Front tire flat

[hunkyjohn]

While climbing the lower levels of Wolf Creek Pass today I experienced a sudden deflation of the front tire. Now that I have succeeded (but not with a harrowing moment or two) in getting off the road under these circumstances, I may be prepared to do it better should it happen again in the future.

I would appreciate any advice as to how better manage (under total control) such a sudden flat of the front tire.

BTW, thanks to my mentor, Walt Tormohlen, I found out that mounting the spare on the front end works pretty well in an emergency situation, as long as speed is kept pretty low.

John

[DirtyDR]

I haven't had the pleasure of a front flat on the Ural yet but having had a few on the 2 wheelers over the years any time that you can stop the bike without damage or falling down you did it right. I don't know that I have ever found a proper procedure for that particular problem though. That spare works real nice on the front as long as you don't need to use that juicy front brake, of course Walt would have known that. Let me give you a hint, if you don't already know, don't go trying to race him he may be old but he's sure quick.

[Latguy]

Sorry that you've had a harrowing experience!
You seem to have figured out pretty quick how to handle it - sounds like you should be giving advice...
What kind of rig do you have?

[hunkyjohn]

2006 Patrol w/ Modtops, jetted at 130/45 (which by the way seems to work well from 500 ft on up)

The really bad part was not assessing the situation fast enough. If I ever have it happen again, I would not touch the front brake because I think using it caused the machine to dive to the left almost uncontrollably. In fact, I was forced far enough to the left to cause the car behind to decide not to pass; with no traffic coming at me I just went with the flow and came to a stop on the opposite shoulder. It could have been real bad.

Walt is a great rider, teacher, and Ural innovator; not only safely fast but I think he may be able to climb Wolf Creek on two wheels, but please don’t suggest it to him! BTW he speaks very well of your riding ability.

John

John

[DirtyDR]

I look forward to doing many more miles with Walt. Speaking of many more miles, since you didn't make it to Moab you going to try for Sipapu this year? I know Walt said he would be there so it would be nice to get a few more Urals to show up. Just in case anyone else wants to know too:
http://www.nmbmwmc.org/sipapu.htm

[hunkyjohn]

Dana, we are what they call, "seasonal residents", here in Pagosa, which means we will not be here in Sept. However, Susan and I are taking the hack to Moab a week from Monday. We will not be retracing your more adventuresome routes but we are really looking forward to it.

jf

[ridenfly]

Hey Dana Graybeard, careful using the "old" word.
Of course it is only relative to the writer and has little meaning overall. We have a skier here who is 94 and skiis weekly at Wolf Creek. I like to say he has vast experience.

[DirtyDR]

Unfortunately none of us are getting any younger Walt. I do have nothing but respect for you even if your rig does run better. Or maybe because it runs better.

[ridenfly]

Getting older is the best option.

The slower rider needs a faster bike.