Tyres are expensive – I’m sure that comes as no surprise to anyone and whilst many bikers tend to splash the cash when it comes to their kit, it seems to be a particular passion to see just how much they can get out of their tyres before coughing up for new ones.
For some reason this is particularly true of sports tourers – we seem to pride ourselves on the lifespan of our non-squared off boots. So I was extremely unimpressed when checking my baby boy over before a ride when I spotted he was leaking. Yes I know Triumphs leak – but this wasn’t oil , it was a leak from his backside – the rear tyre 😦 .
Being a bit of a geek I have always had my back tyres filled with gunk of one kind or another to ensure that if I ever get a puncture that it will be sealed and rideable until I can get it fixed. Now I know some riders have quite negative feelings about the stuff. Comments range from mishandling of bike, liable to have a bigger accident following a small puncture etc etc. But in six years it’s never been an issue for me. In fact I’d say it’s certainly given me peace of mind when waltzing around the unpopulated parts of France – after all I’d rather not have to A – find a mechanic in the middle of nowhere, and B – explain in my schoolgirl French that my tyre is somewhat deflated.
On close inspection the tyre had a small slash rather than a puncture through. Having only completed 4,000 miles on it I was rather keen to see if it could be saved. A quick check with a mate of mine left me in no doubt that I could use it gently for a little while longer but should keep an eye on it and be ready to exchange at the slightest sign that its condition had worsened.
Well 500 miles later and upon inspection I noticed the gash had got bigger and, with the aid of torchlight, silver threads from the inner core could clearly be seen, not to mention the soft hissing of lost air 😦 Bah humbug! the gunk was making a valiant effort to stem the flow but the damage was too much for it and I was left with no option but to sort out a new boot.
Some might say it was fortune and my guardian angel looking after me as the day I gingerly rode it over to Flitwick Motorcycles was the first day it had actually stopped raining and the roads were dry and clear. Not me – personally it felt as it if was adding insult to injury! The most beautiful biking day imaginable and I’m trundling round like a newbie 😦 Indeed it was a strange experience to be riding around on purpose as straight up and as straight lined as I could. Definitely felt alien not to be working the corners and also seemed to take more effort to ride this way.
It would have been cheaper to go with a different brand but I’m not one for mixing the boots on Silvano nor do I fancy putting my safety to the test with purchases I am not convinced about so I stuck to the Michelin Road Pilot 3s.
My wallet was considerably lighter as I rode off to pastures new to scrub it in – complete with the warning from the shop ringing in my ears to be careful on a new tyre! I was very careful indeed but can safely say the Pilot 3s remain a joy to ride and at the end of the day I was more than satisfied 🙂
Having gunk in the tyre is not everyone’s cup of tea – and for heavens sake if you go to an unknown garage to get a tyre changed be sure to let them know as they’re none to pleased if they get caught out – and covered in blue or green slime! But for me, it’s a no brainer and adds to my independence so here’s hoping I can stay away from sharp edges for a while and my baby will pile on the miles before needing new boots!
Ride safe
A bird's eye view to biking! 
Sis, I think you need to break that tyre in properly ……………. a visit to Cornwall should sort it out! xxx
LMAO – that really made me chuckle! and yes you are right – it needs a proppa run in and cornwall is the place to be 🙂
Ultraseal all the way, it’s a no brainer.
Hi there stranger – yep I’m definitely an advocate of the stuff whatever name it goes by. I must admit that I’m too much of a girl to actually get my hands dirty which is why my fave bike shop puts it in – the labour charge is teeny and frankly worth every penny 🙂 By the way do you realise that in all the years we’ve known each other I don’t recall ever riding out anywhere with you!!! Gotta fix that 🙂
Well, I have been enjoying rednaig your blog I actually started blogging almost 10 years ago, just mass-emailing my friends, and letting them know this and that, never knowing I’d been blogging the whole time!I totally get what you feel, and all that..that’s the beauty of blogging..you can actually sense the writer’s sentimesnts pouring through the blog..i LOVE that.. a good buddy of mine built me a blogging site 3 years ago, but I have never used it! So, don’t be too hard on yourself. you’re doing great. Blog when it gets too overwhelming NOT to.. I’ll keep rednaig.
Many thanks Ahmed – I love to blog but do get irritated that i don’t spend enough time doing it. BUt you are right – as long as I keep wanting to do it I will always end up blogging something. Good luck with yours