A lesson in flat tires! - Ducati Monster Forums: Ducati Monster Motorcycle Forum

Montducati · 04-22-2008, 10:45 PM

My friend (who rides an ST3) and I were riding up to Lake Placid on Saturday. It was a warm clear day as you know, we got to Ticonderoga, NY by 3:30 when we stopped to get something to eat. As I got off the bike I noticed that the new (only 300 miles on it) 190 Michelin Pilot Power had a piece of metal wire in one of the treads. I pulled on the wire lightly and air began to escape. As I pondered how the remainder of the weekend was going to unravel with a flat tire 300 miles from home with no repair kit and not a Ducati dealer in site, I remembered there was a Yamaha dealer about a 1/4 of a mile down the road.

I quickly got back on the bike and rode to the dealer. They were closing in 15 minutes, didn't have my tire and didn't have the tools to remove my wheel. The Owner of the shop offered to try and plug it for me and I happly accepted. To make a long story short, the plug worked and I was able to ride 300 miles home without a glitch.

The lesson I learned was never venture too far from home without some form of tire repair kit. If I hadn't been so close to the Yamaha dealer I would of had a hell of a time trying to get that tire repaired. I also have to thank the Yamaha Dealership in Ticonderoga, N.Y. for their generosity.

Johnster · 04-23-2008, 10:15 AM

Sounds like you lucked out!! [thumbsup]

I have a BMW tire plug kit that I keep under my seat.....Haven't had to use it yet, but it comes with plugs, a plug-pulling tool, and 3 CO2 cartriges w/an attachment that will fully inflate a flat tire.....I recommend it for sure, and it doesn't take up much room under the seat...

I'll let you guys know how it works, should I ever need to use it....hopefully not, knock on wood!! :-X

CRASH! · 04-23-2008, 11:02 AM

Push comes to shove, you can walk into any auto parts store and buy one of the "sticky rope plug" kits. I use those on the cars without reservation and have put more than a few miles on a bike tire with one. I wouldn't track a bike with a plugged tire (don't imagine they'd let you if they noticed either) but finishing a tour? Absolutely.

I havea plug kit with CO2 (Motion Pro) that I've never used. I wonder how it'll work when the time comes (as I'm sure it eventually will)? ;D

Montducati · 04-23-2008, 10:10 PM

The sticky rope plug was exactly what the Yamaha dealer used. I checked the pressure yesterday and the tire is still holding at 33psi. I've already made an appointment for Saturday morning at Cliff's Cycle Rev to have new Michelin Pilot Powers installed front and back, although it's killing me to take off the plugged tire that only has about 600 miles.

Speaking of new tires, anyone have an experience with the new Michelin Pilot Powers with the double compound. The Dealer is telling me for the street they're the way to go. Harder compound in the middle for highway riding and soft compound on the edges for twisties. I just question if the hard compound in the center compromises any handling.

ducvet · 04-23-2008, 11:46 PM

pilot power 2ct are great trackday tires or tires for agressive street riders . the softer compound is the outer inch of tread.
the new pilot road 2ct will have a harder compound in the center and I am guessing a larget soft compound on the sides.
both are great tires

CRASH! · 04-24-2008, 03:19 PM

It's my understanding that the Power CT has the same compound in the center as the single compound Pilot and that the outer compound is softer. So this would not actuall increase highway mileage over the old Pilot; just keep it the same while improving cornering grip.

For me, if I could get single compound Powers cheaper than the 2CTs, I would. I don't feel the need for any more sticky that the Powers gave me.

I'm currently on Corsa IIIs after a set of single-compound Powers. I think the rear tire life of the Pirelli is shorter. I'd love to go back to Michelins, but I have so much tread left on the front Corsa III that I'll have to burn through another rear first.

ducvet · 04-24-2008, 08:42 PM

your are correct on the powers crash.
I have been using power races on the track and this year may switch to 2ct powers. other than track use I would be very happy with the old single compound powers. they are really great tires.

ducpainter · 04-24-2008, 08:46 PM

The single compound powers are great on the track....

until you spin one up and bin it... ;D

CRASH! · 04-24-2008, 10:18 PM

DP, have you seen anyone on a mostly stock Monster spin up a single-compound Power?

My feeling is that with 73 RWHP I don't really need tire technology made for modern literbikes :-\

I spun up my Pilot Road on my first track day but wasn't aware of any spinning on the Power.

ducpainter · 04-25-2008, 07:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CRASH!

DP, have you seen anyone on a mostly stock Monster spin up a single-compound Power?

My feeling is that with 73 RWHP I don't really need tire technology made for modern literbikes :-\

I spun up my Pilot Road on my first track day but wasn't aware of any spinning on the Power.

Just me.... ;D

In all fairness I would have spun up a slick doing what I did...

no tire takes kindly to the suspension unloading at full throttle with your knee on the ground...

... but the little voice inside me will continue to blame the tire.

The single compound Powers are the best all around tire I have ever used.