Total Motorcycle Community Forums

Hi All,

While looking for the reason why my front tire went flat, I decided to inspect the rim and found two flats spots almost 1" in length and close to each other, i.e. one on the right side of the rim and the other on the left. So now I'm trying to figure out what needs to be replaced. I know I'll need a new tire and tube. Because of the flat spots, I'm inclined to go ahead and replace that as well. My question is, does this mean that I'm really looking at getting a completely new wheel, hub, spokes, etc? Can I expect the shop to recommend buying a completely new wheel or can they salvage some components from the existing? Any advice or resource you can point me to is appreciated. Thank you!

2007 Yamaha Virago 250
about 7,000 miles
original tire
Cheng Shin 3.00-18

If it's a tube and tire, as long as the bead holds I think it should be ok. Just make sure the bead will hold and that it's balanced. The flat spots sounds like someone hit a curb or a deep pothole maybe at some time. It could also explain the flat tire...

If it's a spoked wheel than a new hub is in order. New spokes may or may not be needed.The rest of the wheel will be fine

Pictures would help for sure in this case. But I'm with Doc in that if they the bead you should be ok. Since it's spoked a lot of times you can bend it back out and re-true the wheel.

It's a Virago 250. A used straight wheel from Ebay is going to be your best bet.

That, and no more curb jumping!

Hi All,

Finally got the proper sized tire. Wheel and everything are back together. I've been breaking in the new tire. The dents in the rim seem to be a non-issue. The tire pressure is holding up consistently. Yes, no more curb jumping for me and I'm avoiding that awful railroad crossing near Lums Pond SP! Thanks again for all your comments and suggestions.