leaking front tire

[jagcamp]

My front tire leaks about 5 lbs per day so I have to fill before every ride. Obviously I will have to address this soon and before any trip. It looks almost new and I will post the brand/size shortly. I am tempted to empty the tire, fill with fix-a-flat and immediately go for a long ride. Does anyone have an opinion on that? Any special brand that REALLY works?

[coacha]

I would address issue ASAP. I personally go with long life vs. performance because I am in Flatlandistan (FL), so I use a Dunlop 404 on the front. Many use Avon Cobras, Metzlers, etc.

[dshelly]

My front tire leaks about 5 lbs per day so I have to fill before every ride. Obviously I will have to address this soon and before any trip. It looks almost new and I will post the brand/size shortly. I am tempted to empty the tire, fill with fix-a-flat and immediately go for a long ride. Does anyone have an opinion on that? Any special brand that REALLY works?

Fix-a-flat Really??? I'd use that on a lawnmower tire or something like that but absolutely not on a motorcycle tire. Especially the front.

Remove the cap on the valve stem and put some spit on it. If It bubbles, there is your leak. If not, I'd pull the front tire and get it fixed. Could be a nail, screw or just a leaky bead.

[nomad ryder]

It's more than likely a simple valve stem issue, check it with soapy water.

[Teachme]

Fix that tire bro losing a front tire in motion could be life or death.

[jagcamp]

ok guys, I'm not an idiot. it may sound that way but that's why I said "tempted". I did post the same thread twice though so maybe I am having a senior moment. I've spent a lot of $$$ on the bike and upgrades so I want to save the tire for sure. hadn't thought of the valve stem so I'll check that today. thanks

[George]

Fix that tire bro losing a front tire in motion could be life or death.
Totally :tup:

[cactusjack]

Actually, you posted two threads twice... :D

[recumbentbob]

Check to be sure the valve core is tight and not leaking.

[cnc]

I used to carry slim brand flat fixer as a road side emergency measure on a tubed bike. I tried some in the front tire of my daughters car to fix a slow leak. It unbalanced that wheel so bad that the car shook at anything close to highway speed. I ended up unmounting the tire to remove the crap and fix it properly, oh yeah I gave the rest of that stuff away.

If it is not the valve stem, then it might be a leak around the bead. I would try putting a mixture of water and dish soap around the valve if it bubbles, there is a leak. Don't forget to test the schrader valve too, it could be slightly loose. You could test the bead on either side next if you don't see anything at the valve, but that works best with the wheel removed and laying horizontal.

[Silent Sam]

..Yea..I'd Do What all the Big Guy's Said !

[Top Cat]

As I posted on your other thread :D

The front tire on my 07 leaked and it was a bent rim.
Had my tire guy try to straighten it but no luck.
I found the leak by spraying Windex on the bead as I rotated the tire.
I ended up putting a tube in it and no more problem.

[minst7877]

I had a new tire mounted on my 99 a couple of years ago and I couldn't keep air in it so I had a tube installed. No problems since.

DC

[Monkeyman]

What the rest of them said except for the tube-in-a-tubeless-tire thing. If there's a problem with your tire/wheel THAT bad, either replace the tire or the wheel. Buying a new $300 front tire hurts but not as bad and it disintegrating at 70mph. I have to bite the bullet on a new front skin in the next few thousand miles, too. Motorcycles are an expensive passion.

[Top Cat]

What the rest of them said except for the tube-in-a-tubeless-tire thing. If there's a problem with your tire/wheel THAT bad, either replace the tire or the wheel. Buying a new $300 front tire hurts but not as bad and it disintegrating at 70mph. I have to bite the bullet on a new front skin in the next few thousand miles, too. Motorcycles are an expensive passion.

My wheel was leaking air and I put a tube in it.
Rode it till I sold it with no problem what so ever.
I would not hesitate to do the same with this bike if the need arose.
If it is his wheel that is causing the air loss I see no need to worry about putting a tube in it.

[minst7877]

Took mine off and to several different dealers when it was leaking and none of them could figure it out. Over inflated it by 20psi and submerged it and it still couldn't be found. Tire had less than a thousand miles on it and finally gave up and put in the tube. Would I do it again you bet if a problem couldn't be located to correct it. Tire now has about 4000 miles on it and works just fine.

DC

[jagcamp]

I had not thought of a tube yet. Years ago I bought tubes to save some old mudders on a jeep(grew up hunting in Louisiana). I must have got 20k out of those old tires with no leaks EVER so I am a fan of the tube! It is not the valve stem or valve. I'm gonna check the rim today. How hard is it to remove the front tire?

[dshelly]

I had not thought of a tube yet. Years ago I bought tubes to save some old mudders on a jeep(grew up hunting in Louisiana). I must have got 20k out of those old tires with no leaks EVER so I am a fan of the tube! It is not the valve stem or valve. I'm gonna check the rim today. How hard is it to remove the front tire?

Pretty easy if you have a lift and a 22mm allen wrench for the axle.

[recumbentbob]

Block it good cause when you remove the wheel the front will be lighter and the bike Will tip down in the back.

[minst7877]

Jack it up to just clear the front tire and the back will be a few inches off the ground. Hope you have a jack and adapter. These bikes will tip back when you take anything off the front end so put blocking under the rear wheel to just touch and remove the front tire. Pretty simple if you have the right tools.

DC