Janet
Hi from a newcomer to the FOC.
You shouldn't have problems getting a tyre repaired unless the puncture is close to, or in the sidewall. You can have up to two PERMANENT tyre plugs done before having to throw a tyre. AA-type roadside repairs are only temporary however, and as they tend to open up the puncture too much to fit their plugs, then you DO have to bin the tyre afterwards. No one will want to repair a tyre that is close to, or beyond legal tread-depth limit, and certainly would not be advisable to do anyway.
Nick Crisp
Thanks for that Nick, but here's an excerpt from the Protyre website:
Repair to Motorcycle tyres can be carried out subject to certain limitations. A motorcycle that does not have a ‘W’ speed rating can have a repair carried out in the tread area of the tyre subject to the size of the puncture and any associated damage inside the tyre.
There is no British Standard for carrying out repairs to Motorcycle tyres with a ‘W’ speed rating and therefore most of these tyres cannot be repaired.
My dealers take the same view. They say that as there is no British Standard, insurance could be an issue if a repaired tyre were to let go. Much as it galls me to have to spend out £130, I'm not convinced that there's a viable alternative.
Hi Janet
I've worked in a number of bike shops since 1998 and they all did permanent repairs with no problems as long as the aforementioned guidelines were followed. I've had two permanent plugs in one tyre myself, rode the bike as normal (zr rated tyres) and had absolutely no problems. Maybe guidelines have changed since I last worked in such a place (about 4 years ago now), but if not, as long as the damage is not too severe, i.e, not if tyre is split, screw, nail or other debris goes in at an angle etc, you should be ok. I can however, understand the point of view of such companies as you are talking about - they're out to minimise their liability, fair enough. Anyone out there know the law on this (if any), or with further comment?
Damn, still haven't quite figured out using other people's posts as quotes to continue a thread... thick or what?!
Nick
