Tires!

[emptysea]

The hole looks like it was caused by a something hard and flat. Think the tip of a small flat-head screwdriver. I think it could be patched. However, I do not have the equipment to do the patch myself and since my dealer won't do it, I will need to find someone who will. Once I find that someone, I will have to figure out how to get my bike to their shop. I do not trust plugging tires from the outside except as a temporary fix. I'm not sure what the "wick" method you describe is, but I'm not opposed to looking at other options than I've listed. I'm leaning toward replacing the tire one way or another simply because it's a lot easier to have Honda pick up my bike, fix it, and return it to me ready to ride. My guy is looking up some prices for a "temporary" (8,000 mile) replacement. Might wind up with the OEM tire from now until oh, say, July.

Keep those opinions coming!!

[Cormanus]

This is the US site, isn’t it? https://motorcycle.michelinman.com/motor...lot-road-3

Check the available sizes at the bottom.

Failing that, I’d go for Option 1, although I’d take the wheel off myself so I didn’t have to get the bike somewhere.

Then option 4.

[Gone in 60]

Now that I recall, when I bought my bike, to his credit, the owner pointed out that the rear tire had been plugged, from the inside. He had a receipt from a local dealer who did it. The receipt was dated two years back, so I figured if it was still holding steady pressure, it would be good. I haven't given it a thought since. I can understand a dealer not wanting to plug due to the potential liability.

[emptysea]

This is the US site, isn’t it? https://motorcycle.michelinman.com/motor...lot-road-3

Check the available sizes at the bottom.

Failing that, I’d go for Option 1, although I’d take the wheel off myself so I didn’t have to get the bike somewhere.

Then option 4.

Thanks, Cormanus. I hadn't really thought about the idea of trying to find another PR3 for the rear, but that's an interesting idea if I can find one cheap.

I'm pretty close to removing Option 1 from consideration simply based on the risk/reward ratio -- risk=having the patch fail at an inopportune time reward=saving $150-$200 (cost of a new tire) spread out over the next 6-8 months. Still haven't decided, though.

[GoldOxide_imp]

The hole looks like it was caused by a something hard and flat. Think the tip of a small flat-head screwdriver. I think it could be patched. However, I do not have the equipment to do the patch myself and since my dealer won't do it, I will need to find someone who will. Once I find that someone, I will have to figure out how to get my bike to their shop. I do not trust plugging tires from the outside except as a temporary fix. I'm not sure what the "wick" method you describe is, but I'm not opposed to looking at other options than I've listed. I'm leaning toward replacing the tire one way or another simply because it's a lot easier to have Honda pick up my bike, fix it, and return it to me ready to ride. My guy is looking up some prices for a "temporary" (8,000 mile) replacement. Might wind up with the OEM tire from now until oh, say, July.

Keep those opinions coming!!

The "wick" is basically the plug method I suppose. A plug to me is basically a piece of rubber, whereas the "wick" is cord material infused with a tar-like substance that is twisted into the tire from the outside, and then pulled slightly back out, trimmed almost flush, and the remaining lit to vulcanize the chemicals in the cord to the tire.

For clarity, I have never used the rubber plug method (typically used with an adhesive) for fear of it popping out of the tire.

I have never had a wheel imbalance issue, although I am sure it is off by a few grams.

[emptysea]

Gotcha... It's like a tiny plunger sort of. That's what comes with my emergency repair kit. Frankly, I think if they're installed correctly, they'll work just fine for a long time and you'll know if they aren't installed correctly pretty quickly.

Thanks for the clarification of the terms.

[GoldOxide_imp]

Gotcha... It's like a tiny plunger sort of. That's what comes with my emergency repair kit. Frankly, I think if they're installed correctly, they'll work just fine for a long time and you'll know if they aren't installed correctly pretty quickly.

Thanks for the clarification of the terms.

Correct, and the long performance of a correct installation has been my experience.

[Houtman_imp]

Mushroom plugs are the best and it can be done from the outside.
Check the STOP & GO website.

[GoldOxide_imp]

That's interesting - never seen [url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=os-sxvUwGOk]these before.

Mushroom plugs are the best and it can be done from the outside.
Check the STOP & GO website.

[emptysea]

I actually own and have used the Stop&Go kit. Worked great for me, but I’m not entirely convinced that it will hold up for 6000 miles. Still waiting on the cost of replacing the tire. Still, I’m very appreciative of the comments and advice.