Up and Coming Weekly is a weekly publication in Fayetteville, NC and Fort Bragg, NC area offering local news, views, arts, entertainment and community event and business information.
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Flat Tire Bummer by JAMES JONES A few weeks ago, my cockpit warning lights began flashing. My BMW is equipped with a tire-monitoring system, and I lost pressure in my back tire. Sure enough, I had picked up a nail. When I first got the bike, I thought the tire-monitoring system was overkill; but as time has passed, I have discovered that the system gives me a lot of peace of mind. Keeping your tire pressure at the appropriate level is very important. Your bike is designed to run at a certain pressure; and lets face it, it���s kind of a pain to check. Most motorcycle manufactures have different recIt is a good idea to carry a tire ommended tire pressures based on single or dual rider repair kit. load. The correct pressure should provide you good gas mileage and extend the life of the tire. Most bikes have different tire sizes for the front and back, so be sure you know the correct pressure for both. Your tire has a ���max tire pressure��� stamped on the side of it. This number is based on the tire���s characteristics; but remember, the tire is made for various bikes, so always follow your motorcycle manual for the correct pressure. Remember to check your tire pressure at least at once a week while the tires are cold. Getting a flat tire while on a bike is like stubbing your toe while walking. If you are riding or walking, eventually it is going to happen. So the more prepared you are, the better off you will be. If you feel your bike becoming sluggish and heavy, stop and check it out. If this happens to you while you are riding, stay calm and pull off the road to a safe area. Do not travel far because if the tire comes off the bike you are going down. Fortunately for me, my monitoring system went off as I was pulling into a restaurant parking lot. After finding the nail, I pulled out my ���Genuine Innovations Street Tire Repair and Inflation Kit��� and went to work. Over the years I have had several types of repair kits, but for ease and space the ���Genuine kit��� is the best I have had so far. This kit comes with a CO2 inflator and two 45 gram threaded CO2 cartridges. The kit also includes tire-reamer tool, five plug sticks, tube and tire patch assortment and glue all stored in a 6.5��� x 5��� nylon zippered bag. You will need to have a Leatherman and tire pressure gauge; and if you do, you should be set. Because my tire is tubeless, this was a 10-minute repair. If you have tubed tires you will need more tools than what I can describe here. I would suggest checking out YouTube or forums for what you will need for you particular bike. You many not always have the luxury of cell-phone coverage. After I completed my tire repair, I was able to finish my day ride. I was mindful that I was running with a plug. Many people will tell you that you can run a tire with a plug with no worries. For me, I worry. A motorcycle tire takes on many forces and temperature changes throughout a ride. I believe that my tires are the only things separating me from the pavement, and I did not want to worry about losing a plug while at high speeds. After I got home, I came to this conclusion that the tire is constructed with steel belts and the nail had just violated the integrity of the construction and a new tire was warranted. A week later, and a few hundred dollars lighter, I was back in business with confidence. If there is a topic that you would like to discuss, please send your comments JAMES JONES, Contributing Writer. COMMENTS? Editor@ and suggestions to motorcycle4fun@ upandcomingweekly.com. aol.com. RIDE SAFE! MARCH 16 ��� RUN FOR THE GREEN at Legend���s Pub. Just for fun poker run. Prizes and fun. Rain date March 17. Call 8672364 for more information. APRIL 13 ��� 3RD ANNUAL PONY EXPRESS RIDE at Cape Fear Harley Davidson. 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