How to Fix a Tubed Motorcycle Tire

Spoked wheels usually have tubed tires.

Motorcycle tires may, quite commonly, be tubeless and are easily patched or plugged from the outside. But if your tires have stylish spoked wheels, they will have inner tubes and thus the process of fixing a flat may be a bit more complicated. The first rule of thumb is to get to a safe place away from traffic. If that means that you have to drive on the flat, do it -- it is not worth your life to save a wheel rim.

Things You'll Need

• Patch kit
• Tire iron
• Rubber cement
• Wrench
• Tire gauge
• CO2 cartridge

Instructions

1. Prop your bike securely against a tree or another secure object, or have a friend hold it. Remove the wheel from the motorcycle. This is easier said than done if you are alone, as you will need someone or someplace to hold the bike upright while you remove the tire.

2. Separate the rubber from the wheel using your tire iron, working carefully around the rim so that you don't cause further damage.

3. Set your tire iron down and pull the tube out of the outer tire by hand. If the tear in the tube is too large, you may have no choice but to replace the tube, but if it is a small hole, such as one made by a nail, it can be repaired.

4. Rough up the hole so that the surface of the tube is no longer smooth - this will give a better surface for the glue and patch to adhere.

5. Cut the patch to fit generously over the hole.

6. Read the instructions for the patch. Some cement products require a curing period before applying the patch; others do not. Coat the area of the hole with rubber cement to a little bit bigger than the patch, and wait the recommended time.

7. Apply the patch. Wait the recommended time, and then reinsert the inner tube into the outer tire carefully while making sure that you will have access to the fill valve.

8. Attach the CO2 cartridge or your engine-powered pump to the inner tube valve and inflate the tube. Check the pressure if you have a tire gauge.

9. Remount the wheel.

Tips & Warnings

• A repaired tube may not last nearly as long as a new one, and since it is dangerous to have a blowout, it will be a good idea to replace the tube within the next few hundred miles of riding.

References

• Sound Rider: Motorcycle Tire Repair: Blowouts
• Motorcycle Parts-accessories-andmore: Ever repaired a motorcycle tire?
• Dutch Pickle: Motorcycle flat tire repair