Tire Repair
I was reading my Blue Knight newsletter this morning and saw an add for this tire repair kit. I thought I would pass it along ....
www.stopngo.com
What do you think?
Alec
I used to use Stop & Go kits, but I've found that the plugs in those kits will sometimes fail when they get cut by the steel cords in radial tires. Based on my experience, Motorcycle Consumer News got it right when they published an article on tire repair kits and said: "...the ubiquitous Camel 'sticky string' plugs available at any auto parts store... ...are the easiest to use and most reliable."
This is the "full" kit that I now carry:
http://automotive.hardwarestore.com/11-31-tire-tools/tubeless-tire-repair-kit-129734.aspx
You don't have to use the glue on most punctures. The reamer is sometimes necessary to enlarge the hole enough to insert the sticky string. (Same is true of the Stop & Go kit.) Regardless of the repair kit being used, you also need to carry needle nose pliers to remove screws and nails.
Tom Austin
My conclusions about tire kits are similar to Tom's.
I used to use the Stop & Go, but no longer carry it.
Wal-Mart sticky string with a reamer and insertion tool is better. Repairs in belted radial tires last longer, it will plug more types/shapes of punctures, it takes up less packing space, no need to carry a vial of lube or glue, and is cheaper and easier to restock.
John Harrison
Do you also carry any type of CO2 kit to inflate the tire?
Tom responds:
No. Here is a copy of a previous post on this topic (I fixed one of thelinks that no longer worked):
In addition to the test of four pumps, they (Motorcycle Consumer News)make the point that CO2 cartridges just don't cut it; they cost more and take up just as much space as the smallest pumps if you carry enough to fully air up a rear tire.
The pumps they tested, their price, and links to where you can get more information on them are as follows:
The $100 Cycle Pump:
http://bestrestproducts.com/celestia/products/cyclepump/
The $35 compact pump from "Slime":
http://ascycles.com/detail.aspx?ID=44175
The $25 AirMan Sparrow:
http://www.casporttouring.com/thestore/prods/Airman_plug.html
A $20 stripped down Campbell Hausfeld pump described at:
http://www.mcnews.com/mcn/features/Mini%2012%20Volt%20Compressor.pdf
The Campbell Hausfeld pump MCN used is no longer in production, but the concept explained in the article can be used for other pumps in plastic housings.
The test of these pumps involved airing up a completely flat rear tire on a Buell Ulysses. The size of the tire wasn't stated in the article, but it should be a 180/55R17. The results were as follows:
Cycle Pump: 30 psi in 3 minutes/44 psi in 5 minutes
Campbell Hausfeld "chopper": 25.5 psi in 3 minutes/37 psi in 5 minutes
Slime: 26.7 psi in 3 minutes/31.8 in 5 minutes
Airman Sparrow: 21.8 psi in 3 minutes/31.6 in 5 minutes
The Cycle Pump was clearly the most powerful but the Slime was their "Best Buy" recommendation because it was about 1/3 the price. It should also be noted that the even less expensive Airman Sparrow had an integral pressure gauge, which the other pumps did not have. There is an integral gauge option available for the Cycle Pump that adds $25 to the price. My own measurements of the gauge accuracy on the AirmanSparrow are consistent with what MCN reported; i.e., it is quite accurate.
I've used an Airman Sparrow on numerous occasions and, while it is slow, it will inflate a rear tire to 45 psi. I also have the Slime Pump and the Cycle Pump with the accessory gauge. Only the Cycle Pump comes with a BMW-compatible 12 volt plug; the others have to be modified. If you can choke down the $125 price, Cycle Pump is clearly the best pump. I consider the Airman Sparrow the "Best Buy."
Tom Austin
I started out with the StopNgo... but over the years it has morphed a bit. In the StopNgo bag I now also carry sticky strings and the tools to insert them. I have also just recently added a Dynaplug kit as well. These are a small cross version of the StopNgo and sticky strings, but much smaller in diameter. I like the idea of patching a nail or screw hole without having to use a ream to make the hole much bigger. I found the Dynaplug kits at Harbor Freight. So depending on the hole I have many options to chose from to get the tire fixed.
http://www.dynaplug.com/
--
Larry Price
Some very experienced and respected folk have placed their money on gummy worms. Both John Harrison and Tom Austin recommend them. And, my riding experience cannot compare with either of theirs. For what it is worth, I carry three forms of repair. My first choice for ease of repair is the gummy worms. But, they only come out if the Stop N Go will not seal the hole. I don't prefer gummy worms because of personal experience with leaks. I have repaired many tires with gummy worms - probably in excess of 50. Twice, the repairs have leaked slightly. I judge gummy worms at 95% good repairs. My first choice for repairs is the Stop N Go. IMHO it is a PIA to use. I have repaired about 10 tires with the Stop N Go. I have never had one fail or leak. I share John's and Tom's concern with steel belts. In that case, I work a little longer with the reamer to wear off any extra steel. I judge Stop N Go plugs at 100% good repairs. I said that I carry three forms. As my final backup, I carry inside patches with plugs that goes through the tire. These are only for the big hole that the other two cannot fill. Until about 15 years ago, I would not use an externally patched tire. In my youth, all patches were from inside the tire with the hot vulcanizing machine in the barn (Daddy also believed in good tire patches). I also carry three tire irons and 4 rim savers (because I protect the powder coat beneath all that grime) so I can get inside the tire to do an inside patch. Current set of tire irons is a 16" Motion Pro curved and two 11" straight. After mounting tires using these tools, I will be carrying two 16" curved and one 11" straight in the future.
Other threads have talked about comfort -- Ride the bike you are comfortable with, about worries -- choose things to keep worry at bay during later stages of a ride/rally. For me, Stop N Go is the worry free repair. When I use gummy worms, I will be checking tire pressures more frequently and worrying more. John and Tom are apparently more comfortable with the gummy worms. There are some who have reported problems with Stop N Go plugs when used on steel belted tires. I use extra effort to minimize exposed steel before the patch.
I think the most important is to use what you have confidence in. And, that confidence only comes from actually using it and having success. I am not wishing punctures on anyone. But, they offer an opportunity for experience. If it is offered, try any or all of the options. Get comfortable with tire repairs. They are most likely required at an inconvenient time and place - 2 a.m. in the rain in the middle of nowhere, WV. In fact, I would encourage anyone who has not repaired a tire on the road to practice. When you are about to need new tires, create a puncture. An ice pick works fine. Then, repair it in the comfort of your garage, check for leaks, ride on it, check for leaks again. The experience may never be needed. When it is, you will be glad you practiced.
Billy
www.stopngo.com
What do you think?
Alec
I used to use Stop & Go kits, but I've found that the plugs in those kits will sometimes fail when they get cut by the steel cords in radial tires. Based on my experience, Motorcycle Consumer News got it right when they published an article on tire repair kits and said: "...the ubiquitous Camel 'sticky string' plugs available at any auto parts store... ...are the easiest to use and most reliable."
This is the "full" kit that I now carry:
http://automotive.hardwarestore.com/11-31-tire-tools/tubeless-tire-repair-kit-129734.aspx
You don't have to use the glue on most punctures. The reamer is sometimes necessary to enlarge the hole enough to insert the sticky string. (Same is true of the Stop & Go kit.) Regardless of the repair kit being used, you also need to carry needle nose pliers to remove screws and nails.
Tom Austin
My conclusions about tire kits are similar to Tom's.
I used to use the Stop & Go, but no longer carry it.
Wal-Mart sticky string with a reamer and insertion tool is better. Repairs in belted radial tires last longer, it will plug more types/shapes of punctures, it takes up less packing space, no need to carry a vial of lube or glue, and is cheaper and easier to restock.
John Harrison
Do you also carry any type of CO2 kit to inflate the tire?
Tom responds:
No. Here is a copy of a previous post on this topic (I fixed one of thelinks that no longer worked):
In addition to the test of four pumps, they (Motorcycle Consumer News)make the point that CO2 cartridges just don't cut it; they cost more and take up just as much space as the smallest pumps if you carry enough to fully air up a rear tire.
The pumps they tested, their price, and links to where you can get more information on them are as follows:
The $100 Cycle Pump:
http://bestrestproducts.com/celestia/products/cyclepump/
The $35 compact pump from "Slime":
http://ascycles.com/detail.aspx?ID=44175
The $25 AirMan Sparrow:
http://www.casporttouring.com/thestore/prods/Airman_plug.html
A $20 stripped down Campbell Hausfeld pump described at:
http://www.mcnews.com/mcn/features/Mini%2012%20Volt%20Compressor.pdf
The Campbell Hausfeld pump MCN used is no longer in production, but the concept explained in the article can be used for other pumps in plastic housings.
The test of these pumps involved airing up a completely flat rear tire on a Buell Ulysses. The size of the tire wasn't stated in the article, but it should be a 180/55R17. The results were as follows:
Cycle Pump: 30 psi in 3 minutes/44 psi in 5 minutes
Campbell Hausfeld "chopper": 25.5 psi in 3 minutes/37 psi in 5 minutes
Slime: 26.7 psi in 3 minutes/31.8 in 5 minutes
Airman Sparrow: 21.8 psi in 3 minutes/31.6 in 5 minutes
The Cycle Pump was clearly the most powerful but the Slime was their "Best Buy" recommendation because it was about 1/3 the price. It should also be noted that the even less expensive Airman Sparrow had an integral pressure gauge, which the other pumps did not have. There is an integral gauge option available for the Cycle Pump that adds $25 to the price. My own measurements of the gauge accuracy on the AirmanSparrow are consistent with what MCN reported; i.e., it is quite accurate.
I've used an Airman Sparrow on numerous occasions and, while it is slow, it will inflate a rear tire to 45 psi. I also have the Slime Pump and the Cycle Pump with the accessory gauge. Only the Cycle Pump comes with a BMW-compatible 12 volt plug; the others have to be modified. If you can choke down the $125 price, Cycle Pump is clearly the best pump. I consider the Airman Sparrow the "Best Buy."
Tom Austin
I started out with the StopNgo... but over the years it has morphed a bit. In the StopNgo bag I now also carry sticky strings and the tools to insert them. I have also just recently added a Dynaplug kit as well. These are a small cross version of the StopNgo and sticky strings, but much smaller in diameter. I like the idea of patching a nail or screw hole without having to use a ream to make the hole much bigger. I found the Dynaplug kits at Harbor Freight. So depending on the hole I have many options to chose from to get the tire fixed.
http://www.dynaplug.com/
--
Larry Price
Some very experienced and respected folk have placed their money on gummy worms. Both John Harrison and Tom Austin recommend them. And, my riding experience cannot compare with either of theirs. For what it is worth, I carry three forms of repair. My first choice for ease of repair is the gummy worms. But, they only come out if the Stop N Go will not seal the hole. I don't prefer gummy worms because of personal experience with leaks. I have repaired many tires with gummy worms - probably in excess of 50. Twice, the repairs have leaked slightly. I judge gummy worms at 95% good repairs. My first choice for repairs is the Stop N Go. IMHO it is a PIA to use. I have repaired about 10 tires with the Stop N Go. I have never had one fail or leak. I share John's and Tom's concern with steel belts. In that case, I work a little longer with the reamer to wear off any extra steel. I judge Stop N Go plugs at 100% good repairs. I said that I carry three forms. As my final backup, I carry inside patches with plugs that goes through the tire. These are only for the big hole that the other two cannot fill. Until about 15 years ago, I would not use an externally patched tire. In my youth, all patches were from inside the tire with the hot vulcanizing machine in the barn (Daddy also believed in good tire patches). I also carry three tire irons and 4 rim savers (because I protect the powder coat beneath all that grime) so I can get inside the tire to do an inside patch. Current set of tire irons is a 16" Motion Pro curved and two 11" straight. After mounting tires using these tools, I will be carrying two 16" curved and one 11" straight in the future.
Other threads have talked about comfort -- Ride the bike you are comfortable with, about worries -- choose things to keep worry at bay during later stages of a ride/rally. For me, Stop N Go is the worry free repair. When I use gummy worms, I will be checking tire pressures more frequently and worrying more. John and Tom are apparently more comfortable with the gummy worms. There are some who have reported problems with Stop N Go plugs when used on steel belted tires. I use extra effort to minimize exposed steel before the patch.
I think the most important is to use what you have confidence in. And, that confidence only comes from actually using it and having success. I am not wishing punctures on anyone. But, they offer an opportunity for experience. If it is offered, try any or all of the options. Get comfortable with tire repairs. They are most likely required at an inconvenient time and place - 2 a.m. in the rain in the middle of nowhere, WV. In fact, I would encourage anyone who has not repaired a tire on the road to practice. When you are about to need new tires, create a puncture. An ice pick works fine. Then, repair it in the comfort of your garage, check for leaks, ride on it, check for leaks again. The experience may never be needed. When it is, you will be glad you practiced.
Billy
