I have a 2011 GS with of a pair Metzeler Tourance Next with less than a 1000 miles and a small nail smack in the centre of the rear. 150/70 R17 m/c 69 V
I stopped as soon as the tyre pressure alarm came up on the dash. Always carry my pump for touring and so checked the pressure and put in enough to get me home which was only a mile and a half.
The point is that it had not been run flat or on the rims.
I can’t find any company who is willing to inspect the tyre never mind plug and patch the it.
They all come out with the same mantra. Sniff, “elf n safety” mate, “it’s yer life on the line” init and all that torque under yer backside and what about your bike”?
When I’ve had a bit of banter with them and point out the Michelin website then it’s the smiley face and shrugging shoulders and the backup line of, “liability mate”. “Who’d put their name to it and there’s the insurance companies too”. “Anyway mate let me give you a price”.
They may have a point there?
It’s almost like the Americans in the 60s calling someone a “Commie” to frighten them or make them back off and feel guilty if a comment was made that wasn’t welcome.
Been riding for 37 years and picked up my share of punctures all of which have been plugged and vulcanised with no problems so I refuse to feel bad about it.
At the risk of sounding arrogant I don’t accept that I’ve just been lucky because they were repaired correctly.
A few years back Dunlop were giving advice and guidelines on repairing their tyres and now they and all, except for Michelin, won’t allow their tyres to be repaired and will only recommend a new replacement.
If Michelin with all their might, knowledge and experience can recommend repairs to their tyres then I’m changing to them.
I’ve emailed Michelin yesterday to see if they can recommend a tyre fitter in my area, Darlington, that can inspect and repair their tyres, (in case of a puncture) before swapping over to them. If I get a reply, then I post it.
This is take from Michelin's website and it appears to be up to date.
HTTP://MOTO.MICHELIN.CO.UK/ADVICE/FAQ/ABOUT-TYRE-WEAR-MAINTENANCE-AND-REPAIR
HOW DO YOU REPAIR A PUNCTURED TYRE?
All repairs must be done by a trained and qualified professional.
Repair is preceded in all cases by a very careful inspection of the tyre by the professional. Not every kind of damage can be repaired.
A tyre which has been run under-inflated or flat may have suffered irreversible damage, and whether or not the tyre can continue to be used can only be determined by exhaustive checks on the interior of the cover. It is therefore essential to remove the tyre to make a safe judgement of its true condition and the type of repair to be done.
In the event of a puncture, the injection of sealant products (puncture repair aerosol can) through the valve is no more than a partial and temporary solution. These products may pose problems of compatibility with the tyre, the wheel, the valve, a pressure sensor, etc. It is imperative to follow the tyre manufacturer’s recommendations.
Repair is the definitive elimination of tyre damage using the appropriate materials and method with a view to being able to use the tyre again on the motorbike without any restrictions.
Repair from the inside of the tyre is the only method recommended by Michelin.
It’s only my own opinion and based on Michelins’ guidelines I’m prepared to ride with a correctly repaired tyre.
I’ll probably get slaughtered by any “Trolls” who come over this post but genuine opinions are welcome.
Thanks or the post gents.