How TPMS saved me a ride, and who knows, maybe more

[IG.]

Finally got around to plug the hole, and figured that most people don't do it, so I took a few pictures.

Here is the thing... Unless you have "Ride-On" product in your tire which automatically seals the puncture, what's your plan if you get a puncture in a tire while being on a ride in the middle of nowhere? My plan is to carry the kit shown in the picture below or a similar kit along with CyclePump which I carry inside the hump. As a matter of fact, CyclePump is so efficient that it will inflate a car tire in 2-3 minutes - faster than those widely spread cheapo compressors. This way, I could be back on the road in 30 min.

So, here is the kit I've had for years. It has round file to expand the hole to about 1/8" and to make the edges rough, rubber glue, "beef jerky" - a few strips which are made of pretty strong rubber-like material while at the same time being quite flexible, stretchable, and a bit sticky, and the insertion tool - it looks like a screwdriver, but instead of the tip you have something which looks like an eye of the needle except that it is open at the very end.

I had to spend 5 min to pull the nail out - just couldn't grab it well. It turned out the bugger had no head! So, that explains it. My only theory is that the front hit the nail which jumped from the impact and at this exact moment the rear came upon it. Look at the length of this sucker.

Just following the instructions on the package, I filed the hole, then squeezed one of the "beef-jerky" into the eye of the tool, liberally covered with rubber glue, and with noticeable effort stuck through the hole, and then quickly pulled the tool back leaving the "beef-jerky" sticking out like rabbit ears. Now that I am looking at this picture, it just seems so wrong, just sickening that something sticks out of the tire like that.

At this point, I said "whew", and pumped the tire to 43 psi. Let it stay there for 15 min, and then cut the rabbit ears with a sharp knife. Here is what was left after the surgery - barely noticeable scar. I think I could've been a fine surgeon...

Some time later, I dropped the pressure to my favorite setting - around 36 psi. Now, I'll be watching that TPMS display like a hawk, at least during the first ride...

 

[IG.]

After some thinking, I'd like to challenge those who would want to know how to plug their tires right on the road and in the middle of nowhere, but never found enough confidence to acquire this relatively simple skill. When your tires are done, and you are able to take the wheels off (the rear is easier), and take it to the shop for a new tire to be installed, how about trying a risk free exercise. All you need is a simple tire repair kit from any auto parts store, and an air compressor.

Wear protective goggles and gloves. Get something sharp to puncture your rear tire, observe the air escaping it. Then, simply follow instructions in the kit. Pushing in the rubber-like insert with the tool is the most challenging step as it requires lubricator, like a rubber glue. Even spitting on it would do the trick. Still it requires quiet an effort to push it through the hole, so don't be concerned with filing the hole and expanding its size too much. If the hole is too small, it would be really difficult to push the rubber insert through. Once it's in, you are done! Just inflate the tire.

Think about it - even a metal object stuck in a tire holds air pretty well, only slowly deflating the tire. I personally had real difficulty removing the nail above because as I tried to grab it, it would move along with the tire surface - that's how well it was held by the tire's rubber. When you see a specially designed rubber-like material inserted in the hole, and being held thanks to its expanding properties - only then you realize how well such plug stays in the tire.

We've heard many stories how riders plug their tires and keep riding with no issues. I haven't heard a firsthand story about a failure of a plugged tire in a long time. Having said that, I have to admit that riding on a plugged tire without TPMS would not be a wise decision.

So, how about giving this a shot? Share your experience later on.

 

[fallenarch]

Good advice. That's how I learned it.

 

[IG.]

Actually, the very first time and the last time I had to do it - was on the road years ago when I was riding Katana 600. At that time, I thought I was smarter than the instruction on the package, and figured that the smaller the hole the better. So, I didn't file/expand it. Needless to say, I was having a real hard time pushing the rubber strip in. Somehow, I managed to push just one end in after 30 min struggle... struggle with my own stupidity. That worked, and I still put 1000 miles on that tire. If I practiced beforehand, it would've been a breeze.


Anyway, I am glad to report that after a 60 mile test ride which included a wide range of speeds, accelerations, lean angles, challenging a couple of youngsters in a beefed up older Datsun, crawling behind a state trooper, and even splitting through traffic, the plug seems to be holding well. I kept looking at TPMS display, and kept pressing the button to see the actual pressure and temperature reading, and all seemed consistent: 36 psi cold at about 70 degrees changed to 40 psi and 105 degrees inside the tire. The plug looked intact, and a quick spit on it produced no bubbles (i.e. air is not leaking). So, I am a happy camper today.

 

[IG.]

I am replacing tires, and was curious to see how the plug looks from the inside. So, here it is...

There is no way this plug can come out from the other side - at any speed. BTW, this plug did a number of speed runs, and many turns, and never complained about anything.

 

[semi]

i carry the Cycle Pump Combo Kit from Pashnit: click here...it fits perfectly inside my hump with the Tiger Racing hump mod: click here

 

[IG.]

I also carry my Cycle Pump inside the hump...

Just finished changing tires - what a pain in the neck... and in my back, and my knees. Will find out what 190/55 feels like pretty soon.

 

[pashnit]

I also carry my Cycle Pump inside the hump...

Just finished changing tires - what a pain in the neck... and in my back, and my knees. Will find out what 190/55 feels like pretty soon.

Me tooo! You can fit a lot of stuff in there.

Another tire we repaired a short bit ago with the Cycle Pump & Stop n Go kit.

http://www.pashnit.com/product/cyclepump.html

 

[fallenarch]

Tim,

Any chance of a new TPMS that has temperature on it? I use your current one and love it. I made a little chart based on the number of calories needed to raise the air pressure 1 psi but that's very rough. I know this isn't really a big deal to a street rider but I love gadgets!

 

[IG.]

Aside from SmarTire which is discontinued I am not aware of a bike specific TPMS on the market which provides a temperature reading, because the sensor has to be mounted inside the wheel and is a bit of a pain to take care of when changing tires. That's why I like my SmarTire setup - shows both pressure and temperature, monitors both, and recalculates pressure/temperature relationship and will warn if something is out of whack. I snatched another unit off Ebay a while back in order to have a spare because battery in sensors last 5-7 years only.

 

[IG.]

Howdy, Tim. IIRC, you had air pump mounted right on the bike. With the amount of riding you do, I am sure you use it a lot. Great product. I once inflated a completely flat car tire in under 3 min with a CyclePump. It moves air, unlike cheapo air pumps.

On a side note, I messed up balancing the front wheel. All is great, love the 190/55 rear although didn't get a chance to go hard on it yet, but the front vibrates at speed. I knew it was ever so slightly off balance when I was done, but I thought it would be OK. Guess not. Will have to take the front off and re-balance. Oh, well...

 

[IG.]

I am glad to report that after more careful balancing, the front no longer vibrates - no matter what speed. Whew! Finally done.

 

[IG.]

Just did a track day with 190/55 rear, and it worked great. From now on, 190/55 only. Thanks to those who recommended to try.

BTW, was talking to a guy who has a 14 at home, and he said that stock rear is 200/55. Maybe that's why I've never seen a 14 at the track, although I've seen a few Hayabusas over the years.