Preparing to tour

[(RIP) Johno23]

Hi all,
Off touring for a week in france in early April, Haven't toured abroad for a few years and the good lady is coming with me this time. I'm just getting everything ready but was wondering what was the best thing to take in the event of punctures, Any particular repair kits etc that any of you would recommend.


In fact any good tips on anything else to take that maybe i haven't thought of would be good also.(besides the bike!!). Look forward to both good advice and the normal bollox.

 

[Slowdown]

If you're staying in the EU, what's wrong with a credit card and EU wide breakdown insurance?

Although well reminded, 'cos there was a good thread on here a while ago about this and I keep meaning to go to Wilkinsons to get one of their tyre inflators.

 

[Canuck]

Click here. Any questions pm slimbo of this parish.

 

[thosoneill]

Hi all,
I'm just getting everything ready but was wondering what was the best thing to take in the event of punctures, Any particular repair kits etc that any of you would recommend.

visit e bay and key in "motorcycle puncture repair kit" - there my friend you will find an abundance of repair kits - or if money is a problem take a selection of different sized self tapping screws and some rubber solution - apply some rubber solution to the self tapping screw and tighten - apparently this is the preferred choice of the london motorbike courier - of course breakdown cover and a mobile phone is also your friend - finally the tongs for your girls hair

 

[GSmonkey]

Look up stop-and-go tyre plugger (vids on YouTube). Haven't had chance to use mine in anger yet, but looks the business. Or, as above, get the rats tails off eBay - you can't go wrong (well you can.......you can push the strip all the way in doh!!)

 

[sven]

I've tried a few different puncture repair kits over the years and only the BMW/REMA one reliably works in my experience

 

[MattW]

If you're staying in the EU, what's wrong with a credit card and EU wide breakdown insurance?

Because if you get a flat on a French Autoroute, you can't use your Euro breakdown insurance until you're off the motorway and they charge a bleedin' fortune for an 'official' recovery.

 

[Deleted account AWRT]

Have a look at my web page for all the advice you need

 

[Demongroover]

I've tried a few different puncture repair kits over the years and only the BMW/REMA one reliably works in my experience

I agree.

I have repaired mine and mates tyres roadside whilst out touring.
Stayed safe and inflated until we got home to get 'permanent' repair.

 

[mechcanico lee]

If your staying at b and bs or hotels you dont really have to take to much, but if the missus is coming along that changes things ..........full face make up kit...15 pairs o shoes.....20 day wear tops ...20 evening wear tops, hair straighteners......the list will go on and on

 

[Micky]

I've tried a few different puncture repair kits over the years and only the BMW/REMA one reliably works in my experience

+1

Used the BMW/Rima lots of times, mostly for my customers on training and on tours. Used them myself and done track days with them.

Once got a puncture, on a tour, a large staple was the cause. Repaired and back on the road within minutes. Back home I took the almost new tyre off to have repaired 'properly' but the tyre company wouldn't repair it because the hole was too big

Not once have they failed to work

Forget about Ultraseal... if you do get a puncture you then wont then be able to use the BMW/Rima (I'm told) 'cos of the goo inside the tyre.

All the best for the tour

 

[elefantman]

Hein gericke do a good repair kit,a couple of bungs and air charges that will fit under the seat for about 15 quid,or bmw assist works for me

 

[(RIP) Johno23]

Thanks guys great and useful advice as usual

 

[pedro]

Maybe stating the obviuos here

but if you're going across france at that time of year, be prepared for the cold. Done France in June a couple of years back and it was bloody freezing. So much so that my friend almost froze to his bike and fell off it when we came to a stop.

 

[Popell]

but if you're going across france at that time of year, be prepared for the cold. Done France in June a couple of years back and it was bloody freezing. So much so that my friend almost froze to his bike and fell off it when we came to a stop.

Coffee on keyboard moment, man I wish you had pictures.

This isn't me being sadistic, I too have done France in less than the best of weather, always seem to get rained on coming back from the F1 in Monaco, bloody miserable!!

 

[Dellis]

Look up stop-and-go tyre plugger (vids on YouTube). Haven't had chance to use mine in anger yet, but looks the business. Or, as above, get the rats tails off eBay - you can't go wrong (well you can.......you can push the strip all the way in doh!!)

+1 They work. Available from M&P. I've also used the BMW repair kit and as said by others they work too.

Dave

 

[wessie]

Because if you get a flat on a French Autoroute, you can't use your Euro breakdown insurance until you're off the motorway and they charge a bleedin' fortune for an 'official' recovery.

I've had a number of punctures. On every occasion the tyre has only partially deflated and I've been able to ride to a safe or convenient place.

If you are unable to ride to the nearest junction on the autoroute then you will be recovered by whoever has a contract with the French authorities. Any charges will be recoverable under your breakdown insurance. Simply put in a claim when you get home. My Europ Assistance policy will pay up to £250 for such a recovery.

 

[MattW]

I've had a number of punctures. On every occasion the tyre has only partially deflated and I've been able to ride to a safe or convenient place.

If you are unable to ride to the nearest junction on the autoroute then you will be recovered by whoever has a contract with the French authorities. Any charges will be recoverable under your breakdown insurance. Simply put in a claim when you get home. My Europ Assistance policy will pay up to £250 for such a recovery.

Or plug the tyre, get yourself off at the next junction, call your insurance breakdown service and save yourself all the faff - seems a no brainer to me...

 

[jonnie comet]

+1 They work. Available from M&P. I've also used the BMW repair kit and as said by others they work too.

Dave

+2 on the tyre plugger kit, and I have left the plugs in for the life of the tyre..........Disclaimer, I AM NOT TELLING YOU TO DO THIS, IT'S JUST WHAT I AM HAPPY TO DO, OTHERS MAY DISAGREE......

Enjoy the tour.....

 

[Steptoe]

I've tried a few different puncture repair kits over the years and only the BMW/REMA one reliably works in my experience

I agree.

I have repaired mine and mates tyres roadside whilst out touring.
Stayed safe and inflated until we got home to get 'permanent' repair.

The tyre plugger "stop and Go" kit is the simplest, quickest and least messy.

Forget buying it with the gas cylinders, get a small compressor. £8.99, here's a [URL="http://www.ukgser.com/forums/showthread.php?t=185719"]REVIEW[/URL]