Even the best of us experience it. A flat tire will happen to almost all motorcycle riders at some point or another. Nothing dampens the spirit more than having to stop by the side of the road to mend a flat. The risk of getting a flat while biking is also very high. You could suddenly lose control of your bike, which could result in a variety of dangerous situations.
According to studies, less than 3% of motorcycle accidents are the result of vehicle failure, and the majority of them are single-vehicle collisions in which control is lost as a result of a flat tire.
Regular maintenance can help you avoid flats over time, but it’s still crucial to know what to do in case it does.
This method can be used to get ready for both an on- and off-road flat.
Prior to Riding
Prior to being on the road, it is always preferable to fix a flat or low tire. Before climbing onto the back of your bike, make sure you check the condition of your tires. Instead of trusting that the tires are fully filled, check the air pressure with a tire pressure gauge. Don’t forget to air your tires before each trip as underinflated tires are more prone to punctures and leaks.
How to Fix a Flat While Riding a Motorcycle
You should be able to recognize the warning indications of a flat tire when you are driving. When traveling at speeds of 60 or more miles per hour, it can be difficult to notice an underinflated tire, but you should always be alert to changes in your bike.
According to experts, if you live in a flat, you might detect some trembling. It might be more difficult to steer the bike. When moving quickly, a buzzing sound could also be audible. The bike may feel like it is losing power in other situations. A bike with underinflated tires is more difficult to move than one with fully inflated tires.
Pull over as soon as you see any of these cautionary indicators so you can take care of the situation. Turn the ignition off and steadily touch the brake until you come to a stop. Avoid making sharp turns because you risk losing control of the bike.
How to Repair a Motorcycle Flat
How to fix a flat relies entirely on the type of tires you have. Depending on whether the tires are tubeless, you might be able to temporarily fix the flat until you go home or find a professional in your area. Avoid employing one-time fixes, such as “Fix a Flat.” Without correcting the flat, the goo will only make it more difficult to drive.
To change the tube, you must first remove the tube from the tire. You might need to wait for roadside help because doing this on the side of the road can be challenging. Before you get your hands filthy, make sure you have everything you need to replace the tube. Before removing the wheel, it is recommended to lay the bike on its side.
You’ll need to travel with a flat repair kit if you intend to fix the flat yourself. The lack of a method to reinflate the tire once the flat has been repaired makes cheaper kits useless for getting you home. To instantly add additional air to the tire, you might want to upgrade to a more expensive kit. T-handled tools should also be included in the kit so you may use it safely on the side of the road without risking self-injury. To assist it stay in place until you can properly replace the flat, the plug itself should be fashioned like a mushroom.
Before getting back on the road, carefully read the directions to make sure the tire is prepared. Even after the tire has been plugged, you should never drive with a flat tire because it could harm your rims.
Invoking Help
Most drivers lack the tools necessary to fix a flat on their own. In order to fix the issue immediately, you need experience and training. Because of this, the majority of us always have a fully charged cell phone with us while we ride. It’s simple to contact for assistance. So that you can locate what you need without using the internet, make sure you have a list of a few nearby tow and repair companies.
Use a Bluetooth headset while riding a motorcycle to make and take calls hands-free. As soon as you spot a problem with your bike, you should dial 911 for assistance. You shouldn’t have to take your hands off the handlebars because the headset should fit inside your helmet.
For the loudest noise on the road, look for a Bluetooth motorbike helmet with built-in music. The helmet should muffle road noise so you can clearly hear what the other person is saying. For improved listening, they come with Bluetooth motorcycle speakers.
Conclusion
A flat tire shouldn’t be a tragedy waiting to happen. Make the most of an otherwise challenging situation by using these suggestions.
