Puncture repair in Europe (NOT Tubeless!)

[Thruxty]

At the end of September I'm taking my lovely new Triumph Thruxton R on a mini tour of Spain with a couple of friends - Bilbao, Pamplona, Jaca, (N260) Andorra, Zaragoza etc.

The Thruxton is not so lovely if you get a puncture because it's not tubeless - as I recently found it (a nail). The inner tube was replaced quickly and cheaply by Steve at Superbike tyres who turned up in his van - highly recommended BTW (https://www.yell.com/biz/superbike-tyres-carshalton-901100005/) [as an aside, this was after the Triumph Assist AA guy turned up, promptly proclaimed the tyre to be tubless and stuck a big hole in it ready to plug - but that's another story....)

I did ask Steve whether it was worth learning to repair the type myself ready for Spain and he said that, without a paddock stand, it's almost impossible - and even with a stand, with basic tools it's still bloody difficult.

Obviously I will make sure I have the usual European breakdown cover - but in the event of a puncture I want to avoid having to be transported to a workshop somewhere. Ideally I'd have the phone numbers of a couple of Steve equivalents in Spain who are motorcycle-specific and can turn up and replace the tube on the spot (I'll be taking spare tubes in case they don't have the right ones)

Do such people exist in Spain - or is anyone aware of any solutions in the areas we're going? Or are the standard roadside assist companies actually ok - and if so, is one better than the others for motorcyclists?

Any advice greatly appreciated
Thanks

[Itchy]

[Polarbear]

Is it the new model Thruxton? How do you like it? Piccys please
____________________
Triumph Trophy Launch Edition

[Polarbear]

[Itchy]

[Ste]

[stinkwheel]

Also take a bit of soap to put on the beads.

A valve pulling tool is also useful to pull the tube valve through the hole in the rim, some of them can be hell of a tight.

As Itchy says, removing a wheel, especially a rear one, without a main stand is comparatively simple. You just need something the correct length to prop under the swingarm/back right part of the engine and it'll balance fine on the prop, sidestand and front wheel.

I've literally just changed the front wheel on my VFR750 this way with it on the side stand and a bottle jack under the front right of the sump pan because my main stand is FUBAR (rear is harder on that bike due to single sided swingarm, but still possible).

There are a number of commercial and homemade alternatives to a hammer handle, all variations on a theme.

https://youtu.be/2wJvQ_Uipgw
https://www.kawasakiversys.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=11333&d=1307277549

OP could consider pre-treating the tube with slime-type puncture sealant. It was initially designed for tubed tyres anyway.
____________________
“Rule one: Always stick around for one more drink. That's when things happen. That's when you find out everything you want to know.”
I did the 2010 Round Britain Rally on my 350 Bullet. 89 landmarks, 3 months, 9,500 miles.

[Pete.]

They don't have grass on the roadside in Europe?
____________________
a.k.a 'Geri'

132.9mph off and walked away. Gear is good, gear is good, gear is very very good

[Enduro Numpty]

I can sympathise with you, waiting to take delivery of a new T120 and it's the only aspect of the bike that I'm not happy with. Tubed tyres on a road bike are from the stone age. Not planning on going abroad on it so if I get a puncture here it'll be break down insurance. Not lugging levers etc. around!

[davebike]

As said not the easy bike to do a punture on
I say if you not willing / happy to wait recovery you need to do what the long distance travellers did when the BMW F650 was the bike of choice and find a local mechanic to teach you how to do it
I done this in many times!
WE also sort out the tools you will need
A prop to hold the bike so the rear wheel can be removed I found two walking stick rubbers and a length broom handle worked well
3 good tyre leavers and a small pot tyre soap
Good socket or ring spanner for the wheel spindle
____________________
Dave
NC750Xdct + others at work !
davebike1@gmail.com

[stinkwheel]

To be fair. The biggest problem I have with roadside tube changes (other than not pinching the fucking tube) is getting enough pressure in to pop the bead up onto the rim.

I fitted new tyres to the Bullet last weekend and it took 90psi to get the front tyre seated.

Don't underestimate how good tube spanners are at removing big nuts like wheel nuts. The trick is to put them on with the tool you intend to remove them with.
____________________
“Rule one: Always stick around for one more drink. That's when things happen. That's when you find out everything you want to know.”
I did the 2010 Round Britain Rally on my 350 Bullet. 89 landmarks, 3 months, 9,500 miles.

[Itchy]

[doggone]

Is there such a thing as a tubeless rim with spokes?
It's the spoked wheels that are pre-historic on a road bike.
With off-roaders I suppose there is a sound reason for them but not convinced they are needed on dual purpose bikes.

If I'm at home I can get tubes out and repair them easy enough though I'd still rather plug a tubeless tyre.
The idea of routinely carrying what you'd need to do one on a bike does not appeal.

[Thruxty]

Dear All - many thanks for all your suggestions - much appreciated. I'm a bit short of time today and as a newbie to the forum am struggling to work out how to reply to each of you individually (and going on holiday tomorrow) but will attempt to get my head around it on my return!
Thanks
Liam (Thruxty)

[Polarbear]