How To Permanently Fix A Flat On Your Motorcycle | MC Garage

Got a flat? You can use one of those tar-covered ropes to patch the hole or one of many other emergency plug kits, but a combined plug/patch, installed from the inside of the tire, is the only method most tire manufacturers deem to be a "permanent" fix. In this MC Garage extra, Ari installs a plug/patch on the shop's Yamaha FZ-09.
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Not all tire manufacturers condone plugging a tire, but those that do insist on a plug/patch repair performed from the inside of the tire. It’s the only form of puncture repair that’s considered permanent because it fully fills the wound and seals the tire from the inside. Use only patch kits sized for motorcycle tires, like this Stop & Go system. Now, here’s how to use it.
Remove Item From Tire And Wheel
Mark the puncture, remove the offending item, and then dismount the tire. Yes, you have to remove the tire from the motorcycle! Also, be aware that punctures on the edge of the tread or in the sidewall cannot be repaired. This is because your motorcycle tire flexes as you ride on it and the plug will not hold air and could possibly rupture. The same goes for holes larger than 7mm in diameter.
Inspect The Tire Inside And Out
Carefully inspect the tread and inner liner for damage, which most often occurs from being run underinflated. Any bubbling or signs of delamination are cause for tire replacement. Delamination means that the layers of your tire have separated or peeled apart, resulting in water and moisture rusting out the tire’s belts, leading to more serious problems down the road. This inspection is the critical part of the repair that can only be performed with the tire removed.
Buff And Ream The Area To Be Plugged
Prepare the repair site by buffing the inner liner of the tire to expose fresh rubber. You can accomplish this with a file or 100-grit sandpaper. Buff an area slightly larger than the patch portion of your plug and patch. Finally, ream the hole to clear it of debris and to help make the shape of the puncture more uniform.
Insert And Glue The Plug And Patch
Apply rubber cement to the repair site and allow it to dry for several minutes. Remove the covering from the patch head and push the quill through the hole from the inside. Pull it flush with the inner liner.
Trim The Quill And Flatten The Patch
Cut the quill flush with the tread and then carefully press the patch into place. Use your thumbs to force air out from under the patch by pressing from the center of the patch toward the perimeter. The patch will stay in place with the aid of the rubber cement you applied and the air pressure from inside the tire.
Fill Tire With Air And Check For Leaks
Reinstall the tire and inflate it to the recommended pressure. Inspect the repair for air-tightness with soapy water or saliva. Recheck the repair after the first few miles of riding, and keep an eye on the repair throughout the life of the tire. If done correctly, your plug and patch job should hold throughout the rest of the tire’s life.
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[@Majesenmoto]

Ari editor, Ari speaker, ari cameraman, ari mechanic. The one man motorcycle army. Thumbs up!

[@ikermunoz6947]

Hombre Majes, no sabía que veias este canal. Grande

[@patw9175]

Yaaas I'm so glad I found this. Everyone was like "whoa a nail too bad you can't patch motorcycle tires without getting pregnant and dying of aids at 150mph". Thanks Ari, you saved this college kid from scrapping a brand new tire.

[@bronzechan]

When MC Garage comes with no sponsor. It becomes a raw video.

[@sennsir]

This is an awesome how to video! 👏 but I think we're all wondering why you haven't made any HOW TO GET FIT videos!? 🤔

[@moneeb343]

Ari is a true man. No one can prevent this man for imparting his knowledge on all of us. No cameraman, no edits, no frills, just A MAN, AND HIS PASSION. AND A SCHEDULE OF MC GARAGE TO KEEP.

[@p.t.anderson1593]

For this exact reason I invested in a tire changer fixture thingy, No-Mar Classic, about 10 years ago. Between the better deals on tires online and fixing flats caused by tiny nails by myself compared to buying tires at a dealer and having them mounted there and also having never come across a dealer that would repair a tire for any reason, my tire changer has paid for itself and then some. It is a skill worth learning, no doubt about it.

[@JohnnyWooh]

function over form, love the new approach. Ari seems like a down to earth guy, so i fully approve of the less fancy video style.

[@recpro7847]

These videos you can take to heart. I've never had bad luck nor a leak with the tire plug string... ever. Got one in my back tire right now. Now keep in mind I'm not trying to trump MM's advice whatsoever, I just know what works for me w/o wheel tire removal.

[@gregkillian8216]

What is the tire plug string you speak of

[@mogseyv1]

Love the rough and ready nature of this one. Ari really was just fixing his tyre on the fly and letting us watch

[@mike216ism]

I keep picking up all kinds of things going back and forth to work. Metal and God knows what else at work and glass and weird metal objects at home. Almost everyday I'm pulling something out. So far I've been lucky but it's really nice to know that a patch is possible. Much appreciated video. Take care all

[@titaniunhead]

This "raw" video was really great. The information great as well... Thumbs up!!!

[@SonicMotoVlogs]

used one of these after getting a bolt on a 1k mile Pilot Road 4. These patch plugs are fantastic to have on hand

[@menom7]

LOL. Gotta LOVE Ari here!!! I was just counting the SECONDS until that rear fender/plate-holder frame fell OFF that swingarm where he placed it!!! Awesome Video Ari!!! :)

[@WRW9751]

I’ve got the same old Coats 200! It’s close to 40, still going good!

[@ErnieTessein]

So good to know you had a little trouble getting it on. I just did my first rear tire swap on my (same silver fz09) bike and getting back on sucked

[@gags786]

Thanks for the video! I noticed today that there’s a nail in my rear wheel (brand new battlax tyres recently installed, shame!!), right Bang in the middle! It seems tight and visibly, no air is leaking at the moment, but was hoping I didn’t have to get a replacement, this seems to show that there’s hope!! Thanks buddy

[@MrHappygolfer]

Thanks for the info! I wish I had this information this summer. I had just put new Road Pilots on in Flagstaff, and then got a puncture in the center of the rear tire just north of Seattle. The Kawasaki shop I took it to to have a "permanent" repair done told me that "no one" would ever repair a motorcycle tire, and that he wouldn't either. Being ignorant, I ended up spending another $300 to replace a two week old tire!

[@ciaoitalo]

Love the style of videos. Keep up the good work!

[@AskJoe1]

Really liked the more casual vibe from this video.

[@575ban]

You seem to be so much more You in this video, a lot more relaxed. It's good to see. Nice video mate, and it got me thinking more about permanent fixes👍 I have to concur with others, do you work out before doing every video?

[@rc2634]

this is amazing video, with great explanation and all looks very natural keep it up!👍👍👍👍

[@drumskas]

Damn I'm loving this watching your videos back to back man. Thanks for saving my life, I mean, my tire lol. I see you posted link in description and I think I'm about to do that, cause I need this patch kit.

[@johnnyblade5990]

Always enjoy watching your informative videos I learned a lot and it's just interesting good job

[@bradb2514]

Excellent! I learned something! Never knew about those type of patches!

[@halooord]

Is this unedited or something? Like it's just a raw video. No edits and just Ari all alone with no friends.

[@beo7929]

it's winter

[@c0mputer]

The tire machine is his friend.

[@TheBraveheart55]

Good job! Thank you for all the good information.

[@akshayrajivale9344]

The best motorcycle journalist hands down 😍

[@RTK171]

Little tip when you need to massage the patch from the inside use a cricket ball to roll over the top off the patch works a treat done it many times.

[@shepherdosouls8654]

Im glad i saw this... my ninja 400 tire literally has 50 miles on it and got a tack nail in the same place you had one in this vid...i asked all the cycle shops they all said "it has to be replaced...so 3 weeks and $250 later im back on the road but i kept my tire hoping it could be repaired! So now imma plug/patch it and save it for next time!!

[@deveshyadav5776]

once again good job from ari [ the motorcycle expert ]

[@Karl-pm9hv]

You videos are brilliant. Thank you.

[@GETUPANDGO]

Awesome, I'm gonna have to get me some of these patch kits--I'm very tired of the tar-covered ropes

[@joeharley87]

I have put a tube in many times with a small puncture, when the tire is good. Works great.

[@Cerberus256]

Brilliant as always, top job

[@URBANENGINEER]

I'd highly recommend the Pitbull wheel lift that attaches to the Pitbull stands man, makes one man wheel removal/installs much easier. Great video!

[@soulvaccination8679]

Best I have seen..Wish you were around herein Florida.Its hard to get anyone to work on a scooter.TaoTao Thunder,

[@johnfragos7660]

Great video!! Thanks Ari!!

[@ethanhamilton8959]

Cheers for the Vid mate, got new tyres fitted to my CBR650r not even 5km I get a nail through it causing it to leak so this will save me a lot of money on another new tyre

[@JoeJoeMoto]

Nice mate. I like a good permanent fix.

[@zer0nen0ne78]

I had the only shop I’ve taken one to, that they wouldn’t repair a “Z” rated tire. I’m sure some of it is liability, but probably more accurate, need to sell things for profit. Thanks for the video!

[@ratbrain7743]

Love your videos. The best videos out there. I however have used plugs since 1971. They work. I've seen many bike tires run slick with them. Yes they do rarely fail on a ragged puncture. My last 3 Tenere rears wear run 10-14K miles slick with plugs. I had one leak and re-plugged it. My ZRX1200 has a plug in the rear now. It's been in there for 8 years. I've done 150 mph on it. Your way is better for sure. But for many of us. It's not practical. You can plug one in the parking lot.

[@uhthexam7674]

um bro are you saying you haven’t bought a new tire in 8 years?

[@ratbrain7743]

@@uhthexam7674 yes. It lives in my spare bedroom. I don't ride it much anymore.

[@motofan16]

I guess the whole crew went on vacation. Keep up man!

[@MAURIIIII2009]

Always cool information

[@gzone11ify]

More Wisdom from Ari.=Win

[@adambudge9686]

Once again, good job Ari. Now that you've fixed the tyre perhaps you will post a video of you wheeliing the bike to work ;)

[@Mathewdaniel99]

Nice video... Thanks for the info.

[@jeffkatzer]

Very informative, thanks.

[@nevinthegreat7333]

yzf..lol I too keep confusing the yzf with the one I am working on. Great Video Mike

[@BMRTV]

Very cool. IF you're looking for ideas, I'd love to have you guys do a review/comparison of handlebar vibration solutions. Weights, HB Snake, DIY silicone, etc.

[@tshadow6]

These videos are great, I learn how to do lots of my own motorcycle maintenance for them. Please wear safety glasses in the future.

[@pas0003]

Great video! Thanks!

[@fivespeed3026]

I use Ride On. I’ve had multiple punctures and it works every time. It also balances your tire so you don’t need wheel weights. I’ll never waste my time with plugs and patches again.

[@warrengray610]

Dear A, I was just thinking about if re-balancing would be needed finally, and the you spoke and showed you know, Respect! Re the dismantled back section my preference is to use bungee hook straps, just to prevent strain but hey when you balanced it and you spotted it as it swung free I liked the way you just walked away with the tyre like it was no thing at all to halt you carrying out the plan, You rule mate and you are very engineer savy where were you schooled? Kind regards Warren U.K.

[@remisimard7760]

Nice Alta Redshift in the background!

[@stenic2]

your expression when after carefully trying hanging the rear fender still it hangs from the cable is priceless lol..

[@jerrym5271]

I did this same repair a few weeks ago and the bead popping made me jump back quick af haha

[@mihirkulkarni07]

Ari!!! Please put more videos of your R3 project.. I would love to know what is happening.. 😊

[@exothermal.sprocket]

The licorice-string cord with vocalizing paste probably would hold air for the rest of the tire's life, but the shops won't approve of it. The rubber mushroom plugs that get inserted from the outside, have a head on the inside (much like the patch), with the stem sticking through the hole, including vulcanizing paste.....would also be a good option.

[@81MrKMan]

It is worth noting that some shops will not go back and do this patch if you already did a push through rope type plug temp fix even on car tires. I did a quick rope style plug on my wife's van tire recently and then when she took it in to have it permanently fixed from the inside they would not because it already had the rope plug. In the past they would just pull it out and patch anyway. Not sure if new thing put three tire places said no.

[@111111111Tiger]

great job

[@iamkaioken]

More fun with Ari please!

[@jonesmat]

I watch and enjoy every one of these instructional videos, striving to have a well rounded knowledge of motorcycle mechanics, but also just because I like to watch Ari. Well mostly for Ari, Mmmm.

[@MrRickyrecon]

Ari has been getting some #GAINZ

[@INNOVVDashCam]

Useful video, thumb up ! You are really master hahah

[@poe56]

Nice!

[@johna6968]

I only need that tyre machine and I'm right there..

[@LutherFPV]

you can use tire irons

[@arfathahmed6452]

Ari's gains 😍

[@upsidedowndog1256]

I haven't ever seen a shop that would do this to a customers bike. It IS the best way to repair any tire but you will have to do it yourself on a motorcycle.

[@topgun8683]

You saved it !

[@pareeks]

Ari you can additionally dona press on that patch. A press would volcanize the rubber and fix it permanently.

[@afletra]

this video looks different from the others MC Garage videos you guys have uploaded before. looks really raw, hahaha... but still informative and nice, especially that "spit" part, lol

[@AriH211]

This isn't an official MC Garage vid, just a quick vid I threw together (with a GoPro) while fixing the FZ-09.

[@afletra]

wooo...thanks for replying, I'm your fans since the on two wheels era!^^

[@bigred8438]

I think this is the trade off with going tubeless. The tires cost an arm and a leg, but instill supreme amounts of confidence in most road conditions. But if they can't be repaired - because the puncture is not in the centre of the tire, then it is a throw away job, and if the tire is quite new (which has happened to me three times), then it is throwing good money after bad. I hate it, someone has me over a barrel here. In contrast, my old XS 650 Yamaha has alloy rims but tires with tubes, this instills more confidence in me if I am a long way from home as I carry a product called finnileck a type of silicone spray that fills the tube with gas and blocks the puncture. Saved my bacon more than once, but mostly back in the day when tires were quite frightening to use on an MC. Actually the first tubeless tires I had were on my 1981 R100RT BMW. They were Michelin's but were absolutely frightening in wet weather. If you have the time, could you comment on this question please. What is the low down about using tubes with tubeless tire? I have heard so many varying opinions, but no consensus. Thanks for sharing, hows your new job going?

[@Z4G.]

I put new tyres on my motorcycle last summer. Not a week had passed since i noticed the front tyre is seeping air. This video is so fucking helpful

[@CanzZz]

this is my favourite youtube channel at the moment i fucking love you garage tips and tricks and the mc comute and on two wheels is like a short motorcycle version of top gear for me

[@AriH211]

Right on man, glad you like it.

[@kevinjones1942]

Just changed the rear tire on my R3. Could not for the life of me get the new tire on. Tried that hair dryer trick and heated up the new tire and it popped right on. Do not underestimate what a warm tire will do for you!

[@AriH211]

Yup, heatin' 'em up makes a huge difference. That, and plenty of lube! Good on you for changing your own rubber.

[@kevinjones1942]

Thanks to you, I've done almost all the work on my R3! Keep up the great work!

[@jcastro1991]

That Alta supermoto!!!!!

[@DelhiRoadwarrior]

@ari u had a good collection of track leather suits

[@johncenakiwi]

Filmed using a GoPro! Nice!

[@MRSOMTHINBASIC]

Cool cool ..wish I had that 2 months 😢

[@mattcero1]

You always do great videos guy. But in this case, you left people with the impression you need max pressure of 42 psi, which is not normally recommended.

[@Killer1984able]

Is this supposed to be MC Garage? It's all raw and stuff ahahahha great video nonetheless!!

[@AriH211]

Nope, not an MC Garage vid. Just some extra content!

[@dirtywheels22]

whoa whoa whoa!! Where is the video on that Alta !SUPERMOTO! in the back ground?! :D

[@Hihopeyouhaveawonderfulday]

Thanks for the tip. I wish my CB550 was tubeless, would be way more convenient. And aren’t you supposed to let the rubber cement get slightly tacky by letting it dry for 5 to 10 minutes before bonding the patch to the hole?

[@jgq5]

Here im the Philippines my Friend its called cooled volcanizing...

[@tgrman1]

if im not mistaken, 42 psi is for MAX load only

[@jocktigernuts680]

Very interesting as usual but how many of us have the equipment to remove a tyre without damaging the rim? Apart from making an emergency repair to get me home I’d leave it to my local garage.

[@edwardwu9108]

Can you do a video on the proper ergonomics? How do I know if I need to adjust rear sets or get clip-ons? My stock setup is comfortable. Thanks.

[@AriH211]

Check this out. It doesn't cover clip-ons but it'll show you the basics: kzbin.info/www/bejne/ronMd6eOaM6AhpY

[@tedbaxter5234]

The license plate hanger looks like holy hell. Definitely not “cool”. Thanks for the video.

[@Weyni77]

Thank you for your expertise. What do you think of " fug it" Insert +/- 250 ml slim into the tyre. I'm using a 300cc scooter

[@kingofkings0101]

Thanks for your video. I have 2 punctures (both on rear, next to each other making it look like a small crack). So do you think, I can use this remedy to fix or get a new set of front and rear ? Pls advise

[@mikespratz]

Very helpful video as usual Ari. What is your opinion of the Dynaplug emergency tire repair kits? The manufacturer claims the fix is permanent for holes less than the size of a 16d nail (about 3/16").

[@AriH211]

They work great! Likely one of the better roadside repairs you can do.

[@jedigeekbiker]

so these patches dont reduce the speed of the tyre? great video

[@egonzal2003]

Hey man where did you get that swingarm? Really cool to mount the plate.

[@draiguk]

Have had to plug my rear tyre twice this year, damned nails in the road. I plug it to basically get me home, then take it to a shop asap to do what Ari did here. I don't have the equipment to do it myself, but I won't go any real distance until it has been in the shop. If I need a new tyre, so be it, I only have two of them keeping my ass from the asphalt, no point taking chances.

[@BigBoyLies]

arent u suppose to to leave the vulcanizing cement for awhile until it become tacky, then press the 2 surface together? anyhow, great how-to video

[@GeordiLaForgery]

Had this done at my local tyre shop about 10 minutes after riding in a new tire. I was a bit worried it wasn't safe.

[@NHEFF09]

getting mine done this weekend, how did your tyre hold out after the repair?

[@GeordiLaForgery]

@@NHEFF09 so far it's fine. Take a look at the rubber repair from the inside before they put it on the rim for peace of mind, and keep an eye on it the following days ahead.

[@MannyKangmangRai]

Can you make a video about clutch and what if we assist clutch during traffic does this can harm our clutch alot or not.

[@SlavaOrlovJS]

When you pull out metal tip you need to push really hard on that patch. It's not so important how long you gonna push, but how hard, fast and don't miss any part of the patch. That will work. Just pull out tip and "kinda massage" - isn't enough.

[@Dannyyzeee]

This would've been nice to come out like last week. Question though, I just ended up taking my tire to a real sketch tire shop. They used a patch without the little cord thing so it's patched but the hole is still visible. Should I be good?

[@fahiyanfaisal1923]

Using tire gel or any kind of fluid is good and safe or bad? Need you suggestion..