ECONOMICAL STRATEGY FOR A FLAT TYRE[HELP!]

[Aceforever]

Hey yall,

I need a better solution(Bare in mind, no one I know doesn't have a trailor or ute). I have inquired at a few workshops for a quote on a new/repaired tyre.
I only know 2 options for a flat tyre:

Option 1
a. Hire a ute to take the scoot into the workshop - $60-70 plus petrol on top + (approx. 1-2hrs to pick up the ute, scoot, and then take it into the workshop)
b. New/repaired tyre = $60 (workshop 1)
= Est $150 plus approx.2hrs of my time. Pick up bike when ready

or

Option 2
a. pay for a pick up service which means they pick up the scoot for you = $70-80
b. New/repaired tyre = $70-80 (workshop 2)
= Est $170. Pick up bike when ready.

In the past, when I first bought a scooter I was using option 1 since I didn't know any better(newbie). Lately, I have learned that workshop 2 provides pick up service but a little bit more and further away from where I live.

So, does anyone use a different approach? It doesn't matter if its a flatty or breakdown. Your opinion is most welcome.

Many thanks in advance
CHEERS

[Vivo]

In our country, you can find  tire shops or what we call "vulcanizing shops" almost everywhere. Just push your scoot to the nearest shop, have the hole plugged for around one dollar... then you're off.... 

[MotoRandy123]

We're not allowed to do vulcanizing anymore, it must pollute the atmosphere or something.

You could always carry a can of "fix a flat" that would allow you to ride home and fix it yourself.

If your tires are tubeless you can get a plug kit. They have them for cars. you open a hole and
stick a strip of rubber into it that is covered with glue. Most motorcycle shops will tell you to not
ride on a patched tire anyways so you'd want to change it out when convenient. 

There is something called slime. You squirt it into your tires before you get a flat and it seals
any holes that occur.

[Aceforever]

I forgot to mentioned. My kymco Agility 125 bike is using tubeless tires.

lol I didn't know what Vulcanize was but yes that brings memories during my childhood.

Hey that 'fix a flat' looks promising, I've never seen that before. Interesting! That would definitely save me the hassle of having to move my bike on a flat tyre . Wow, it gets better, never heard of the 'Tyre Plug Kit'. Amazing! I was watching the youtube video: and it seems straight forward to use.

Thanks heaps for the comments, much appreciated. I'm glad I posted this topic because I was definitely going to pull my hair out the next time I ever get another flat tyre lol.

2 minds or more is better than 1. Learning new things everyday makes my day

[Aceforever]

Noooo!!! Fix a flat can only work on a flat car tire and not a scooter tire

But has anyone used it for their scooter tires?

[Vivo]

I have a plugged rear tire since 10,000 kilometers ago...

[de-dee]

I put new tires on my 300i dt. and got a flat within 2,000 km. I bought a plug kit for 6.dollars and fixed it, rode another 10,000 km. and I COULD NOT SEE WHERE I PLUGED IT,. since then I have fixed three other flats on cars all on the same kit ,. still have one plug left,. ( warning do not fix side wall of any tire)   

[MotoRandy123]

I've used fix a flat on a bicycle tire. It took 15 miles to seal and made the
tire weigh a lot but it did finally seal. The bicycle had a tube. On a scooter
I'd try the plug first as fix a flat makes a mess inside the tire so the tire
should be replaced. Plugged tires can still be used (as long as not in the
sidewall).

[Aceforever]

Thanks guys. Wasn't sure if anyone else posted back since I last commented.

The good news is, I bought a plug kit. So the idea is to use it only on the front instead of the side wall (cool, got it). Lets say the I get a flat tire for my scooter on the back wheel. I use the plug kit but how do I pump it up on the spot if the tire is flat and fix is flat is not recommended?

I'm open to any suggestions?

Thanks

[MaryK]

Several manufacturers make 12v air compressors.  Riding a scooter, you should have room to carry one.
http://www.bing.com/shopping/12-volt-electric-air-pump-w-gauge-for-tires-bikes-cars-air-matresses/p/116F4AE0A1F5664F5020?q=motorcycle+tire+pumps&lpq=motorcycle%20tire%20pumps&FORM=HURE

About US$ 40 is a common price.

They can be bought at scooter shops, WalMart and tire stores.

Happy New Year.

[Aceforever]

Interesting! I couldn't find a 12v less than $80. Trying to find out if they are rechargeable too? If it does then that will solve my flat scooter tire issue. However, of not, then it comes with a 2.4m cord so even if I carry it in my scooter I will still need a power point to get it working. Having a flat tire can happen anywhere e.g. jungle, park, outback, etc.

Will know for sure if some 12v are recharageable.

Thanks again I am almost close to finding the perfect solution for a flat scooter tire

[de dee]

I have installed a plug in my meta box (under seat)  hooked directly to the battery, with inline fuse, that runs the air pump just make sure you have enough battery to handle it ,. I all so installed a balistic battery over sized,. and it has lots of power,. walmart tsc.  canadian tire, sears, Ive seen tire pumps every were,. Ballistic batterys sold on line ,.        well I wish you a happy new year and ride safe  Joe on the golden hawk scooter 300i DT.

[MotoRandy123]

You can get an air compressor like this for $20 but it draws 15 amps!
http://www.harborfreight.com/12-volt-100-psi-high-volume-air-compressor-69284.html

I have a foot pump like this for the scooter;
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=9869

It's tiny and screws down to stay on tight while your pumping and a little easier as you use your foot to pump...

[Aceforever]

Thanks guys and happy new year. I actually like the foot pump idea so that might be more convenient for me. Now I'm on the hunt to buy one at my nearest store