Nail in back tire of '07 SB Breva - what's next?

[prof_stack]

The nail might have been in there when I bought the bike last summer from the original owner.  But I noticed it while doing some cleaning after a glorious 95 mile ride yesterday.

I believe the Breva has tubeless tires, so I am thinking that it's time to get a new tire.  But I have a couple of questions:
1 - The bike has but 1800 miles on it, but the tires are the original ones from 2007.  Should they be replaced or will a plug and patch be appropriate?
2 - If not, what is a suitable replacement tire for all around riding?

Thanks for any suggestions.

[Perazzimx14]

I don't have a problem plugging a tire depending on where the puncture and what punctured the tire. Other will disagree. Only you know way is the right thing to do as far a patching a tire. But with your tire I'd replace due to age if it is the stock tire. You can do a search on google to learn how to read tire date codes that are cast into the sidewall. Anything getting to be 5 or 6 years old and I replace.

Pirelli Sport Demons are my tire of choice on modern Guzzi small blocks.

[prof_stack]

Thanks for the replies.  The Breva has Sport Demons on it now, so I assume it was OEM in 2007.  Does that sound correct?

[rocker59]

Probably a good idea to replace tires that are 8 years old .

  Dusty

for sure.   :+1

[rocker59]

The Breva has Sport Demons on it now, so I assume it was OEM in 2007.  Does that sound correct?

Easy to tell by looking at the sidewall of the tire.  If the date code shows an 06 or 07 date, then you can bet they're the originals.

Metzeler ME55 and Pirelli Sport Demon were both used on the small blocks at the factory.

I'd replace both tires.  They're getting pretty ripe, if they're the originals.

[Guzzistajohn]

If you do much cornering you'll be glad you changed them.

[pyoungbl]

With age the rubber gets hard and loses traction.  Your tires probably look great.  I bought a bike once with old tires that looked like new.  After the bike slid out from under me on a hairpin turn I learned to not ride old rubber.  Thank goodness I was only doing about 20 mph and there was no oncoming traffic.

Peter Y.

[prof_stack]

Okay, thanks for all the good words.  I will be bringing it to Seattle Cycle Center tomorrow for another set of Sport Demons.  They sell and install lots and lots of tires there.

[HDGoose]

Ask Bill.

[prof_stack]

Ask Bill.

By Bill I assume you mean the Patriots coach, right, and "Deflate-gate"?   :D

But honestly, if the weather is as nice as last Sunday, I would rather go out riding during the Super Bowl, when the roads around Seattle will be fairly empty.

[Nic in Western NYS]

When that new rubber goes on, it's going to be shiny, pretty, and slippery.  Do some very gentle leans, both sides, gradually increasing lean angle over a few miles, then go easy on the new rubber for a ride or two until it's all scuffed up.  (Glad you're getting the new tires!) Nic

[Perazzimx14]

When that new rubber goes on, it's going to be shiny, pretty, and slippery.  Do some very gentle leans, both sides, gradually increasing lean angle over a few miles, then go easy on the new rubber for a ride or two until it's all scuffed up.  (Glad you're getting the new tires!) Nic

Back when mold release compounds were used this were the case. The biggest problem with new tires is the profile is round where as your old tires were typically squared off. This is what takes a few miles to get used to. The bike will handle differently with new tires verses old tires.

[Bill Hagan]

Ask Bill.

Ha!

I am always worried that commenting on my now-several-years streak of air-filled tires will cause me to return to that other streak of legend.

The only flat I've had recently was on the Mini.  Kathi was very impressed how quickly I fixed it at the side of the road.  [Yes, she's easy.  ;) ]

I reminded her of my considerable previous practice with Guzzi tires, fronts and rears.   ::)









Bill

[gsf12man]

Ha!

I am always worried that commenting on my now-several-years streak of air-filled tires will cause me to return to that other streak of legend.

The only flat I've had recently was on the Mini.  Kathi was very impressed how quickly I fixed it at the side of the road.  [Yes, she's easy.  ;) ]

I reminded her of my considerable previous practice with Guzzi tires, fronts and rears.   ::)

When Nancy had her Mini, I carried a very similar setup to deal with flats, or rather air loss (it was an S with run-flats, as Bill's appears to be): I bought a 2nd Cycle Pump and Stop & Go gun. Never had to deal with a nail in any of the several tires we got through before trading it for a more suitable prairie car. The Stop & Go is still new in package.

[Pfaff!]

Easy to tell by looking at the sidewall of the tire.  If the date code shows an 06 or 07 date, then you can bet they're the originals.

Metzeler ME55 and Pirelli Sport Demon were both used on the small blocks at the factory.

I'd replace both tires.  They're getting pretty ripe, if they're the originals.

Bridgestone BT 45's were also found as oem tires.
Personally I dare recommend Michelin Pilot Activ. A very good choice for milage combined with a fair grip even in the vet.

[rdbandkab]

Sounds like a tire that's ripe for practicing your plugging skills..   

[Moto Fugazzi]

Okay, thanks for all the good words.  I will be bringing it to Seattle Cycle Center tomorrow for another set of Sport Demons.  They sell and install lots and lots of tires there.

You'll be glad you did! Might as well skip the ball game on Sunday, and go for a nice ride while the roads are clear of others. Watch out after the game, as the roads will be full of drunk drivers.
Ken