patched tire or bald tire?

[tony]

Howdy All:

I hope you are doing great.

Any thoughts on if I should ride a rear tire that is pretty bald or ride with a rear tire that has good tread but is patched?

I found out today I have a nail in my rear tire. That tire has good tread and I could patch it. In the garage I have an extra wheel that has a pretty worn tire but it does not have any patches. So what do you think? Which would you choose for the few days until the new tire comes in?

[ranks]

If you're not going to do any high speeds, just patch/plug the tire and go on.
It won't hurt for a few days.
I've gotten several thousand miles on a patched/plugged tire, twice now.

It's always safter to replace, but you already have one on order.

[messenger13]

I'd ride the patched tire over the bald one.

[ronk1200lt]

Do yourself a huge favor and get yourself some new rubber ASAP. Your most important accessory is tires. I change mine when the tread is 2/3 worn. If you can't afford it, put your bike up on its stand until you can. Riding on the best rubber you can afford is the from a safety and performance standpoint the best motorcycling decision you will ever make. Ron

[Zotter]

Patched or bald?

No question - patched.

But then I'd also want to know what KIND of patch. Home brewed contact cement or a shop applied vulcanized mushroom. Big diff.

Home brewed contact cement - avoid heat build up. ie. Long runs at speed. Put'n 'round town - not so bad.

Still, better than a baldie.

[DavidTaylor]

I wouldn't ride on either. You're betting your life the 50% of what's keeping you stuck to the road won't fail with a nail or no tread. My life is worth $250, so I'd buy a new tire.

[tony]

I wouldn't ride on either. You're betting your life the 50% of what's keeping you stuck to the road won't fail with a nail or no tread. My life is worth $250, so I'd buy a new tire.

Oh, I agree with you David. I have a new tire coming. Ordered it as soon as I got into work after realizing I had the nail.

Just trying to bridge the time in between.

[DavidTaylor]

Oh, I agree with you David. I have a new tire coming. Ordered it as soon as I got into work after realizing I had the nail.

Just trying to bridge the time in between.

In that case the patched tire with tread would be my choice over the bald one. Just no thottle wheelies until you get the new one! :)

[mintaka]

In that case the patched tire with tread would be my choice over the bald one. Just no thottle wheelies until you get the new one! :)Uhhhhhhh :eek: Not a rant and not a flame but if a bald or punctured tire stops you from riding because your life is worth more than $250, how can you switch positions (if you have) ?

[tony]

Uhhhhhhh :eek: Not a rant and not a flame but if a bald or punctured tire stops you from riding because your life is worth more than $250, how can you switch positions (if you have) ?

I assumed David meant for a long period of time with his statements. I figured a shorter time like a few days, for short miles would be a different set of circumstances. Just my thoughts, and thanks to everyone for theirs.