Modern tyres, especially tubeless tyres, are the result of decades-long research and development. They are so much stronger and better performing than their predecessors that most are actually over-performing even the latest, most powerful bikes.

But that does not preempt the likelihood of punctures. A puncture is downright irritating and dangerous at the same time, hence it needs to be address as promptly as possible.

However, while this is obvious, we would like to point out that only small holes can be patched - NOT huge holes resulting from a cut or blow out.

What do we need?

There are several puncture repair kits in the market. The basic set consists of:

1. Rope plugs. (more popularly called 'cacing' in Malaysia);
2. A hole routing tool; and
3. A patch insertion tool.

These are good enough, but it is better to get a set complete with these items.

1. Rope plugs. (more popularly called 'cacing' in Malaysia);
2. A hole routing tool; and
3. A patch insertion tool.
4. 1 x Connector complete with valve.
5. 1 X Cutter.
6. 1 x Tube of glue.
7. 3 x CO₂ canisters (avoiding the need for an air pump).

You will also need a pair of pliers for extracting the object that punctured the tyre.

Plugging the puncture

Finding the puncture is usually easy because the offending object should still be there on the tyre. If it is not, pump up the tyre and spray water on the tyre and look for escaping air or bubbles.

1. Upon finding the hole, check the tyre and check for other signs of puncture.

2.Pull the offending item out with the pliers.

3. Pick up the corkscrew-like tool and ream in and out of the hole to rough it up a bit.

4. Apply the cement into and around hole. The cement is to hold the rope plug in place.

5. Insert the sticky rope plug through the eyelet of the needle.

6. Push the needle with the rope plug through the hole and pull the needle back out quickly.

7. Cut off the excess rope plug, leaving about 1cm.

8. Place the metal part of the valve adapter on the tyre valve.

9. Push in a CO2 canister into the red end of the adapter.

10 . Check again to see if air is escaping from the repaired hole, by sprinkling some water on it or spitting on it.

11. You can ride away if there’s no further leak, or you may need to insert another plug if there is.

After plugging

Ride slowly at not more than 80 km/h for 15 minutes after reinflating the tyre with the CO2 canisters. Do look for the nearest petrol station or workshop to inflate the tyre to the correct pressure and check on the plug.

Besides that, look for a reputable motorcycle workshop to remove the tyre and patch it from the inside, as the 'cacing' is not a permanent fix.

Also remember that the tyre's structure is now compromised and it requires you to drop the maximum speed rating by one step i.e. Z --> V. This is why the best solution is to replace the tyre.