i was told im better off buying a new tire. i ONLY have 8000 miles on the bike. any suggestion?
I wouldn't suggest it. however, if you do patch or plug it, I would DEFINATELY patch it, as that would be safer than the plug. But just think, of what you are risking by not buying a new tire. your life what do you think would happen at 80mph when your tire blows? I think $200-$300 on a new tire would be the better choice
I like I_have_a's answer. (How fast DO you usually drive on the open highways?) I don't have a motorcycle and never HAVE had one, but I wouldn't trust a plugged OR patched tire on one of them -- and I wouldn't THINK of driving one of them over 65 MPH if had tires that had nearly 10,000 miles wear on them.
It is safe to patch the tire providing that the punture is a small one. I would not plug a motorcycle tire with the exception of getting the bike home or a place where it can be serviced. Tire plugs were not intended for motorcycle tires. The tread design is much different and plugs depend on tread to stay intact. Motorcycle tires only have a fraction of tread that an automobile tire has, thus a plug has not much side surface to keep it intact. The best bet of course is replacement. A tire expert will have no problem with patching a tire if it is a good candidate for one. If they say that you should replace it, it is probably with good reason. Lacerations can cause a bubble or lump which is the prescription for a blowout, so if they say to replace it, do so. Dont plug a motorcycle tire though. Grace and peace to you!
