Blown Tube - I'm safe but it sucked

[DannyPizdetz]

I was riding my bike and had to go faster than I had for an extended period before. The speedometer is still inaccurate so it's hard to know but I think I was doing around 50-55 for a few minutes. I was in a 65 zone because I had been sent bad directions to where I was going. I had people passing me like crazy, semis flying by and slowly the bike just started feeling wrong. It had a sort of wobble to it and I didn't like that one bit so I started slowing down, signaling to right turn onto the shoulder but noticed the bike got less stable as I tried to turn. Managed to limp onto the shoulder and come to a stop. Rear tire was flat as a pancake.

No visible sign of damage to the tire. Tube would take air but go flat again in seconds. Limped into a tire shop and chained the bike up, caught a taxi home then trailed the bike back to the house. I'm so frustrated I haven't even taken the bike off the trailer. Also I've got an oil leak...

I notice that some people replace their tubes as a part of rigging out a new bike. I'm planning on replacing the rear one and the front one. Have other people had this experience with really new bikes(under 200 miles)?

[edtardo]

I know that feeling. Had that happen to me a few weeks ago. Glad you are ok

[Weldangrind]

I've had trouble with some China tubes, but also with some major brands. I know use the Michelin Extra Heavy Duty tube, and the joke around the bike shop is that they're so thick, you don't even need tires.

Glad to hear you're ok. Can you tell where the oil leak is coming from?

[DannyPizdetz]

Thanks for the recommendations Weld, I'll pick 2 up.

I need to fire it up and look at it again but it seems to be coming from under the countershaft sprocket cover. I'll post another thread on it once I get the tubes changed out.

[DannyPizdetz]

Hmm, looks like my tire sizes complicate things. I've got a 2.75-21 on the front and a 4.10-18 on the back. Michelin makes a heavy duty for the front but not the ultra heavy duty. And I see IRC makes a heavy duty for the rear.

Also I've got some cracks in side of the front tire probably from me strapping the bike down too tightly and leaving it tensioned in the cold. So I'll have to replace it while I do the rest of this.

Should I just go with the heavy duty michelin and the IRC?

Thanks for the help guys.

[FastDoc]

China tubes can be notorious. Q's come with Kendas which are OK but others have no name ones made of hollow lo-mein noodles. Any good name brand tube should be fine. I use HD ones when I can get them.

The 'leak' behind the countershaft cover is frequently regurgutated chain lube. Clean it up real well and observe.

[Weldangrind]

I think the Michelin Ultra Heavy Duty 90/90-21 or the 80/100-21 will fit fine. I'd buy them for the front and rear. What brand of tire do you plan to buy?

[DannyPizdetz]

I poked around a bit until I found a link you'd shared before Weld http://kgmotorcycletires.com/size_conversion_charts.htm

So if I'm reading this right, my 2.75-21 can run a 90/90-21 and my 4.10-18 could run a 100/100-18? If that's right then I'll get the Michelin Ultra Heavy Duty as I can find them in that size I just hadn't done the conversion yet.

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[SpudRider]

I'm sorry to hear about your flat tire, Danny. However, I'm glad it was the rear tire, and not the front tire. 8O If you don't have a rim lock installed, and the front tire goes flat, it will probably dismount from the rim. :(

I also agree with FastDoc; I think any quality inner tube will suffice. However, I really like the Bridgestone Heavy Duty inner tubes. I think the ultra heavy duty tubes are too thick.

Every rider should change his own tires. Every time I change my tires I always inspect the entire wheel. Here's my checklist.

1.) Inspect spoke nipples and ensure no spokes are protruding
2. Inspect wheel rim
3. Inspect rim strip
4. Inspect all spokes
5. Replace damaged spokes, and tighten all spokes
6. Inspect wheel hub
7. Inspect wheel bearings
8. Inspect brake rotor/brake drum
9. Inspect brake pads
10. Inspect inner tube
11. Inspect tire

If one rides off road, he also needs to know how to change a tire by the side of the trail; otherwise, it's a long walk home. ;)

Spud :)

[SpudRider]

I poked around a bit until I found a link you'd shared before Weld http://kgmotorcycletires.com/size_conversion_charts.htm

So if I'm reading this right, my 2.75-21 can run a 90/90-21 and my 4.10-18 could run a 100/100-18? If that's right then I'll get the Michelin Ultra Heavy Duty as I can find them in that size I just hadn't done the conversion yet.

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I would get a size 80/100-21 tube for a 2.75-21 tire. I agree, the size 100/100-18 tube is correct for the size 4.10-18 tire. :) I'll put in another plug for the Bridgeston Heavy Duty inner tubes. ;)

http://www.rockymountainatvmc.com/p/44/86/176/864/-/287/Bridgestone-Heavy-Duty-Motorcycle-Tube/bridgestone+inner+tubes

I use these inner tubes in all my motorcycles, and they are excellent. :)

Spud :)

[DannyPizdetz]

But I've got a rear 4.10-18 not a 4.10-21. So will a 100/100-18 work? Other than that I agree with you totally, might as well practice changing the flat now so I can do it when it happens on the trail.

[SpudRider]

But I've got a rear 4.10-18 not a 4.10-21. So will a 100/100-18 work? Other than that I agree with you totally, might as well practice changing the flat now so I can do it when it happens on the trail.
I made a typographical error, Danny. ;) I edited my previous post; I realize you have a size 4.10-18, rear tire. The size 100/100-18, inner tube will be the correct match for your rear tire. ;)

Spud :)

[SpudRider]

You are wise to learn to change your own tires, Danny. :) I change all of my own tires using the techniques shown in the following videos. As the videos demonstrate, I recommend and use the following equipment.

1) 3 Tire Spoons
2) Valve Core Removal Tool
3) Bead Buddy
4) Tire Changing Stand
5) Digital Tire Pressure Gauge
6) Baby Powder
7) Windex, Ru-Glyde, or some other lubricant

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=BE1qG9iQZlg

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=MCGvKMzBXPs

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=sFg44gjjDLA

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=TVKzoaL8qaI

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=IMYQ6L2jKKQ

Spud :)

[DannyPizdetz]

Thanks for the confirmation. Sorry for the fast response this morning but was running out the door to work. I'll get parts and tools ordered and get you an update in a bit. Will probably be a few days because I'll need to order parts then find time to work on it. I'll be sure to take pics.

[SpudRider]

No problema. ;) Rocky Mountain ATV/MC not only sells the Bridgestone Heavy Duty inner tubes in the correct sizes for your tires. They also have an excellent tire changing stand on sale for $84.99. :) You won't beat this deal. ;)

http://www.rockymountainatvmc.com/p/43/-/171/726/-/30588/MSR-Tire-Changing-Stand/tire+changing+stand+msr

http://www.rockymountainatvmc.com/images/prod/400/m/msr_11_tir_cha_sta.jpg

I own a tire changing stand almost identical to this one, and it's excellent. :)

Spud :)

[DannyPizdetz]

Weld, I totally missed your question about tire selection. I'm not sure, maybe a Bridgestone Trail Wing. Sounds like it's an even balance between pavement and off-road, not great at either but good enough at both. That said, money is tight and I wish I could get away with something cheaper on the front end.

[Weldangrind]

I recommend that you take Spud's guidance on tires. He'll likely recommend a terrific value.

[SpudRider]

I recommend that you take Spud's guidance on tires. He'll likely recommend a terrific value.
Thank you, Brother Weld; you are a true gentleman. :)

The Shinko 244 tires are good on pavement. If you don't ride in mud, these tires also perform well off road on hard surfaces.

http://images.motorcycle-superstore.com/ProductImages/OG/0000_Shinko_244_Dual_Sport_Front_-_Rear_Tire_--.jpg

The size 2.75-21 tire sells for $29.99 from Motorcycle Superstore. The 4.10-18 tire sells for $40.99.

http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com/2/29/393/15034/ITEM/Shinko-244-Dual-Sport-Front---Rear-Tire.aspx

You will receive free shipping on all orders over $89. ;)

Spud :)

[DannyPizdetz]

Most of the parts are on the way. Got the bike off the trailer today and realized the back tire is bad too so I need to order that. Fired up the bike, cleaned it off a bit and let it idle for 15 minutes or so and no leak. So perhaps it needs to be in gear in order for the leak to happen. I'll fix the tires and tubes and get you an update.

[DannyPizdetz]

oh and I don't think it's regurgitated chain lube. the oil level was seriously low. I topped it off and then let it idle 15 minutes and no leak.

[SpudRider]

Thanks for the update! I'm glad your bike is not leaking oil. :)

Spud :)

[DannyPizdetz]

I think it's leaking oil. I just think it must need to be in gear or something has to flex in order for it to leak. I mean, a quart of oil disappearing in 250 miles and there's oil all over the bike... I'm no expert but that to me means I have a leak.

I'm just saying that I don't think it's regurgitated chain oil because it's disappearing from the crankcase and the chain seems fine.

[SpudRider]

Wow! I'm sorry to hear you bike is leaking oil. :(

If necessary, spray the engine with brake cleaner. After the oily mess dissolves, clean the engine with a hose. After the engine is clean you should be able to locate the source of the oil leak. ;)

Spud :)

[Weldangrind]

Sometimes an oil leak can be caused by a blocked breather hose, which is located just below the carb. Check it to make sure that it's not pinched or plugged.