Triumphrat

highcard · 01-25-2008

Hey all,

I've taken some longish day trips on my TBird (eg., an eight hour trek to Arkansas' Push Mountain and back), but haven't done any extended slab trips.

This summer I will be going from St. Louis, MO to the Highlands area of North Carolina (Dragon, etc.). Was thinking of towing the bird down there, but the wife doesn't want a rig hooked up to the back of her Suburban....soooo, looks like I'll be slabbing it down there.

My main concern is with the tubed tires, as the bird seems to do fine mechanically.

I'm not the most mechanically inclined individual, so I'm looking for information/advice regarding what to do in the event of a flat tire. I had a flat rear tire last year, but I was in town and was able to trailer it to my regular shop. Had both front and rear replaced, so they are in good shape, at present.

I assume that you can't just plug and fill, so what is the best course of action? Do most service shops (auto/mc) have the equipment to fix or replace a tire on our machines? Or do our triples require some special tools?

Any information or advice is appreciated...as well as advice for what to do/bring to cover any other eventuality.

Hope you don't mind me displaying my ignorance here, but I'm REALLY looking forward to this trip and want to be prepared for any problems that I might encounter.

TIA

Eyun_G · 01-25-2008

Just about any MC shop can fix a flat. So can you with some tire spoons and a patch kit. Interestingly enough, people complain about tubes, but they can be fixed on the side of the road with a patch kit and some tire spoons. There are numerous kits that have everything included, even the c02 canisters for blowing it back up.

No special tools, I have mine typically done at a local shop that specializes in Harleys.

Eyun_G · 01-25-2008

A little looking around led me to this article from MC escape. Theres a good explanation and a good list of kits, they range from about $20-$50. Hope that helps you out.

http://www.motorcyclistonline.com/es...kit/index.html

Gdsila · 01-25-2008

I got a rear flat in Pennsylvania last year and managed to remove the tire and patch it at a NAPA Auto store. (using a Auto tire changer) Then re-assembled everything only to have it go flat right away.
It was a 90 deg F day and the store was closing soon.
I worked as quickly and carefully as I could but..
Turns out I had pinched the tube getting it back in after the "flat" was fixed.
My advice? Buy spare tubes and carry them with you.

gregp · 01-26-2008

Indeed. When I got a flat on my Adventurer last year, I thought that the hardest part was breaking the bead on the tire. I used a couple of 2x4's and my truck to do the trick. Then I found out just how difficult it was to find the requisite 160/80-16 tube. *Nobody* had one in stock. Anywhere. I inserted a 450-510 x 18 dirtbike tube to get by (it is still in there!) and ordered the right tube just as winter set in around here.
I am now waiting for things to warm up a bit before I remove the rear wheel, replace the chain and sprockets, and insert the new tube, and replace the rear tire. I will probably go with the new Kenda Kruz as it is one of the few tires that are available in the 160/80-16 size, and I have had good luck with their dirt tires.

denny · 01-26-2008

I carry spare tubes when I go on a road trip. I rely on my cell phone and credit card to get it into a shop for repair if needed, but these tubes are not commonly stocked.

jimmyj900 · 01-26-2008

Spare ignition pickup.

If you think tubes are hard to find on the road...

Jim

meinschaft · 01-27-2008

Could not agree more with the recommendation to bring spare tubes. Avon recommends 'radial' tubes (supposedly heavier gauge than non-radial), for what it's worth.

Here is where I got my tires/tubes, last summer. Good people and quick service. Ask for J.T., he knows his stuff, 30+ years experience:

http://www.tiresunlimited.com/motorcycle_tubes.htm

P.S. Have a GREAT trip and be careful out there. (You can't tow it with a Suburban????)

highcard · 01-27-2008

Thanks guys/gals...

Jimmy...you won't believe this, but I do have a brand new spare ignition pickup...thought that was the problem once, but it wasn't, so I've still got the new one...good call.

Mein...I'm sure the Suburban would pull it, but the wife likes to travel at 80-85 miles an hour...at those speeds I/we worry about the stability/tires on the trailer...good tip on the radial tubes...thanks.

I took the Tbird down to Push Mountain in Arkansas last year and had a blast...trout fishing and riding...great stuff...doing it again this year.

But I'm REALLY looking forward to North Carolina...I'll probably check out the Dragon, but I'm putting together routes on the less crowded twisty Smoky Mountain roads...Hwy 64...Hwy 215...Hwy107...BRP...Hwy 276...more trout fishing and riding...

gregp · 01-28-2008

Even at the site posted here (tiresunlimited.com) there are no 16" Radial tube sizes listed...the correct 160/80-16 size is not even listed in the "Standard" tube section. I found mine at motorcycle-superstore.com.
BTW- I have read that we are not supposed to "tow" our bikes due to the oil pressure that is required for some of the tranny (countershaft?) bearings. Now, "tailering" is another story...