Answers for tire questions
November
1, 2005 – We get all kinds of questions about tires, from recommended
tire pressures to fixing flats. We chose Mike Penland (right) to answer your
questions because of his many years of experience and championships. Penland
is owner of Mike’s Bikes in Rabun Gap, Georgia, and is a GNCC Champion racer
who also has several Baja 1000 victories.
Flats. This is one of those problems where you need the solution before you head out for another fun-filled day on the trails. Starting out with tires in good condition in the first place will help minimize some flats. In my racing, I personally use Maxxis tires to pull me through the tough stuff.
Buy a tire plug kit (most discount or auto parts stores have them for under $10). Next, you will need a way to inflate the tire after you have plugged the leak. There are many options.
Many prefer a bicycle tire pump. It never runs out of air, but you have to supply the muscle to operate it.
Cans of compressed air are also available and some have added a sealing compound to seal leaks as you fill the tire.
A small 12-volt electric pump works great, but remember to keep it protected so it doesn't get damaged banging around on your ATV. There are even small CO2 kits that will fit in a fanny pack.
When you discover a tire is flat or losing air, stop! Fix the leak as soon as possible. If you continue to ride you can damage the wheel or tire beyond repair. If you roll the tire off the wheel, trail-side repair will be almost impossible.
Once you locate the leak, insert the rasp tool from the tool kit into the hole to enlarge the hole and roughen things up. Insert the plug in the insertion tool, add rubber cement if supplied, and push it into the hole.
I like self-vulcanizing radial tire plugs that you can buy from auto parts stores. Be careful not to push the plug in too far; leave half an inch or more sticking out. Then you can cut off the excess plug, but don’t cut it too short.
If you have an extra large puncture or cut, give this a try because you don’t have anything to lose.
Insert the first plug like normal, and then have one person with a pair of pliers hold the first plug, while you add more plugs. I have seen cuts that took six plugs to repair a slice in the sidewall. The fix wasn’t pretty and probably not permanent, but it saved a day of riding.
Tire Pressure. Everyone knows you need air in your tires, but how much air?
I can’t begin to tell you how many times I have kicked someone’s tire, only to find it hard as a rock or as soft as mashed taters. ATV tire manufacturers recommend tire pressures as low as 2.7 psi to as high as 10 psi. What is the correct pressure for your ATV tires?
First, look for the orange and white sticker (it’s usually on the left rear fender) on your ATV. Front and rear psi may be different, so don’t assume all tire pressures are the same. When all else fails, ask your wife what the owners manual says (most guys don’t read owners manuals).
If you’re going to be running the Grand National Cross Country series like I do, or if you're riding a lot of rocky terrain, you might want to increase the tire pressure above what is recommended, I run as high as 10 psi at some races because of the rocks.
Be sure to keep your tire pressure the same, left to right (both front tires should be the same and both rear tires the same). If one side is off by as little as ½-pound psi then the ATV will pull to the low side.
Know your tires. If you have aftermarket tires, follow the manufacturer's recommendations, but be careful not to mistake the sidewall higher pressure (as high as 25 psi) that is needed to bead the tire on the rim for the correct pressure for normal riding, which is much lower.
Preparation before you ride will give you confidence that you will be ready to handle any little surprises that may try to ruin your ride.