Symptoms
- Tire looks visibly low or flat
- Bike feels unstable or wanders slightly at speed
- Tire pressure warning (if equipped) or you notice it's low during a walk-around check
Likely causes
- CommonPuncture from a nail or road debrisSimilar to a car, sharp debris can puncture the tread and cause a slow or fast leak.
- CommonValve stem leakA cracked or loose valve stem can cause a slow leak that's easy to overlook.
- PossibleWheel bead not sealed properly against the rimEspecially on tube-type wheels or after a tire change, an improper seal can cause slow leakage.
What to do
- Check tire pressure with a gauge and compare to your bike's recommended cold PSI (usually on a sticker on the swingarm or in the manual).
- Visually inspect the tire for an obvious nail, screw, or object stuck in the tread.
- Spray soapy water around the valve stem and along the tire bead to look for bubbles indicating a leak location.
- Do not ride on a flat or significantly underinflated motorcycle tire, since it drastically affects handling and stability at speed.
- Many motorcycle tires (especially tubeless ones) can be plugged temporarily for a slow leak, but this should be treated as a short-term fix.
- Have the tire properly repaired or replaced by a shop, especially if it's a tube-type tire, a rear tire, or the puncture is in the sidewall.
Tools and parts
- Tire pressure gauge
- Soapy water spray bottle
Replacement motorcycle tire, correct sizeSearch: “motorcycle tire size for [your bike year make model]”
When to call a pro
Sidewall punctures, tube-type tire repairs, and any repair on a high-speed or heavily loaded bike should be done by a professional, not a plug kit alone.
Safety
Use caution
Never ride at speed on a flat or significantly low motorcycle tire; the loss of stability is far more dangerous than in a car.