Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Technical, Bike forums > Tech
Which tube patch kit? Which tube patch kit?
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
Tech ALL bikes: "Generic" tech questions and answers. Maintenance, general discussions etc.
Photo by Giovanni Lamonica, Aralsk, Kazakhstan.

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Giovanni Lamonica,
Aralsk, Kazakhstan.



Like Tree3Likes
  • 1 Post By Big Yellow Tractor
  • 1 Post By Two wheels good
  • 1 Post By Xander

Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 10 Jul 2016
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Oct 2013
Posts: 20
Which tube patch kit?
So I think my current tally for puncture repairs in the sun on the road is about 10. You'd think I'd be the one with all the answers but no!

The problem: I cannot make a patch repair that fixes the hole for more than 500-1000km. I've followed all the tips and my process goes something like:

1. Notice flat, swear - coast to breakdown point in the shade
2. Pull wheel off, remove tube
3. Find puncture, remove source from tyre
4. Prepare tube around hole with sandpaper (or saw of army knife - gently)
5. Wash with petrol
6. Apply solvent to big area, allow to go tacky
7. Clap on patch and press down hard for 30 secs (sometimes under sidestand)
7a. Stop to talk to locals, have a go with their shotgun
8. Wait 5 min, install and re-inflate
500km later - repeat, patch has blown out between tube and patch (delaminated).

The only permanent fixes have been going to the vulcaniser guy and putting a new tube in.

Any recommendations, the kit I normally use is the (seemly universal) cheap one e.g. Also available everywhere, probably cheaper!

Cheers

TK

edit: We did once set fire to the solvent, fun but no more successful
Last edited by tk0345; 10 Jul 2016 at 13:31. Reason: forgot something
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 11 Jul 2016
Big Yellow Tractor's Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: England
Posts: 649
Rema Tip Top make great patches and glue. Just search ebay although I use this seller Rema Tip Top, Tyre Inner Tube Products items in Puncturesafe South store on eBay!

I have got a few various sizes and also a couple of really big and thick ones that I think might make a good fist of repairing damage to a tyre
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 11 Jul 2016
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: East Sussex, England
Posts: 171
Wash with petrol? I've never heard that one before. I'd skip that step.

Other tips that may be useful - if you've not already tried them!
Don't use excess glue. A gentle scrape with the edge of a blade after applying glue may be useful.
Press down patch from centre to edge, e.g. with rounded end of screwdriver handle if you don't have a roller.
Before fitting to tyre, dry area with excess solvent with talc, flour or even fine dust.
And - is the glue past its best?
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 11 Jul 2016
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Calgary AB
Posts: 1,032
Has anyone successfully used the large radial patches for use in/on car tires?
__________________
Tacos Tyring Travels.com
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 12 Jul 2016
Xander's Avatar
Super Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Back Down Under (WA)
Posts: 562
first yes Rema Tip top are the best patches.

the Steps

1. Notice flat, swear - coast to breakdown point in the shade
2. Pull wheel off, remove tube
3. Find puncture, remove source from tyre
4. Prepare tube around hole with sandpaper, use sandpaper or diamond paper or the metal abrader thingy do not use your knife gently you will not get it rough enough
5. DO NOT WASH WITH PETROL.. this has solvents, lubricants and other additives that can effect your glue....(pure alcohol is the only thing you should even consider washing it with)
6. Apply solvent to big area, allow to go tacky . Put small patch of vulcanizing solution 2 inches to the left and only touch that, never the real hole glue area . make sure you are using the right Vulcanizing solution (I recommend rema tip top SVS-VUL) / Glue ... Solvent does not mean glue/ vulcanizing solution..carry at least 2 tubes all glues only have about 1 yr shelf life...
7. Clap on patch and press down hard for 10 secs (sometimes under sidestand)
7A1: This is the most important part.
rub vigorously with tyre iron/spoon/back of wrench... anything roundish really... until it gets hot enough for the REMA TIP top clear top cover of the patch to fall off with out you touching it.. This is the most important part.

7a. Stop to talk to locals, have a go with their shotgun (this maybe why your tyres are going flat.... hehehe)
8. Wait 5 min, install and re-inflate
__________________
2000 Africa Twin
http://two-up-ona-twin.blogspot.com
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 12 Jul 2016
Tim Cullis's Avatar
Super Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: London and Granada Altiplano
Posts: 3,077
Vulcanisation is the only solution I trust, so I change the tube for my spare, then when I get to a town I get the old tube vulcanised and refitted to the tyre, and stash my spare for the next time.
__________________
"For sheer delight there is nothing like altitude; it gives one the thrill of adventure
and enlarges the world in which you live," Irving Mather (1892-1966)
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 12 Jul 2016
Super Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Bellingham, WA, USA
Posts: 3,905
I've never had a glued patch fail me (aside from a few times early on when I tried using old, thickened tubes of glue). That goes for at least several dozen repairs to motorcycle and bicycle tires alike, sometimes rushed or under dire circumstances like rain, mass mosquito attack, or darkness. I think the OP's problem involves cleaning with gasoline.

In practical terms, carrying a few alcohol wipes with the patch kit is easy enough. Fresh tubes of glue are crucial. More to the point, I've always got at least one spare tube to install, so I hardly ever do my patching by road or trailside any more. That's saved me a lot of irritation over the years.

Hope that's helpful.

Mark
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 12 Jul 2016
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Oct 2013
Posts: 20
Helpful replies with a lot of good points. Glad it is just (mostly) me!
Thank you all!

spare tubes is probably the best, swap and vulcanise but they are awfully bulky. I guess between 3 bikes one set isn't so bad.
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 12 Jul 2016
Tim Cullis's Avatar
Super Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: London and Granada Altiplano
Posts: 3,077
Nowadays I tour long distances using mousses, so punctures are something of the past.

But when I was using tubes, the ones fitted to the bike were heavy duty (so high speed is out) and my spares were normal thickness
__________________
"For sheer delight there is nothing like altitude; it gives one the thrill of adventure
and enlarges the world in which you live," Irving Mather (1892-1966)
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 13 Jul 2016
Xander's Avatar
Super Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Back Down Under (WA)
Posts: 562
IMHO if you are going to swap out and still patch. It better to do it all at the same time. (e.g. Remove replace, patch, store) if you leave your "spare" un-patched Mr Murphy will make sure you get an other flat and then you have to do 2.
__________________
2000 Africa Twin
http://two-up-ona-twin.blogspot.com
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 13 Jul 2016
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Calgary AB
Posts: 1,032
I doubt doing it in a windy desert will yield the same result as in a hotel (or tent) with a cold one.

Sent from my SM-G920W8 using Tapatalk
__________________
Tacos Tyring Travels.com
Reply With Quote
Reply

« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
All the kit, or what? John933 The HUBB PUB 31 23 Dec 2014 08:02
Adventure Designs "Ultimate Compact Tool Kit for BMW R1200GS" angusgreene Equipment Reviews 20 1 Dec 2012 21:48
Best tube repair kit in the world? Wheelie Equipment Reviews 7 10 Oct 2012 19:24
Your best innertube and tire repair tips Wheelie Tech 10 27 Sep 2012 04:00
Tube tire puncture caused by ply bacardi23 Yamaha Tech 3 21 Jun 2012 16:55

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

HU Event and other updates on the HUBB Forum "Traveller's Advisories" thread.
ALL Dates subject to change.

2024:

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

HUBBUK: info

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

Your ad could be here, on EVERY page of the HUBB, or the whole website, or as many as you like!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.



All times are GMT +1. The time now is 07:57.

Contact Us - Horizons Unlimited Motorcycle Travellers Website - Archive - Privacy Statement - Top