string would be fine. After the repair always checked the tire pressure but never had an issue and put about 10,000 miles it. I say fix it.

 

[TXFJR]

Holy crap! I just went by the Yamaha dealer and sure enough... No repairs but they would be glad to sell me a new tire for $300+labor....screw that! A nearby mc shop charges $65+cost of plug, but they have to look at the size of the home before they can tell me if they can fix it!

 

[Ignacio]

A nearby mc shop charges $65+cost of plug, but they have to look at the size of the home before they can tell me if they can fix it!

That's a fair point about checking first as a screw hole will fix nicely, but a longer gash won't. However, for $65 you can buy sticky string from Wal-Mart, an inflator, and still have $40 leftover--if you're wiling to spend the time and effort to do a repair properly. Many threads around with good advice about fixing flats yourself.

 

[lnewlf]

If you look at the inside of a tire plugged with sticky string you will see a nice fat mushroom that will never come out

 

[petey]

Fix it your self, you will be more skilled/confident to fix a flat should it happed on a trip.

 

[BkerChuck]

Here in PA, state law won't allow tire repairs by any dealer or service stations any more. I remember years ago having tires repaired but at some point in the last several years they've changed our state laws to make this verboten.

 

[TXFJR]

debating whether to try to ride it to the shop that "may or may not" fix it...but leaning towards just trying the plug. Sorry for the ignorant question, but is there a "specific" kit for M/C tire repairs? If so, who makes the best one?

 

[Wlfman]

Most dealers and tire places will not touch a flat on a motorcycle. Dealers will sell you a new tire. If you want to get a flat fixed, learn to do it yourself or get a knowledgeable friend to do it for you.

 

[Ignacio]

Sorry for the ignorant question, but is there a "specific" kit for M/C tire repairs? If so, who makes the best one?

That has been discussed many, Many, MANY times before and will be littered around the forum. Start with this poll.

And I already answered in post #6....which happens to be the most common poll response.

 

[Wlfman]

debating whether to try to ride it to the shop that "may or may not" fix it...but leaning towards just trying the plug. Sorry for the ignorant question, but is there a "specific" kit for M/C tire repairs? If so, who makes the best one?

https://www.walmart.com/search/search-ng.do?search_query=slime&ic=16_0&Find=Find&search_constraint=0

 

[ahchiu]

Learn to fix it yourself, your going to need to know sooner or later. What if this happened on the road and you can't ride your bike? Do a search for tire repair kit.

 

[r1byker]

When you plug it, let it sit for a day or two. That will help the rubber cement cure better and will help guarantee a leak-free plug. I'm riding on a patched tire now; in fact, I just did a 1,000 mile road trip on it and it's all good.

 

[Donal]

Couple of pics taken of a recent repair to my rear tyre. The puncture was caused by a piece of (very sharp) flint which cut an oblong shape. I repaired it at the roadside and took the pics several days afterwards just for fun...........

From the outside

From the inside

Still riding with no problems. Losing about 1 psi every two days.

 

[TXFJR]

What are the general thoughts on "ride on" sealant? Just pondering if it's what it says

https://www.ride-on.com

 

[HotRodZilla]

I would not use that crap in my tires.

 

[beemerdons]

TXFJR, HotRodZilla gave you the best answer so far in Reply #2 and since you live in Cibolo you'll have no problemo ese in getting the repair done right!

Take your FJR wheel to a Llantera that will be owned by a Mexican immigrant, as AJ previously mentioned El Mechanico will vulcanize a patch on the inside of the tire that will wear like iron for the life of the tire!

At the Llantera that I use in South Phoenix the charge is either two six packs of Cerveza Negra Modelo or $20 (or 200 pesos, if I have them in my wallet!), I usually give Francisco the beer since he will always want to drink one or two con El Gringo Gordo! jes' sayin' or nuff said, ese!

https://t0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSAoEMiVtS2M7DzZ_ldk7gQuAspo8-7zoRytL4lRaRzDlkAY6H7CzhonZNj5g:ericgwagner.files.wordpress.com/2012/03/08-llantera.jpg