11.3 - Resolve the Unexpected - Flat Tire
How you handle a flat tire on the trail will depend on the severity of the damage to the tire and/or the inner tube and what tools and supplies you keep with you. If you have a slow leak or a minor puncture, there are two ways you can try to make a temporary repair:
- Use an aerosol tire sealer to seal the puncture and inflate the tube. You can do this without removing the wheel.
- Use a tube repair kit to patch the hole in the inner tube. This requires removal of the wheel and tire.
If the leak is more severe, or a temporary repair does not hold up, you will need to replace the inner tube.
If the tire is also severely damaged, you will need to replace the tire as well.
If you cannot repair the flat tire on the trail, you will need to push the motorcycle back to your base or send for help. Do not ride on a flat tire. The motorcycle will be hard to handle, and if the tire comes of the rim, it can lock up the wheel and cause you to crash.