Scott,
This is not very Morgan-related, but possibly "the List" will find it of
some slight interest.
A puncture of a tubed tire on a motorcycle usually results in a VERY
RAPID loss of air pressure through the spoke holes. On a front tire
this equals a probable instant crash as there is only random control
of the front end. This phenomenon is similar to a "blow-out" on old
cars with non-radial tubed tires. On the rear, the back end usually
gets suddenly very squirrelly as you try to fight the machine to the
side of the road. This has happened to me on two occasions.
With modern radial motorcycle tires on cast rims the loss of
air is very gradual and gives lots of warning. The repair, unless
the puncture is severe and therefore irreparable, is done with
a plug kit while mounted on the machine. You won't even need
"handi-wipes"! I've done this once...
William G. Lamb, III
Land Rover Specialist
At 02:32 PM 6/25/98 -0500, Scott Barrie wrote:
> William G. Lamb, III wrote:
>
>>I plead guilty... but I also RIDE motorcycles. Ever experience a puncture
>>on a spoke-wheeled motorcycle? I have, with a passenger aboard as well!
>
>I have indeed experienced punctures on a spoke wheeled motorcycle, many in
>fact. One was at speed with a passenger on board. There were no serious
>consequences.
>
>What I don't understand is that you seem to be implying that these
>incidents are less serious on mag wheel bikes with modern tires. If that's
>what you're saying I don't understand why that would be. Please explain.
>
>>They are also not pleasant to repair on a remote backroad in Central PA
>>with just the tools on board, even with the mighty BMW tool kit. On bikes
>
>Quite the contrary. I would have no qualms about taking manual tire irons
>to a spoked steel rim (and have on many occasions). But I'd be nervous
>about damaging a cast wheel and would want to enlist the help of the proper
>machine.
>
>Best regards
>
>Scott Barrie
>
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