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Showing results for tags 'flat dunlop tire'.
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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.
