Well, just got back from a shortish ride and after pulling into my garage figured I'd give the chain a quick shot of lube since it was warmed up. While rotating the rear wheel, what........oh crap, picked up a drywall screw. Hey looks like it's almost just laying on the tire and not penetrated. I ponder for a moment and figure I've got to take it out. So I carefully unscrew it and see it's slightly bent and somehow appears to have almost followed the tread around. No obvious air escaping, but I'll check pressure tomorrow. Appears too far down the side wall for any of the miracle tire sealants to work. So, if it holds air, should I consider myself lucky and ride or, I suspect I know the answer, have it unmounted and inspect the inside to check for any ply damage? I only have a little over 4200 miles on these factory tires (2011 DL650A).

https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/phot...eat=directlink Sorry crappy picture.

https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/phot...eat=directlink

You can always put a little soapy water on the area and see if it is leaking as well...

Richard

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'12 DL650 Glee in White

Never argue with an idiot; people watching may not be able to tell the difference.

I think I would be concerned if the sidewall is compromised in any fashion. If it is then a new tire is the fix.

Carry a patch kit, pump and know how to use them. Depending on how far it reached, the rubber in that area has been compromised. If it is the rear tire, then you may be able to cheat for a while. If it is your front tire, then it might be best to replace and not worry about it.

That feeling of trust that comes with a new bike can also be compromised with little things like "is this tire gonna make the trip?" Consider mental effect on riding.

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2007 DL 650

Janitor, writer and editor of BestScenicRoutes.com

Real name: Sean McDermott

Those bloody screws are everywhere.

Each time I get a tradesman in to do any work, you can guarantee there will be screws (along with his cigarette butts) on the driveway when he leaves.

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2007 Suzuki DL650 K7 (With a few farkles)

RIP Bucko - Riding on forever

furgetaboutit

I had a similar problem a couple of years ago... screw in the rear tire.

I brought it to a local dealer and they patched it from the inside with a "mushroom" patch. They were a bit concerned about liability issues but did it anyway.

The tire served out the rest of its natural life, no problems. YMMV.

- Martin

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2001 XR650L 2005 Wee-Strom 2011 Yamaha Grizzly 550 EPS