Riding on Flat Tire

[Longcat]

I was riding my bike (06' SV650) today when I noticed my steering became pretty heavy. I stopped my bike on the side of the road and found out that my back tire was somewhat flat, meaning that I could push it in about an inch. It wasn't riding on the rim or anything, but I'm pretty sure it has a hole somewhere in it. I have a feeling the hole was made recently.

The issue is I'm not sure if I can repair the tire and what I'd need to do it. Also if it's too severe to repair myself, I'm not sure if I should try to ride it to the motorcycle shop which is about 9 miles away. It seems risky but the bike is still pretty stable and I don't think the hole is very large. I don't know anyone with a truck or trailer so I'm somewhat in a pickle. I'm able to ride it although sometimes the back end fishtails a bit. Also, If I get my tire replaced, do I have to get the exact same tire and how much would it cost for the tire? How long would it actually take the shop to replace a tire; I know on a car the work is pretty quick. The stock back tire is 160/60-ZR17, and I'm not sure about the brand if it even matters.

Additional Info: Today was very cold, close to freezing when I was riding and these are very new tires as they came with the bike and it only has 6000 miles on it. The last month or so I've been riding in freezing weather and averaging about 30 miles a day. I've never done burnouts or anything either that would compromise the tire's integrity.

[badinfluence63]

longcat,

If its a tube..new tube. If its the tire you could plug the tire but would you feel comfortable with a plugged MC tire? Not me.

On another note how about ...fix a flat(not for this repair but as an emergency get home deal). I know I know they wreck this they wreck that but...they get you home if its just sharp object and fits nicely into most sized sadlebags/fanny packs what ever. At least you can get it home or from where ever god forsaken place you might be, most of the time. With most flat tires

[jstark47]

SV is chain drive, right? Bike have a center stand, or do you have a bike jack? Just drop the back wheel, take the whole wheel in. My local shop will generally turn a small job like that around in a few hours unless they're stupid-busy.

[Lion_Lady]

Patch the tire, THEN ride it to the shop and get the tire replaced. OR, take off the wheel and take it in. (As I recall, the SV650 doesn't have a centerstand... hubby had to rig up a stand to lube the chain when he owned one).

If you lose the remaining air, which is likely, you're in danger to yourself, and of possibly damaging something on the bike (like the rim at the least).

The issue is I'm not sure if I can repair the tire and what I'd need to do it. Also if it's too severe to repair myself, I'm not sure if I should try to ride it to the motorcycle shop which is about 9 miles away. It seems risky but the bike is still pretty stable and I don't think the hole is very large.

Most bike shops carry tire patch kits. Even AutoZone, etc will have them. Keep in mind that the (3) cannisters of compressed air included in some kits are not enough to fully inflate a tire. I carry this kit http://www.stopngo.com/motorcycle.asp plus a bike powered air compressor.

I found some good, in depth instructions, here: http://www.motorcyclistonline.com/escap ... tire_tips/ with pictures.

Good luck!!

P