Buddy 150 tires

Mcanaves · Post by **Mcanaves** » Wed Jan 29, 2014 11:00 pm

Got a flat today on my rear tire for my buddy 150. Does anyone know if local stores typically carry scooter tires? I was hoping to not have to order my tire(s) online as Buddy is my only way to get around. Thanks guys!

Also, since the whole is not on the side of the tire, would it be unsafe of me to patch it while I wait for to get my new one?

az_slynch · Post by **az_slynch** » Wed Jan 29, 2014 11:14 pm

Plugging tires can be a fiddly business. If the hole is within 1/2" of the sidewall, don't even try it. If it's in the center of the tread, it's do-able. The kits they sell at AutoZone will work, just get the smaller kit with the thinner tool and plugs. Once the tire is plugged, trim off any excess on the outside of the tire so it won't get yanked out. Air it up and let it sit for a few hours to see if it holds pressure before riding on it.

The tire size is 3.50-10 and it's a tubeless tire. Try a Honda dealer for a tire; all of the Elite 80s from '85-'07 rode on the 3.50-10 tubeless tire, so odds are that they'll have one.

Mcanaves · Post by **Mcanaves** » Wed Jan 29, 2014 11:20 pm

Ok, sounds good.

Yeah, thankfully the whole is almost dead center on the tire, so I may be able to plug it temporarily.

viney266 · Post by **viney266** » Thu Jan 30, 2014 5:16 am

Should be a genuine dealer in town, any dealer worth their salt should have at last 1 in stock. Tires are pretty cheap, just replace it.

RoaringTodd · Post by **RoaringTodd** » Thu Jan 30, 2014 11:50 am

az_slynch wrote: The tire size is 3.50-10 and it's a tubeless tire. Try a Honda dealer for a tire; all of the Elite 80s from '85-'07 rode on the 3.50-10 tubeless tire, so odds are that they'll have one.

Wait... Why am I running tubes in my 93 Elite 80? Unnecessary?

350kmi · Post by **350kmi** » Thu Feb 06, 2014 8:26 pm

My Elite 80 came with tube type tires new, but the rims have "tubeless" printed on them. When I replace the original tires I bought tubeless tires, installed valve stems in the rims and have been tubeless ever since. That was about 10 years ago. I'm not sure why Honda used tubes on some of the 80s, every one I have seen has had the same tubeless rims.

Tocsik · Post by **Tocsik** » Fri Feb 07, 2014 5:31 am

I'm not necessarily saying this is the best thing to do, but I rode about 3k miles on a plugged rear tire. Mine got punctured with 1800 miles on it so I plugged it and ordered a replacement. The initial plug started to lose a little air so I re-plugged it and rode those 3K miles without a problem.

Again, I'm not saying it's the best/smartest thing to do but it's been done by myself and many others. It will work but you just need to take into account any risk you're introducing.

Post by **ericalm** » Fri Feb 07, 2014 7:49 pm

A good plug can last a very long time. I plugged two car tires with the same kit I have for the scoots (which have never needed plugging!) and they lasted until the tire needed natural replacement. I even took one into the dealer to get a new tire and they told me not to bother; the plug was good enough to last! And it did.

FWIW, these were both holes caused by screws on tires that were in good condition.

az_slynch · Post by **az_slynch** » Sun Feb 09, 2014 9:12 pm

How ironic, I've picked up a nail in the rear tire of my Yager.

It's a very small hole (~1/8" in diameter), so I'm not too keen on jamming a reamer into the tire and making it bigger. The tire's at about half-tread, so I'm reluctant to replace it just yet. So, it's time for an experiment.

I bought a Dynaplug Ultralight from my local Cycle Gear. The cost of entry is a bit steep compared to a auto parts store kit ($30 versus $6) but the cost of additional plugs is slightly cheaper ($10 for five dynaplugs versus $9 for four regular plugs).

First impressions are that the plug is a lot smaller (and lighter) than a regular plug; the installation system looks much easier as well. According to the packaging, the Dynaplug has UTAC certified as a permanent repair and is rated up to 90mph. More than fast enough for most of our scoots.

I'm going out to pop it in and I'll road-test up through and including the 3:10 to Yuma ride (~500miles in two days for me). I'll report once I've got some more useful data.