Africa Twin front tyre punctures- abnormally high incidence

[genie]

I have had at least 5 punctures on my front wheel over a 18 month period. I know a few other AT riders that have had abnormally high number of punctures on the front wheel too. I took the factory fitted tyre off on day one plus I fitted heavy duty tubes- done by fitment center that I have used for many years. Current tyre is Mitas E07+. I had 2 1200 BMW GSs and never had one puncture riding similar routes to those done on AT. I know there is a certain amount of chance involved when getting punctures, but this frequency is beyond bad luck. My theory ( not based on any technical reasoning) is that the rim design is contributing to punctures caused by heavy impacts I.e. snake bites. Does anybody have an explanation for the abnormally high number of punctures on the AT front wheel? Measures to minimize punctures taking into account I already use heavy duty tubes?

[Mikie]

MY GF had the stock tyres on hers as well, cant remember the brand but they were kak, very soft rubber, causes pinch punctures very easily, hence your high rate of punctures

[Kobus Myburgh]

What pressure are you riding on genie?

[genie]

@Mikie I have never used the stock tyres- were replaced before I rode out of the dealership. 2 bar front and 2,5 bar rear

[Mikie]

Oh sorry I misread.
Thats strange, MItas are hard tyres

[Kobus Myburgh]

@Mikie I have never used the stock tyres- were replaced before I rode out of the dealership. 2 bar front and 2,5 bar rear

Up your front to 2.1.  Since I’ve done that I have (touch wood) not had a snake bite, and I’ve had my fair share as well. 


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[genie]

Thanks Kobus, not convinced raising pressure by 0,1 bar is the answer to the problem- pressure goes up by more than 0,1 bar from temperature generated while driving. I have pressure monitoring fitted

[Kobus Myburgh]

Unfortunately can’t help you more than what I’ve experienced.

Quest 2017 - TKC 80’s combined with OEM tubes, varying pressures.  Lots of punctures.  Myself and Scrat had two rear wheel punctures, non related to pinches.  We rode the whole event on 2.0 bar.

Quest 2018 - Karoo 3’s with heavy duty tubes.  Way, way less punctures and the majority caused by a batch of factory defect tubes.  They were replaced afterwards.  I rode on 2.0 bar and suffered two pinch flats front, but could feel both due to incorrect lines chosen.

On my 2017 Quest bike suffered numerous punctures up to changing the OEM tubes to heavy duty and upping the cold pressure to 2.1 bar.

Let me know if you find a solution that works for you.


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[Mikie]

Have you tried using Slime?

[Welsh]

Have you tried using Slime?

Slime in conjunction with your Avatar is disturbing. 

[genie]

Have not tried slime om my bike. My experience on my ride on lawn mower was not good though. I am looking for the cause of the problem and a measure to prevent it. Any thoughts on using a lubricant like talc powder to make the tube slide over the rim and preventing pinching?

[Bwana]

I upped my pressure to 2.2 and touch would have not had a puncture since that was 7000kms back normally would have had at least 2 by now.

[Captain Zef]

Had my first front wheel puncture at 2000km. Replaced the factory tube. Good so far.