rode this flat tire for 35 miles...slowly!

[Guest tx2sturgis]

I had a nice weekend in Lubbock. Listened to live music, had a few adult beverages, and stayed in a nice room. Got up the next day and did some volunteer work helping with communications for a local Triathlon event.

 

Then, heading home, I felt that all-too-familiar wiggle waggle at the rear.

 

I was riding my ElectraGlide on a lonely 2 lane road, at about 70 mph. I got slowed down and pulled off on a gravel driveway, and inspected the rear tire. Flat. Duh.

 

But it had been a slow leaker, and the tire stayed on the rim! I got out my one can of fix-a-flat, installed the magic go-juice, heard air escaping, and immediately hit the road, although riding slowly. I was hoping that the fix-a-flat would slowly plug the small hole allowing me to get home, about 35 miles. Its a Sunday, and I dont know anyone within 75 miles of where I was with a trailer. So. Lets ride this and see how it does.

 

Well, traveling about 30 mph, it lasted about 5 miles, before it started to get all loose again. I slowed down and with my 4 way flashers on, I rode it home, 35 miles, going about 20 mph the whole distance. I stayed in the far right of the lane, waving confused motorists around me. The last 10 miles or so, I felt it get really sloppy, and I rode it for about an hour that way, down to around 15 miles per hour. The bike was shifting badly back and forth as I rode, barely controllable, and I figured I was riding on a tire that was gonna dislodge from the rim any minute now. But it stayed on the rim, and I slowly proceeded into my little town, took the path of least traffic, and finally, after about 2 hours total time, pulled into my driveway.

 

I just didnt see any practical alternatives at the time this began this afternoon. I dont own a trailer, so hitching a ride in and retreiving it would involve leaving the bike on the roadside, and trying to find SOMEONE with a trailer and a ramp and some straps. I dont want to leave MY bike on the side of the road.

 

I could have called for a tow truck, but that would involve a long wait, and lots of money, and maybe, damage to the bike. ( I've seen those guys attempting to load a heavy bike on a rollback, and they seem clueless). I DO own a pickup, but I'm not capable of lifting an 800 pound dresser into the bed of the pickup.

 

Of course I have HOG membership, but on a Sunday, getting a dealer to show up with a trailer would take many hours, and I was a long way from the dealers. besides...it was rideable...barely.

 

Ironically, the reason I was riding my old Harley Dresser? Cuz, my nice 2007 Venture is sitting in my garage, with a flat tire! I havent had time to change it yet.

 

Right after I arrived home, I took a few pics of the gimp bike sitting in my driveway, safe and sound, but with a terribly damaged Dunlop 402 rear tire. Oh well, that tire gave its life to preserve mine. I think I'll keep it.

 

 

 

Edited May 3, 2009 by tx2sturgis

[Squidley]

That there is a dead tire!

[Venturous Randy]

Sure glad you got thru this event safely and it appears you did not hurt your rim. Sometimes it's tough making memories.

RandyA

[Wanderer]

What, no duct tape?

 

Glad u made it alright.

[SapperMedic]

Sturgis, I have a trailer and would have come and got you with no problem. I live in Converse but could have still been there within a short time. keep my phone number handy. Also I feel bad that we didn't give Tom a call when we were up that way on Friday. He said he was going to be off this weekend.......depending on which way you were headed you were probably only 40-50 miles from his place too

[SapperMedic]

For some reason, I was thinking you lived down in West San Antonio. Sorry, but if you come south call anytime

[skydoc_17]

Holy Cow Brian!

You are one lucky guy! I'm glad you and your scoot are OK! I would still go buy a LOTTO TICKET! You can't loose! Boy, that says tons for a Dunlop!

Earl

[Guest tx2sturgis]

What, no duct tape?

 

Glad u made it alright.

 

Dang, I had some bubble gum. Never even thought about that.

[Guest tx2sturgis]

For some reason, I was thinking you lived down in West San Antonio. Sorry, but if you come south call anytime

 

I wondered about that...thinking maybe you had a Motorcycle Rescue Helicopter that could have gotten here quickly!!

 

Thanks for the offer, of course.

 

I do own a nice little plug kit with a little air compressor, but guess what? It was on the other bike!!! This was just a little trip 50 miles from here..never even thought about it. Oh well....live and learn!

[flb_78]

Walmart has my air compressor on sale for $15. You could buy one for the other bike. It has the built in gauge and a LED light. Ive used mine several times.

 

http://www.buyzillion.com/Images/B000ET9SAU/medium.jpg

[cecdoo]

Think you got your moneys worth outta that tire, glad you made it home alrite. Craig

[Grandpagak]

glad it all turned out well..

[LilBeaver]

Glad you made it alright & glad the bike is alright -- Too bad you didn't have my number, I've got a truck and a buddy with a trailer...

[AKRefugee]

Wow Brian glad to hear you were able to gather that one up, get it slowed down and get home safe.

 

Thought about checking your driveway and parking area.

 

You ain't had much luck with tires lately. Remember,

when you get mad your suppose to spit nails . . . not run them over.