I was checking over my motorcycle before going on my ride today and noticed a staple in my rear tire. The tire is still holding air. I am going on a long trip over july 4 and this staple is making me question it. Since the tire is still holding air, I‘m not sure if the staple has punctured the tire, and am wondering if I should pull it out so it doesn‘t get forced in and actually cause a flat. But if i do pull it out and the tire goes flat, I‘m screwed. What should I do? I don‘t know if the dealer can have a tire changed for me by next weekend and I really want to go on that ride.
If it is a paper staple you can pull out with no problem but first take some soapy water and pour on tire and if you don't see any bubbles then pull out and you'll be good to go
You still have plenty of time to find out. July 4th is 2 weeks away and if you find out there are air coming out of the hole. Maybe a great time to get a replacement or have patch on it. It is only take about 20 minutes to dismount and mount the tire (including patching it). Pull the staple out and see if there any leak, if not ENJOY YOUR TRIP! If you worried, buy yourself a can of those Fixer Flat from Wal-mart and if you do go flat, hey that would get you back on the road.
Leaving it in can only worsen the situation, remove it, it is more than likely only in the tread. Check the tyre pressure, then again the next morning if it hasn't changed you are sorted. Any dealer worth their salt should be able to get their hands on a tyre, unless it is a really obscure size, in 48 hours and replace it in half an hour.
