Rear Tire

[Vector]

Sorry to hear that you had a Trophy lemon. So far, this 11 year old with 28k miles on it has been great. My other bike is 2011 Sprint GT. The Trophy has superior wind protection, and has been fun to ride longer distances. I have had some issues with the Sprint gearbox resisting upshifts, although that seems to be more so early in the ride. The Sprint is much more agile in the corners, though.

I do appreciate the quiet motors on both of these, although I understand the benefits of a loud engine on the awareness of drivers around you. Personal choices, I guess. I rarely ride in cities or heavy traffic and limit my miles on interstates, reducing the times when a loud engine helps others be aware of you.

I hope that you've been happy with your HD! Which one do you have?

Sold the HD 4 years ago, thought I was done riding due to a neck problem. Now I have a 2023 Rocket 3GT and a 2024 Speed 400. My wife has a 2023 Speedmaster that I steal on occasion.

 

[Rob the Scott]

As a related follow up: I got a puncture on my rear tire yesterday (Michelin Road 6 GT). No auto place would repair a motorcycle tire. I even found a motorcycle repair shop who said that they never patch tires, and offered to sell a replacement tire (the Michelin cost me $300!!!). The next motorcycle shop agreed to patch it. Running low on time (we're leaving this area for our next stop), he said that he could plug it while we waited (rather than wait until he had time to patch from the inside). He said that he has plugged many tires and even his own on a GSX-R, with no problems. I agreed to the plug (the puncture was in the depression between contact points in the tread). I am headed from Maine to the Canadian provinces, and am hoping for the best.

Any thoughts to share on plugged rear tires?

 

[Qship]

I am not a fan of just plugged tires. Temp fix to get you somewhere that can patch it with a vulcanized patch would be my preferred fix.
Just keep your speed reasonable, and check pressures and plug frequently. May give you no problems at all.

 

[sikatri]

As @Qship noted it should get you to a place that can do a proper patch. Safe journey and stay alert!