Triumphrat

Sheepdog · 12-05-2012, 01:49 AM

I've actually done a number of roadside tire repairs, but it has not been necessary on my T100. I had a couple of flats with my Guzzi on a 6000 mile tour the summer before last. I sure was glad I had the repair stuff, as it happened in the wilds of Wyoming and again in West Texas. My kit includes:
1) a rear tube (the fronts hardly ever get flats)
2) a new patch kit from tractor supply (the cement dries up fast)
3) a 12v pump w/attached pressure guage (spend a little or a lot-mine was from Harbor Freight. Without one of these, you'll have a really hard time getting your bead to seat)
4) 2 each tire irons (I like Motion Pro's)
5) a roll of gorilla tape (in case the rim strip grenades)
6) a can of aerosol spray detailer (great tire lube and bike cleanup aid)
7) a piece of low density plastic sheet for a tire boot (1"x3"...cut from a bleach bottle)
And a frame prop if you don't have a centerstand...I have a nice adjustable one Honda marketed for the XL600. Of course you need the tools required to remove the wheel, too.

A couple of useful tips:
1) Have at least a liter of water with you; tire fixing is hot work
2) if you lever your bike on the centerstand on the edge of the road, you will create more space to get the wheel from under the fender (see photo)
3) don't rely on a field repair for more than about 100 miles

Edit: you'll also need a valve core tool.

plasma · 12-05-2012, 05:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sp115

Is this something you did yourself? Or is this a new rim?

I am doing it myself, will post how when complete.

Plasma.

denbow · 12-05-2012, 06:03 AM

"A few miles" is a long way to push a broken down bike, especially one with a with a flat tyre. I can have it fixed and back home by the time the AA arrives an hour later.

The reason I carry a mini cycle pump is it's quick & convenient for adding a couple of lbs when needed.

This kit doesn't take up much room in a leather stuffa bag lashed to the rack, it's more use there than it is at home.
It also gives me a sense of security by not having to rely on outside help.

oldnslow · 12-05-2012, 08:36 AM

Clearly the most sensible solution would be to pull a trailer with a back up bike on board.

sprouty115 · 12-05-2012, 09:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sheepdog

I've actually done a number of roadside tire repairs, but it has not been necessary on my T100. I had a couple of flats with my Guzzi on a 6000 mile tour the summer before last. I sure was glad I had the repair stuff, as it happened in the wilds of Wyoming and again in West Texas. My kit includes:
1) a rear tube (the fronts hardly ever get flats)
2) a new patch kit from tractor supply (the cement dries up fast)
3) a 12v pump w/attached pressure guage (spend a little or a lot-mine was from Harbor Freight. Without one of these, you'll have a really hard time getting your bead to seat)
4) 2 each tire irons (I like Motion Pro's)
5) a roll of gorilla tape (in case the rim strip grenades)
6) a can of aerosol spray detailer (great tire lube and bike cleanup aid)
7) a piece of low density plastic sheet for a tire boot (1"x3"...cut from a bleach bottle)
And a frame prop if you don't have a centerstand...I have a nice adjustable one Honda marketed for the XL600. Of course you need the tools required to remove the wheel, too.

A couple of useful tips:
1) Have at least a liter of water with you; tire fixing is hot work
2) if you lever your bike on the centerstand on the edge of the road, you will create more space to get the wheel from under the fender (see photo)
3) don't rely on a field repair for more than about 100 miles

All good tips, but I'm stumped as to what a "tire boot" is?

Sheepdog · 12-05-2012, 10:45 AM

A tire boot is something to put between the tube and a large gash in the tire. It prevents the tube from protruding when under pressure. A boot is much easier to carry than a spare tire.

sprouty115 · 12-05-2012, 12:15 PM

Thanks...always amazed at the things you learn on the interweb.

Ace2044 · 12-05-2012, 01:08 PM

I always carry a small electric pump and a plug kit with me when I ride. I haven't had to use them yet, in 20K miles, but as was posted earlier, a few miles is a long way to push a motorcycle. I carry a spare in my car, and spares on my bicycle so it makes sense to have some kind of backup on my Bonnie.

denbow · 12-05-2012, 01:28 PM

Glad to see it makes sense... to some of us at least

rmak · 12-05-2012, 02:56 PM

I'm doing a study. How many people who carry all kinds of repair gear but don't travel long distances from home also are using their leftover Y-2 bunker/shelters for the coming apocalypse on Dec. 21?