Tires!

[zirconxi_imp]

I had used both of those, the emergency repair that's plug from outside using a wick coated in some sticky jelly, and also those proper repair kit with rubber mushroom install from inside out. The emergency sticky wick patch can last as long as the tire (about 16000KM on my Kawa, patch the tyre since 120km). In actual facts, the sticky wick is most preferred repair method here in my country, where a tire can get patch up to 6 times during its life (believe me, nails and screws are everywhere here). The only time when rubber mushroom patch from inside is required is when the bike is going into track, where they only allowed 1 patch from inside, and sticky wick is not allowed. There are danger when repairing tires, but a good assessment of the tire damage before repair attempt can minimized the danger...

[emptysea]

My decision <drum-roll> :

I'm going to attempt to plug the tire from the outside using the Stop & Go mushroom-type plug. Assuming that I can get the plug to fit correctly, I will monitor the air pressure even more carefully than I already do. If it holds, I will ride with it until such a time that I feel that I should replace both front and rear tires (ideally around the end of August).

If the plug fails, then I'll probably go for Option #4 - Relatively cheap tire for the rear until the front wears enough to replace both with new PR3s.

Thanks for all your input. I'll let you know how the plug works/doesn't work.

[GoldOxide_imp]

In the unlikely event that the plug dislodges, the bonus option to wick some gooey cord and vulcanize it still exists.

Of course, should the plug be bouncing around inside the tire, then maybe that would be undesirable.

[Aussieflyer]

The Stop n Go tyre plug system is reliable, have used it several times - plugged 4 motorcycle rear tyres and 3 car tyres. Have not experienced any failures or leaks with over 9,000km traveled on a plugged bike tyre and close to 40,000km traveled on a plugged car tyre. I wouldn't consider using the plugged tyre at super high speeds or any track applications but for road use at sane speeds I trust them. After moving the CB's toolkit to the U lock storage position the Stop n Go kit (with mini compressor) fits into the bike's under seat storage compartment. Never tried the wick method so cannot comment on their reliability.

[GoldOxide_imp]

Sounds like the Stop 'N' Go, and the weirded wicked cord plug methods are the best.

Of course, none of these would work on tube tires.

[emptysea]

Quick follow-up: Cut in the tire is bigger than I first thought. Attempted Stop and Go plug repair anyway. Inflated tire and it is now leaking faster than before the “repair”. The cut is just too long to allow the plug to work. Going to Option 2 or 4. Probably going to use my spare PR3 and push the extra expense off for a while

[the Ferret]

Bummer Sea but the safe thing to do

[emptysea]

New PR3 (rear) installed. 28,000 Service complete. Scoff at service agreements if you will, but the total cost of all the work was $90.00, most of which was the labor for the tire change plus they picked up and dropped off the bike at my home. AND that was all done since 3:00 yesterday. I'm checking tomorrow's commuting weather right now.

[peterbaron]

New PR3 (rear) installed. 28,000 Service complete. Scoff at service agreements if you will, but the total cost of all the work was $90.00, most of which was the labor for the tire change plus they picked up and dropped off the bike at my home. AND that was all done since 3:00 yesterday. I'm checking tomorrow's commuting weather right now.

ES, what size in rear, OEM-140 or o/s 160 of PR3

[the Ferret]

What does a 28,000 mile service consist of?