Re: Tires and Headlamps

["David Arnett" <DArnett@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

No one will endorse patching any motorcycle tubeless tire in fear of a lawsuit.  I would run the tire with a patch, or possibly with an inner-tube, but I don't think I'd trust it at high speed, where forces are greater on the tire without establishing trust in it (through time and miles).  Consider the extent of damage done to the carcass or belting of the tire.  If it is badly sliced, I would expect the tire to self destruct in shorter time, especially under hard corners and high speed, but I think the tread will show evidence this before the tire catastrophically fails.  A small puncture like yours will have a much smaller degree of belting damage.  I ran over some bit$&es wine cooler bottle on my last bike doing around 45 MPH and it instantly went flat.  It had a slice in it about 3/4 inches long....No, I didn't reuse that tire, even with an inner-tube, and the tire had only 500 miles on it.  Towing plus the regular tire replacement BS put me back about $250....bummer.  For that rear BT57, I'd stick one of those tire plugs in it, add air and see how it does.  If it holds, I'd ride it conservatively and keep a close eye on it.  If it leaks, I would then do burnouts and get some good pictures of the bike in a smokey background at least!!  I don't think you'll have problems running the softer BT56, as long as you are not at the racetrack, or riding like you were at one.  Since you already have the BT56 mounted, I would save the BT57 and physically show the thing to people who know what they are talking about, and get their opinion...as long as they are not making money selling tires!  You already know what their answer will be!  If you keep the BT57, you may also save $ on the tire disposal fee that is normally charged when buying a new tire.

>>> etaylor <etaylor@xxxxxxxxxxx> 08/04 12:32 PM >>>
     Yesterday morning I discovered a sheet metal screw dead-center through 
     the middle of my rear tire.  As it was still holding air, rode to my 
     local dealer for repair/replacement.  They would not patch it and did 
     not have a BT57 in stock, so they replaced it with a BT56.  The 
     original tire only had 900 miles on it (bummer!) so I had them save it 
     for me and will consider patching it.  My questions are, 1) is it 
     worth patching? Safe to use, reliable? 2) any problem with mixing 
     compounds, i.e. BT57 up front, BT56 in back?  I also was riding with a 
     friend who uses PIAA headlamp bulbs and was amazed by how well they 
     illuminate the road.  Have any of you used these on your ST's and if 
     so, are you happy with them?  One additional item, installed the 
     GenMar risers, and it definetly makes a difference in comfort.  Thanks 
     to all those who sugessted them!
     
     regards,
     
     Evan Taylor
     
     '99 Red Sprint ST  (El Diablo Rojo!)

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