A flat tire while traveling can be very annoying, especially if it happens on a quiet road or during a leisurely ride. No motorcyclist wants to hear the sound of air escaping from the tire, the telltale sign of a puncture. But don’t worry, this kind of incident isn’t without a solution. With a little calm and the steps to fixing a flat tire on a bike, everything can be resolved.
Fixing a Flat Tire on a Bike What We Need to Understand
Motorcycle tire leaks are part of the daily risks of riding, especially on roads filled with nails, sharp gravel, and potholes. Therefore, it’s crucial for every rider to know how to handle them. Here are some practical steps to follow.
1. Pull the Motorcycle to a Safe Place
Usually, a leak is indicated by the motorcycle starting to lose balance, such as swerving. If you feel the motorcycle starting to sway, feel difficult to control, or feel strange, immediately find a safe place to stop. Don’t force the motorcycle to continue driving, as this could damage the rim or other components.
2. Check the Tire Condition
Check whether the front or rear tire is leaking. If it looks flat or you hear a hissing sound of air escaping, there’s likely a leak. Also check for any nails or sharp objects embedded in the tire.
3. Use Emergency Patch Kit
Always carry emergency patch kits. These include a tubeless tire puncturer, patch glue, and a manual or electric pump. You can patch the tire yourself. Carefully remove the nail, then insert the patch using the puncture tool. Afterward, apply a sufficient amount of glue and smooth out the remaining patch.
In a TikTok video from @itsmehamzahh, a rider experiences a flat tire while driving on a deserted mountainous road. The motorcycle suddenly feels wobbly and difficult to control. After stopping and checking, he discovers that the rear tire has been punctured by a small nail that wasn’t visible before. Since he’s far from a repair shop, he uses the emergency patch kit he always keeps under the seat. With the help of a manual pump and patch glue, the tire is repaired temporarily until he finds a repair shop several kilometers later.
Although initially panicked, this experience teaches him the importance of preparation and composure when facing an emergency on the road. This is a great alternative for fixing a flat tire on a bike.
4. Re-inflate the Tire to Ideal Pressure
After the tire is patched, the next step is to refill the tire with an air pump until the pressure returns to normal. Ideal tire pressure will help maintain the bike’s stability and prevent further tire damage.
However, it’s important to understand that standard tire pressures vary depending on the type of motorcycle. For small motorcycles like automatic scooters, the front tire pressure is generally around 29 psi, while the rear tire is around 31–33 psi, especially if carrying a passenger.
On the other hand, for sportbikes like the Yamaha R15 or Kawasaki Ninja, the front tire pressure can reach 32–34 psi, and the rear tire around 36–42 psi, depending on the bike’s weight and engine performance requirements. Underinflation can cause the tire to wear out quickly, while overinflation can reduce the tire’s grip on the asphalt.
5. Continue Traveling Carefully
If the patch feels strong and the tire is firm again, you can continue your journey. But remember, this emergency fix for a flat tire on a bike is only temporary. Immediately find a professional tire repair shop to have your tire inspected and repaired with comprehensive equipment.
Tips to Prevent Future Motorcycle Tire Flats
Although tire flats can’t be completely prevented, we can still reduce the risk with several habits. One of them is to always ensure proper tire pressure to prevent damage. Avoid roads with sharp gravel or lots of debris. Pay attention to the road ahead, especially when riding at night.
Additionally, consider choosing quality tubeless tires. These tires are more puncture-resistant and easier to repair. Even if a nail hits the tire, the air won’t immediately drain. We can still ride for several kilometers.
Overall, experiencing a flat tire on the road is certainly unexpected. However, with preparation, we can fix it ourselves without having to immediately seek professional assistance. So, be sure to learn the steps for fixing a flat tire on a bike above to minimize travel difficulties. /Tari
