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Should this tire be repaired?
- Thread starter Mailman
- Start date
Funny you say that. I’ve got the chain off of my XS2 right now, soaking in a jug of kerosene, I give it a shake once in a while, the grunge melts right off. When it’s done, I’ll hang it from a tree branch and just hose it off, it works really well.
"O" ring chain? 520 or 530?
My XS2 has just a simple DID non o-ring chain. 530 size.
My ‘77D has a 530 X-Ring chain. It’s big and heavy and rated for a 1000cc bike. Frankly I think it’s overkill, I don’t think I’d buy another. Not for these old 650’s anyways.
X-ring? I have the 530 non- O-ring on my D. I think one would get better life out of the wider sprockets and heavier chain, but I don't know.
Definitely longer life, I just don’t like the size and weight of it. I don’t know if mine is larger than most or not. This is what I bought.
Yep, I would think 530 is 530. I just don't know what the "X" ring is? JT is what I run.
Hightower-Ash98
XS650 Addict
Back when I did tire service, we didn't ever do motorcycles for the sole reason that our machines would ruin the rim.
So long as that hole is 1/4'' or less in diameter, a patch would hold. It's seen as a permanent solution on car/truck tires so I don't see why it wouldn't work for a bike. Any shop should make a patch as long as you get the tire off first. Up to you though.
Motorcycle tires are a lot cheaper than 35-12.50-20 BFG KM3's though, If you've got the cash might as well.
So long as that hole is 1/4'' or less in diameter, a patch would hold. It's seen as a permanent solution on car/truck tires so I don't see why it wouldn't work for a bike. Any shop should make a patch as long as you get the tire off first. Up to you though.
Motorcycle tires are a lot cheaper than 35-12.50-20 BFG KM3's though, If you've got the cash might as well.
An X-ring is just a differently shaped o-ring, sort of a square profile .....
Personally, I don't see or feel the need for one of these fancy, expensive chains on the 650 either. I have the standard D.I.D. on my '78 but there is an o-ring chain on my '83, but that's only because it came on there and appeared almost new.
Personally, I don't see or feel the need for one of these fancy, expensive chains on the 650 either. I have the standard D.I.D. on my '78 but there is an o-ring chain on my '83, but that's only because it came on there and appeared almost new.
I think a bike seeing lots of road miles benefits from O or X ring chain. Certainly doesn't need to be heavy duty for an XS650.
Finally , 15 days after I ordered my plug/ patches they showed up.
This is what I ordered, they are a 3/16” plug with a 1 3/4” round patch attached. They do come in different sizes.
The rubber plug has a metal spike crimped over it to help ease it through the hole.
I used a 3/16 drill bit to make sure the hole was clean. ( Ironic that it was a 3/16” drill bit that caused the flat in the first place.
I had already scuffed up a circle around the hole on the inside of the tire. So after cleaning the area that was to get the patch, I applied the cement and let it dry.
Pull off the white backing off of the patch and apply a small amount of the cement on the spike to lubricate it so it will pass through the puncture easier. Insert the plug / patch and pull it through with pliers, the spike pops off after the patch seats inside.
After you pull that through, press the patch down thoroughly from the inside. I had a small roller that I worked back and forth over it.
Peel off the plastic and your patch is done.
On the outside of your tire, snip off the rubber plug, flush with the tread. It’s not necessary but I worked a little more cement around the plug with a tiny screw driver.
After giving that some time to set up, I installed a new rim strip on the rim and mounted the tire back up with a new tube.
And here’s the finished product, all balanced back up and ready to install. I am perfectly confident this will be a reliable repair.
Mailman out!
This is what I ordered, they are a 3/16” plug with a 1 3/4” round patch attached. They do come in different sizes.
The rubber plug has a metal spike crimped over it to help ease it through the hole.
I used a 3/16 drill bit to make sure the hole was clean. ( Ironic that it was a 3/16” drill bit that caused the flat in the first place.
I had already scuffed up a circle around the hole on the inside of the tire. So after cleaning the area that was to get the patch, I applied the cement and let it dry.
Pull off the white backing off of the patch and apply a small amount of the cement on the spike to lubricate it so it will pass through the puncture easier. Insert the plug / patch and pull it through with pliers, the spike pops off after the patch seats inside.
After you pull that through, press the patch down thoroughly from the inside. I had a small roller that I worked back and forth over it.
Peel off the plastic and your patch is done.
On the outside of your tire, snip off the rubber plug, flush with the tread. It’s not necessary but I worked a little more cement around the plug with a tiny screw driver.
After giving that some time to set up, I installed a new rim strip on the rim and mounted the tire back up with a new tube.
And here’s the finished product, all balanced back up and ready to install. I am perfectly confident this will be a reliable repair.
Mailman out!
Looking a little dingy in there.
You did clean that up?
You did clean that up?
Haha! Of course I did! Did you think I wouldn’t? Not the inner part of the hub, it’s too hard to get to. But a little blue magic....a little chrome polish....you know, the usual.
That makes my day. I may have a spot on my XS2 as shiny or maybe shinier than yours. Maybe.
Plus I don't have any green gaskets.
No, really, sho-nuff. What about the Fix-a-flat idea. Even if it's green slime, your going to chunk the tube anyway. A BIG can of that would be good insurance?
Hi thuban,
I've seen it used on two sidecar tires.
Fix-a-flat worked on my sidecar's ex- Honda car-wheel's tubeless tire because the tire to rim seal was still OK.
Fix-a-flat did not work on Buddy's sidecar's tubed wire-spoked wheel because the tube was too damaged.
Thanks Fred. Lucky catch. I'm just now getting back in the saddle. Been away from the comp making hay! I got some Ride-on and a small air compressor. Hope I never need it!
