Can motorcycle tyres be plugged?

Plugging motorcycle tyres

As a temporary emergency measure

A temporary external plug can get you to a garage in an emergency, but it is not considered a safe permanent repair for a motorcycle tyre. Motorcycles rely much more heavily on tyre integrity for stability and safety than cars do.

Proper repair

A professional internal patch repair, carried out by removing the tyre from the rim and inspecting it from the inside, is the safer option. The fitter can assess any internal damage and apply a combination plug-and-patch that meets repair standards.

When replacement is the only option

• The puncture is in or near the sidewall
• The tyre has been ridden on while flat
• There is visible structural damage
• The tyre has already been repaired before