Topic: Roadside tire repair: Please share your experiences

[JBMorse]

Hey folks,
Recently I did some work on the front of the bike, and have found it very difficult to get the front tire in the air.  Even with the exhaust removed and a floor jack under the engine, the bike doesn't sit quite right and feels tippy, balancing on the jack and rear tire.  And when I replaced the front tire, I realized that it wasn't going to be easy if I had to do it on the roadside.   
So I am wondering if any of you had a flat front tire while on the road, and how you managed to get the front wheel off to repair it.  Were you able to lift the bike somehow, or work around the problem? 
I am planning a very long trip and am trying to prepare for problems.  I realize flat front tires may be less common than rear, and the rear is much more easily removed. 
I would also like to hear about how you lift the bike in order to work on the front end in your own shops.  What is a good way to jack the bike up?
Thanks!

[ekpent]

Not related to your fix but the two times I have had a flat tire was when I stopped running-took off from a light etc.. Never had the "blow-out".Does a fast spinning tire not lose air?   Two Tired we need you.Scrounged stuff to fix but not fun ,went back etc.  

[754]

Had a front deflate almost instantly at about 70 or 75mph.. about an hour from dark, near Warm Springs MT.. great fun..

 greater fun cleaning balancing fluid out after blowing a tube..

 The semi I hitch a ride into Anaconda to buy tubes was a cool ride..
 If you wear an old open face helmet, it can fit under frame near points cover to hold forks off ground..  HEYYY Fullface, may be even better!!


or c-stand and shim under oilfilter..

[gane]

JB, Am guessing you are attempting to use centerstand or nothing. In the shop, try this...  Put bike on side stand. place floor jack so's you can lift at a parallel portion of right front frame rail at front of engine... Easy, 3 point stance & secure.....Roadside is more difficult, requiring whatever is at hand & usually help levering bike up while installing spacer/s.... DON'T use helmet as platform unless youre in the desert and Nothing els is avail. luck g

[ekpent]

At least carry a couple of big screwdrivers and a crescent wrench or two,a bigger and smaller  or buy my real Honda tool kit   

[BobbyR]

In the shop you have all kinds of options but the floor jack is the best. The on the road patching of a tire will be a #$%* the small irons you can carry with you will probably not break the bead on the modern tires. I am not sure there are any reliable flat fix products for tubes. I was stuck for 4 hours on the side of the road.

[Rio_CB750]

For a real long trip, maybe something like:  http://www.slime.com/product/111/Power-Sport-Tire-Inflator-(%2340001).html?utm_source=slime.com&utm_medium=Banner&utm_term=Motorcycle%2BRiders%20Club&utm_content=Power%2BSport%20Tire%20Inflator&utm_campaign=Home%2BPage%20Slideshow

I have never used this for my CB or any motorcycle for that matter, but have used Slime for my cars, had a bad seal on an aluminum rim on vacation, and it got me to a tire store.  Seems like there are some posts on here from motorcycle riders.

[JBMorse]

Thanks for the tips guys!  I hadn't considered an electric inflator.  I was going to get a bicycle pump, but I like that little inflator you showed. 
I have changed my tires in the shop, and am comfortable in my abilities there in case I ever get a puncture.  And I have no problem getting the rear wheel off.  I guess my main concern is what to do if I get a problem with the front. 
For those of you that are jacking under the engine, are you removing the exhaust first?
Thanks!

[andy750]

Mmmm let me see.....7 or 8 front tire punctures (all but one at speed) and 3 rear tire punctures (only one at speed).

Here are things that have worked in the past for me when changing the front:

1. In the mountains in Mexico - had a Norwegian hottie sit on the back of the bike while I removed the front wheel...then propped up bike using saddlebags/luggage - I have a front mount crash bar which helps keep it off the exhaust. Dont do as I did and squeeze the front brake  by accident with no means of getting the piston back in the caliper.

2. In Sundance, WY after riding 20 miles from Devils Tower using a bicycle pump to inflate tire that had flattened overnight I used luggage again to keep front wheel high. This was outside a harley shed (really was a shed).

Basically the center stand is your friend (which is why I cringe when people shave off the tabs) and you can use rocks, luggage, or whatever is at hand to keep the front forks up - or even better have a helper sit on the back of the bike while you remove the wheel...then very gently allow the forks to rest on the ground once wheel is off - Ive done this as well when didnt want to squish the luggage.

It really helps to have front mount crash gourds - of any kind! when touring - many uses

All this was on a CB750K4.

Good luck
Andy

[westondc]

Good question JB, i've been wondering the same thing. taking a trip to Texas next week and I'm really concerned about my abilities to repare a flat on the road. i was wondering about tire Slime as a short fix to get me to a shop. I'm going to pickup some spare tubes and a pump but I've never changed a motorcycle tire tube. can someone point me to a good tutorial?

[754]

read #2.. last time I ran Slime..


 tubes can let go from spoke damage or just let go on upper side .. just because..

 and when that happens.. believe.  me.. you DONT need any lube or snot or slippriness on the deflated tube and tire...