Robert White's Goldwing Is Screwed! | Plugging a Motorcycle Tire

[@roncoleman8351]

Tip: Be sure to carry a couple of valve cores and a valve core remover in your repair kit. I was on a month long road trip in 2017 and noticed my front tire was low when ready to leave my hotel one morning. Couldn’t find any evidence of a puncture, at which point I checked the valve stem, unscrewed the valve cap and felt air coming out. Was unable to tighten the valve core, indicating that it had failed, so I unscrewed it and replaced with my spare. Pumped up the tire with my compressor and was on the road in under 30 minutes. Lesson: Not all flats are punctures…sometimes there’s a zebra among the horses. 😅

[@HondaGoldwingChannelHolland]

Thanks for the tip 👍

[@cruisemansgarage]

Good idea.

[@sunrisejak2709]

If a tire is relatively new and the plug is gives you some concern. No need to buy a new tire just have a tire shop remove the tire and grind off the plug, prep the inside surface and do an inside patch. That won't leak for sure and you can proceed to use the tire until it's time for replacement.

[@AnAZPatriot]

Ive got 3 plugs in my current tire. Been riding for 25 years and have always plugged my tires. Never had one fail. Same with my vehicles. Do it right, and you wont have any issues. Cant say ive ever drilled out a hole. I use the reamer to plug the hole immediately after i remove the nail or screw. I dont ream, just make sure i can shove the reamer all the way thru. Then while thats plugged, get my rope and glue ready, remove the reamer, and then shove it, twist it(this makes a bulb on the inside so you dont have to hold it and makes a better seal. Its even on the directions of the package.), and remove the tool. Wait 20 minute and cut excess. Check air pressure and clean off the tool with mineral spirits.

[@kazuma98446889]

Just a small tips to share Before pulling out the handle out of the wheel, do a few turn on the handle to create a nod inside the wheel so it holds the rubber worm and air better. Regards to the mushroom plug, I used to had it and it still leaks. Thrown into the bin and replace by the same set you had. Most reliable and cheap is the rubber worm plug.

[@yamaharider8014]

I had just bought a Michelin Road 5 for my Super Tenere, for $300 installed. I picked up a piece of metal like a nail, but flat. The plugs that I got at Cycle Gear were too thin to plug the hole, so I used one like Cruiseman did and I rode for many miles after that with no problems/leaks. A shop probably won't plug a tire, but I would do it again if needed.

[@frankdank7507]

Nealey tire repair kits. I've been plugging tires, big trucks, trailers, cars, to motorcycles, for 50 years and these are the best plugs I've ever used. Have been using them for years with zero issues. Of course, some tire punctures are not repairable, but if they are, I believe these plugs are the best. No need to ream the hole and with this design plug you end up with 4 strands of the plug through the hole. It can fill the wound better if it's not a perfectly round hole by using the 4 strands this fiber stranded rope plug. I have no relationship or interest in Nealey tire plugs, I just really like the way they perform. The only place I've found them is online.

[@tomfjr3872]

6 mushroom plugs used on 3 bikes over the last 8 years…they worked great. No leaks.

[@mattyb7736]

You're lucky, ive had 3 mushrooms blow out when riding home. Never has a bacon strip let me down yet.

[@waynehollins1193]

I agree 💯 same here 21,000 mi no problem still riding on the same tire

[@MattLewis-qt2gb]

I've been using the mushroom-type tire plugs for more than 20 years, with good success. The gun that comes with the kit is bulky and not ideal if space is precious, but I can only think of once that I had to remove and redo the repair. The sticky rope type performs well also in my experience. As a former dealer, I've repaired a LOT of tires, so my sample size is fairly large. One point I'll offer is that I always leave the excess plug intact until I have successfully reinflated the tire without any leaks. Sometimes an extra tug on the plug with a pair of pliers can help finish seating it if a small leak is detected.

[@stevelane8900]

leaving excess alone until you are sure it seals. Pulling on the sticky rope ends to insure a good seal should be listed in the instructions. Excellent advice!

[@t.michaelburch8200]

Had this happen with a decking screw just like that in the same place. Did exactly what you did and the rope plug lasted about 100 miles before it blew out stranding me again. Fortunately, LOL, the tire was almost at the wear bar so went ahead and replaced the tire. The tire monitor was awesome in that it let me know instantly when the plug started coming loose and gave me just enough time to get to a safe area to park and go home and get my trailer to take the bike home to replug the tire and ride to the shop for new shoes.

[@TwistySeeker]

That screw was not necessarily intentional. My understanding is that the screw or nail is laying flat on the road and as the tire goes over it, it makes it stand up and then the tire catches it as it standing up and pushes it all the way in. PS. I use the mushroom plugs as they can’t come back out and the air in the tire is help keeping it in place. I and my friends have used them many times, over the years, with no issues. You have to make sure that when you put the mushroom plug in the tool, the mushroom head goes into the hole first and then as you’re screwing down the Allen screw to force the plug into the hole. It will tighten like you think you’re there, but keep going until it completely bottoms out and then pull the tool off .

[@goldwingconepatterns2565]

First time last year for me too. Been riding since 1983. I'll take that as good luck.

[@goldwingconepatterns2565]

My first and only kit so far has been the Slime brand all included kit. Reamer, plug insertion tool, rubber cement, plugs. I put some cement on the reaming tool in thoughts it would help me at least insert easily if not well cover the hole with cement. It did seem to. I cemented the plug as well for the same reason. Tail end of last year and a few months on the plug without any air loss. If you do end up pulling the wheel and removing the tire make sure if the tire valve is out to return it to pointing to non-brake side (2014 like mine). If it points out to the caliper side it may bang into the caliper, mine did.

[@TRCAdventures]

Carried the mushroom plugs for 10 years without ever having to use them. Tried them out in the shop one day on an old tire, OMG difficult is an understatement. I realized I could never do it on the road or trail. Toasted the whole kit in the bin. I think the method you're using is by far the easiest and readily available solution. Cheep easy, and it works. You can always do a permanent fix from the inside later, though I never have.

[@gerardsalmon6564]

Everyone that rides a motorcycle with tubeless tires , should be carrying a plug kit like you have & used , Robert should have no problem using that tire with the plug for the rest of the thread life . Thank's for the video

[@Myrune1]

You can drive until that tire wears out with that plug. I've ridden 1,000s of miles and will do it again if needed. I even drove 6,000 miles on a mushroom plug, but that was the first time and last time I used one. They are not very good and I had to use fix-a-flat to get it to seal. The bacon strips work much better.

[@jamesmeloche8050]

Mushroom plugged a front tire. On our way back from Cabo. San Lucas Mexico last April . Still holding to this day.

[@roadglide]

Excellent job guys! Thanks for the video. Cruise your shop impeccable. Robert your bike also impeccable. You both have good taste in motorcycles.

[@peterdrolet3592]

We’ve all been there! At least you didn’t have to do this on the side of the freeway. I also carry a screw gun as a reamer.

[@steve28849]

i agree that the drill is key. i've tried the reemer and couldn't get it through. now i buy the kit with a reemer bit and rope inserter bit

[@stanadams8718]

A fellow riding buddy had a flat rear tire and we spent over an hour trying to get a mushroom style plug to work. No joy. He ended up needing a tow. When I got home from our ride, I tossed the rest of the mushroom plugs and ordered some rope style plugs. Lesson learned!

[@patzke]

Imagine being in my area where the summer is 115+ air temperature and asphalt can be 150+. That’s why I carry a moving pad in my bags.

[@cruisemansgarage]

What area are you from?

[@patzke]

@@cruisemansgarage near Las Vegas, Nevada

[@F6B_ADVENTURES]

I was riding back from an awesome adventure with my dad at the totd and hit something with my back tire in Louisiana somewhere. And without plugs, I would have been screwed 😅😅. My dad walked me through how to plug my motorcycle tire. We had to stuff two plugs in at a time and still after like 25 mins of riding, the plug would pop out and it would slowly go flat again. Thanks for teaching the people how to plug this tire because these bikes are made for the long distance stuff and if you’re out stuck in the middle of nowhere and you have a flat.. you better know how to fix this tire or else you’re screwed(oops i did it again). That’s probably one of the top two things I have on my bike at all times. A tire repair kit for this exact thing. See you down the road.

[@gregcautrell1259]

When you were removing that screw, I was thinking about one of the handiest tools I have, the 5WR Vise-Grip pliers. Clamp them on, no fumbling. Small enough to carry with you. Good job on the plug!

[@cruisemansgarage]

I had a pair of vise grips 3 feet away and it never thought about them until I went back and watched the video of me fumbling with the pliers!

[@lnk4328]

On a trip with a buddy once that got a screw in his back tire. Thought how fortunate that he noticed it that evening at the motel. Plugged it with one of the mushroom style and the next morning it was holding air fine. A few miles after leaving, the tire went flat again. He re-plugged it every few miles until I went ahead to a town and bought some of the sticky rope plugs. The sticky rope held fine. I'm a firm believer now that his problem was that he didn't ream the hole well enough and the steel belts were cutting the mushroom plugs. Only tried and true sticky ropes for me.

[@MattLewis-qt2gb]

It is important with the mushroom plug to move your reamer (or Cruiseman's electric screwdriver) around in a circle a few times once it is inserted into the tire. This helps remove any rubber or case material away from the inside margins of the actual puncture site and allow the mushroom the sit flush against the inside of the tire when pulled back. Just FYI.

[@hamradiofun]

Similar decking screw, new tire only 300 miles on it, first day of 3Twisted Sisters ride. Plugged and rode it fine the next 2 days and put another new tire on it, same ribbon plug used.

[@jefferybeining-oy2eu]

I've been lucky 50 years 500000 miles. About six flats picked up screws plugged many tires

[@one.misanthrope]

I live in the east and rode across country last summer. I got a rear puncture from a sharp piece of gravel just outside Alaska (in the Yukon Territory). I plugged it roadside in the middle of nowhere and rode 7,000 miles until I could locate a replacement tire in Vancouver, British Columbia. I probably could have gotten all the way home on it.

[@erasmouzcanga]

Yo tuve en los 80 una Golwing, y me gustaría tener otra de nuevo, es para mí la mejor moto de viaje.

[@George_in_York_PA]

Been riding for over25 years. Never used to get any flats. Now it seem like I get them all the time. I used to replace tire every time. But now I just plug and ride. Definitely keep an eye on them. Plugs hold fine. Right now I have three plugs on back tire. Tread is getting low so I will change soon.

[@PeterGould-f9r]

Cruiseman: Thanks for posing this video. I've done a lot of long-distance riding over the years and have been extremely lucky as far as flat tires are concerned. Only experienced one - and that was in town about a mile from a bike shop. I'm heading out to some as yet undetermined destinations for 2 weeks in May and I realized after watching that I need to quit tempting fate and get prepared. I used your suggestions and am getting tooled up. Appreciate all the information. Peter in Santa Fe

[@JohnSmith-ub5zm]

Great job, guys! Very helpful video. I carry the mushroom plug kit that came with a CO2 inflator and some CO2 cartridges. Knock on wood, haven’t had to use it. I believe I will swap for the sticky worms and a drill. I like that set up better. 👍😃

[@sjg255]

I have used the rubber plug when I owned a repair shop. I would only use that type of plug on a non-steel belted tire (steel belts eat up that type plug) and I used a pneumatic gun to insert them. All other tires, I used the sticky type plug.(made by Safety Seal)

[@tomfillmore9710]

Good video guys have plugged at few tires on my SUV's and car used the same plugs as you have worked great . have never had a flat on the gold wing knock on wood but I picked up a screw on my shadow and had a flat couldn't use a plug tube tires on it but luckily I was about 15 kms from my brother in laws shop he came with his air pig and pumped it up and I drove to the shop had to do that a couple times but we made it . enjoyed watching take care ride safe

[@randyhickman604]

Good job guys. So far I’ve not had to plug any motorcycle tire, knock on wood, but have plugged many car tire exactly the way you did. Never had any problems. 👍

[@sboy1955]

Have used sticky rope plenty of times with success but the shroom plugs are a better design. Basically due to their shape they can’t come out if installed correctly. But they require an understanding of the tooling and install method - different animal. Plenty of good videos out there on them.

[@garyedwards8142]

Good job…I carry the same puncture kit… no used it yet…..🇬🇧👍

[@Axr24have]

Good to watch. Those ‘Bacon strips’ are pretty good. I wouldn’t think that you need to get a new tire anytime soon.

[@GoldRyderOne]

Good job guys. Tools are good information for emergency kits.

[@waynebasso3791]

A few years ago, a number of us riders were returning to Canada from a road trip to Minneapolis. One of my friends picked up a nail on the rear tire of his Harley. I had a patch kit and compressor and we ended up patching it on the side of the road. Unfortunately by the time we noticed his tire had gone flat, it also caused damage to the sidewall. About 5 miles after patching the tire, the sidewall gave out. He managed to call roadside assistance and they sent a tow truck. We loaded the bike up and it was hauled to Grand Forks, North Dakota. The next day the tire was replaced under Harley warranty and he was able to return to Canada.

[@carlhunt8494]

Chris, good video for the how to on plugging a motorcycle tire. I was on a ride and my rear tire was pretty much gone so I found a Honda dealer in Twin Falls Idaho who had am Elite 4 in stock and had him put it on. 400 miles later and the next morning my TPMS was flashing at me and I thought the tire lost air pressure because it had gotten cooler over night. I stopped at a convenience store to top off the tire and that was when I discovered my new tire had a 2" long sheet rock screw in it. I carry a plug kit and compressor, but I was only 250 miles from home and decided to see if i could get it home where I could fix it properly. I got home without any issues only losing around one psi per hour. Once home I took the tire up to my friend who has a tire store and had him boot the tire, I have been riding on it ever since with no issues. If my option had only been to plug the tire I would have replaced it, but booting it not only seals the hole but also patches it from the inside, which is much more secure than a plug. One last thing, a real good pair of side cutters specifically those that are designed to cut zip ties is perfect for cutting the plug off flush with the tire, and much safer than a razor blade. Once again thanks for what you do for our Goldwing community.

[@thomasramsey6107]

I plug my tire in Springfield MO and rode it back Asheville NC I used the same plug .

[@web525]

I have seen the rope type plugs fail when a friend had a small sharp piece of gravel through the tyre creating a large hole. Ono of the things that may help in this situation is to not fully inflate the tire, because as soon as the tyre heated up and built up pressure it blew the rope out. Of course this means that you need to ride slower until the tyre can be replaced.

[@s.k.y_kitty3godward850]

Great video ,Chris Chris Hurst TX

[@martinharford774]

Good for you, Cruiseman! This video was to the point without all the superfluous garbage. Thank you!

[@FxRiderST]

I've done it many times. Just once the plug flew off. Let us know how it holding up.

[@BTimmer]

I exclusively have used the mushroom type plugs on my Good Wings and St1100. I've ridden 10's of thousands of miles on plugged tires. I've also used one on a car tire.

[@larrycone8821]

Tip: if a standard cordless drill you can tight tighten the 3 jaw chuck on the screw and then put it in reverse and easily back it out.

[@cruisemansgarage]

Great tip. Wish I had thought of that.

[@scubarider1]

I’ve used those spaghetti type plugs and I do not like them and definitely wouldn’t trust one of those on the long-haul. The ones I do trust are the mushroom plugs and I have plugged a number of tires with those and only had one failure out of 15 times. The one that failed was due to the angle of the hole. The rest of them I plugged the tire and rode with them that way until the tire was worn out. Of course, I do keep a closer eye on the plugged tires and check the air pressure more frequently.

[@Jim-nm1en]

A friend got a puncture when riding his bike round the Isle of Mann. He used a mushroom plug kit which took less than 10 minutes to do. The plug was still good a year later when he finally replaced the tyre which by then was ready for replacement. I have more or less the same kit but luckily, I have not had to use it yet. Long may that be the case. 🤞

[@BriRides]

Appreciate this Cruiseman, very informative, well done.

[@ericpurdy5704]

Such a great video. Thank you both.

[@jeromehebert3184]

i've done many car tires and used the same tool you had.

[@georgehegland9820]

Great job

[@zacharyseiz5632]

Good job guys!

[@340Captain]

Excellent job, guys ! I've also the new T-Shirt and the cap. I'll be coming over from Switzerland for the next repair to your garage...😀

[@hansgruber3552]

Do you have a link to the Jaco tire pressure gauge used in this video? What exact part number of gauge do you or your buddy recommend? I currently use the vintage pen style analog read gauge on road trips. Thank you. Great video.

[@pinball2002]

Road from Ohio to tail of the dragon with a plugged tire with no problems. Currently having a plug in my rear tire now. Will be riding it to Texas in May and a cross country trip in September.

[@gregmoreland5687]

What air pump was that, the name please

[@banjobenson9348]

I use the ropes on car tires all the time, I will be getting a car tire on my wing soon.

[@Changtent]

Use side-cut pliers to get that stubborn screw out, not needle nose. Needle nose pliers tend to get their tips bent easily making them useless. With side cut pliers, you work the cutting edges under the screw head then pry out the screw using the handles for leverage. When prying, you can also put a small fulcrum under the handles such as a stick or wrench handle. No need to twist the screw out, you get enough leverage to pry it straight out. Quicker, easier, won't damage your needle nose pliers.

[@michealsanders342]

Hello CG. What is the process to reset TPMS system after plugging GL tire?

[@MannyScoot]

I have a Honda ST1300 and have used my Slime Tyre Kit several times..... It works fantastic !!!!!....Stay away from those dang Mushroom plugs ....they are the most difficult to use....

[@samuelpruitt4351]

I found a 2028 with 239 miles on it. It looks like it never been off the show room floor. Only warranty that was offered was at my expense, extended warranty. It is so perfect that it is unbelievable, so I passed on the purchase. Something fishing , it was on commission from a customer.

[@wheelerbradley]

Plugging a tire will not ever fail. If it’s done the right way you don’t have to replace your tire. I went 7,000 miles on my 2006 goldwing and never had to add air except the 3 to 5 lbs over many miles. 👍😎🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@billyray3761]

Robert’s a good ol’ boy. THAT was intentional! A screw that long and dead center.

[@garlandlabat4922]

Did it just make a videol 🙂

[@scubarider1]

If I have a screw in the tire, I don’t try to pull it out with pliers or needle nose. I find that using a screwdriver gets it out much quicker.

[@patrickwade3150]

If the road hasn’t ground down the screw head like in this case.

[@David-yp4fl]

I GREW UP AT A SERVICE STATION ⛽ LOVE FROM MISSISSIPPI 🇺🇲♥️🇮🇱

[@Supernaut2000]

Just curious, why do you blur out his license plate? He rides on public roads, visible to anyone right?

[@robertwhitemoto]

Super, I gave cruisman permission to show my tag, (I did in my video for sure) but he was testing out a new blurring effect ... so it was a learning exercise. But I agree with you, everyone sees it.

[@malcolmpatton9314]

I purchased a mushroom type plug came with gun and lubricant it does leave a small plastic plug which unfortunately stays inside your tyre, tested with soapy water all appeared ok but after a 2000 kilometres the tyre would lose approximately 6 psi each day before each days ride we would top up the tyre. It didn’t spoil our trip but I am going to have the tyre professionally repaired or replaced it has 4mm left the bike is a Honda cb500x with 10000 kilometres so not totally worn out.should I have the tyre replaced ?

[@DashThat2000]

Thanks for this. I noticed that the rear tire on Robert’s Goldwing is not touching the floor when on center stand. I have a 2021 Tour DCT and the rear tire is touching the floor when on the center stand making it almost impossible to rotate the tire, I have to put the center stand on a board so that I can rotate it to check tire pressure, etc. Any ideas or is this by design?

[@robertwhitemoto]

Dash that's definitely not by design. I wonder, if your rear tire is touching is your front tire up in the air... like is it a weight distribution issue? If both are touching you need to get you a new center stand.

[@davidallen1213]

Agree...my rear tyre is a good inch or more off the ground when the bike is on the main stand, with front tyre resting on the ground.

[@seniorsouthwick976]

I’m thinking maybe you have so much weight added to the bike behind the center-stand that the rear of the bike is winning the see-saw battle. On occasion, I will have the Warden sit back there on the rear of the seat while the bike is on center-stand so I can easily rotate front wheel to fully clean it. And before the temptations to comment hit, I am fairly sure she knows not yet of this pen-name. So the point is, if you are loading down those bags and tour pack, and also have your blow-up blonde riding pillion, you may have found your cause.

[@DashThat2000]

@@robertwhitemoto, both tires are firmly touching the floor. It’s a low mileage bike I bought at a dealer. It came with a lot of Goldstrike accessories installed. If there is such a thing as a custom center stand then my guess is that the previous owner had it installed. The bike requires little to no effort to pull it back on the center stand which I found a bit surprising and yet pleased unlike my bmw r1200gs adv. I’ll go to the Honda dealer and compare the center stands.

[@michaelsloane1034]

I have tried to plug a tire 3 times and never got the plug to hold road down the road and 3 miles later tire totally flat so everytime had to call a tow truck

[@tompetry8589]

Your garage is to neat.

[@cruisemansgarage]

You only see it at its best!

[@jefferybeining-oy2eu]

Never fails , Tire only has a couple of thousand on and always picks up a nail or screw

[@georgepugh1671]

shame your tyre had so few miles on it but at least you weren't in the middle of nowhere. Thanks for sharing

[@gary4155]

As long as it’s not in the sidewall these plugs will outlast the tire.

[@craigcook1571]

It took me alot less time to drive it in than it took y’all to get it out! 🤣😬

[@cruisemansgarage]

😯

[@anthonylambert6787]

Riding now on a sticky plug😢😊

[@alp3781]

When you have a chance, please patch it. I don’t care for plugs. They are ok, not like patches. Hot tire goes up to 53 or more PSI. Not worth it to me when doing 70-80 MPH on a wing.

[@k-rod2453]

Tire replacement is the way to go. The tire integity of the tire is compromised.

[@jamescosson9662]

They'll last until the tire wears out!!

[@twarman2]

Drill it completely unnecessary. File rod or ream stick tool is best for cleaning rubber hole.been fixing tires 63 years and if the tire is good when you get home pull it off the rim and use the plug patch good for the life of the tire. Thank you Gentlemen.

[@frankward8003]

The air compressor featured in this video is too big for a road trip when the saddlebags are filled..there are much smaller air compressors that are a better choice that will fit nicely in the very back space of the saddlebag out of the way of the saddlebag liner in the saddlebag..it's already a tight fit with the saddlebag liners with your clothes.

[@johnheitz4720]

Go Darkside with a runflat and you will never get stuck on the side of the road.

[@dennisberg570]

Carry a drill ? I don't think so . The reamer is all you need .

[@k-rod2453]

You should not riide extended miles with a tire plug in your bike. A car is a totally different animal. Plug the tire take it to your local dealer a new tire.

[@frankdank7507]

Not really true, but whatever makes you feel good. A quality tire plug, properly installed will outlast the tire. Done it many times Never an issue.

[@sunrisejak2709]

Take it to a local dealer and do an inside patch. No need to replace the tire if it's got lots of life left. Inside patches done well will not leak.

[@JamanRooney]

Funny story I bought a new motorcycle last year not Evan 10000 miles on it and got a nail, peace peace

[@terrasiho5606]

I am sorry but I would always get a new tyre,but then that's just me.