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03-07-2014, 11:33 AM | #1 |
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leaking front tire
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?
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03-07-2014, 11:40 AM | #2 |
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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.
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Ron "Coach" Allan, Haysville, KS 1999 Nomad Wine and Red "KawaTanker" 2009 BMW R1200RT 2003 BMW K1200LT "Magic Carpet" DOA 11/7/2015 VBA #00291 IBA # 41995 DS #320 '08 Elkins, WV; '09 Helen, GA; '09 Custer, SD; '10 Stanton, VA; '11 Maggie Valley; '12 Townsend, TN; '13 Estes Park; '13 Blairsville, GA; '15 Eureka Springs; '16 Helen; '18 Custer, SD |
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03-07-2014, 11:46 AM | #3 | |
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Quote:
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.
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Dave "(dshelly)" Shellenberger 2014 Harley Ultra Classic 2007 1600 Nomad (Black) Shellenberger Machine Belgrade, MT Various Bagger Member (Harley Chapter) VBA # 2395 |
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03-07-2014, 11:47 AM | #4 |
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It's more than likely a simple valve stem issue, check it with soapy water.
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03-07-2014, 12:15 PM | #6 |
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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
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03-07-2014, 12:19 PM | #7 |
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03-07-2014, 12:27 PM | #8 |
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Actually, you posted two threads twice...
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03-07-2014, 12:44 PM | #9 |
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Check to be sure the valve core is tight and not leaking.
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03-07-2014, 12:47 PM | #10 |
Join Date: May 2009
Location: Montreal QC
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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.
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Last edited by cnc; 03-07-2014 at 12:49 PM.
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03-07-2014, 03:09 PM | #11 |
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..Yea..I'd Do What all the Big Guy's Said !
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03-07-2014, 10:12 PM | #12 |
Join Date: Jul 2007
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As I posted on your other thread
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.
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03-08-2014, 08:31 PM | #13 |
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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
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03-08-2014, 09:22 PM | #14 |
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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.
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03-08-2014, 09:28 PM | #15 | |
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Quote:
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.
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Tim "TC" Conley VBA #9 2011 Victory Kingpin mine 2013 Victory Boardwalk -hers [LEFT][COLOR=#000000] [SIZE=4] |
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