Flat tyre - inner tube style - easy diy or shop?

[NorthantsPete]

I never normally repair tyres but as this one is an inner tube style o nthe RXS100 im tempted to do as i would with a bicycle.

Is it wort the fuss ? (id have to go get some decent bars, whee;l protector and like, and a new inner tube) or should i just let a shop do it
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No sense but plenty of determination

[doggone]

If you need to buy the kit to do it most of which will likely be wasted after doing that one then let the shop do it.
If you already have *suitable* patches and vulcanising fluid plus know what you are doing why not.
The hardest part can be getting the tyre unseated from the rim.
Doing it at home it's worryingly easy to damage the tube getting it back in.

[Bhud]

It's an easy task but as mentioned above, there are safety considerations when removing and reinstalling (or replacing) a tube.

You need to be careful the tube isn't pinched anywhere, and that you don't puncture the tube, that it isn't chafing against something rough, and that the valve is lined up perpendicularly.

If you look at my thread here in the workshop, I had a bit of trouble with a tube. To be on the safe side, if you're getting a new tube get a branded one from a reputable source. One trick to stop the tube pinching when putting it in is to inflate it to 5 to 10 PSI. You should be able to press the second bead of a tubed tyre in with just your fingers, and it helps if you do in the summer, and spray the rim and sides of the tyre with soapy water. Try to avoid using a lever or you could damage the inner tube.

Another thing: your tyre really has to be seated properly on the rim. This means, use lots of soapy water. It may also mean you have to overinflate. If it doesn't make a popping sound as it seats, look at the moulding mark around the tyre and make sure it's visibly equidistant from the edge of the wheel, when the tyre is inflated. You may have to deflate and do this a few times. I won't recommend overinflating to crazy high pressure to seat the bead because it could blow up, but I've done this in the past (while wearing a helmet).

[jaffa90]

Remove the wheel (any case) and in upright position push the tyre
away from the rim both sides and or support / lay the rim on 3 wood blocks, use 2 or 3 short (30cm)tyre levers on one side.
Remove the tube and check the tyre inside, replace the tube and fit the tyre WITHOUT levers just like a push bike.

[martin734]

With a bit of practice it becomes dead easy. When I used to do motocross I would have to change the tubes up to 3-4 times a meeting. Depending on the rim size, it isn't really much harder than changing a mountain bike tyre. The technique is similar, it just takes a bit more strength.
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Current bike: ST1100 "Big Red"

[MCN]

On the road a patch is ok.
But If there is more time then a new inner tube is what I would fit. Probably same cost at a good kit but waaaay more reliable.

If you are sure of where the hole inn the tube is (usually from pulling out a nail.) Then busting the grip of the tyre bead on the rim and just pulling the injured section of inner tube out saves having to remove the wheel, which can be as much arse-ache as breaking a bead. Nothing to hold the bike up on one wheel when 'in the field'.
Follow instructions for the inner tube repair kit.
Cleanliness is Godliness.
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Disclaimer: The comments above may be predicted text and not necessarily the opinion of MCN.

[davebike]

I expect you find if you take it to a fitter you will get a new tube
Pro were banned by our insures from poaching tubes back in the 1970's !
Tune is under £10 a patch takes ages at £60 per hour !

Me as I done thousands I just fit a new tube but be sure You have found the cause!
No tyre tools take the wheel to a fitter
DIY get two tubes ! you may/will kill one
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Dave
NC750Xdct + others at work !
davebike1@gmail.com

[Islander]

I've patched a tube at the side of the road a few times. It's a simple job and once you've done it a few times and you're confident, it doesn't take long at all but there are pitfalls waiting - most common is pinching the tube when you put the tyre back on the rim. Inflating the tube slightly helps avoid this as does a check round the bead before you start inflating in earnest.

If a patch is done properly it'll last the life of the tyre.

[NorthantsPete]

thanks, on this occasion i needed the tyre today as the weather was good and the missus up for a ride (not common)

So, I dropped it off, the guy took the tyre off and repaired/re-taped the spoke ends and put in a fresh tube 9the current oen was patched about 3 times probably why!)

false economy to repair, so £28 all in im not going to grumble and i got to ride that evening in the sunshine


I already snapped the indicator off the frame at the weld, kick stand spring to fit, new mirrors, fuel to syphon from another bike and the wheel was a pain to remove being rear, so had plenty to do before sunset.

I may give it a go next time, when i have more time
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No sense but plenty of determination

[blurredman]