This came from a leading London M/C tyre supplier who I’ve used before for years - although not for a front tyre patch.
Front tyre temporarily fixed with a sticky rope plug (air tight) - hole bang in centre of tread (in the T Zone) and very small.
I checked tyre manufactures advice - they only say hole should be 3mm or smaller and in the “T Zone” … nothing about front tyre patches being illegal.
I know regulations change but the tyre fitters can’t be right can they? … Illegal??
That’s what I thought! I know that patching a front is less safe should it blow (than a rear) but I’ve never heard it was illegal…Tyre shop trying it on?
Probably a bit late for this topic but… a search reveals:
UK Motorcycle Tyre Repair Regulations
Based on the provided search results, here is a summary of the UK regulations for repairs to motorcycle tyres:
British Standard BS AU 159: This standard defines the requirements for safe minor car tyre puncture repair and its proximity to the sidewall. For motorcycle tyres, it is essential to work within the minor repair area, which is the central part of the tyre, away from the sidewall.
Maximum hole diameter: The repairable area has a maximum hole diameter of 6 mm for tyres with a speed rating of < VR, and 3 mm for tyres with a speed rating of ZR (as per the table in one of the search results).
Thanks rockit99 - that’s more or less how I figured it - not illegal to fix front flats as long as it’s in the right part of the tyre and not beyond the stated size of puncture … mine is in the right place and small enough
This sounds very much like it’s illegal to keep your helmet on at a petrol pump. It’s not, just they want to throw that word at you to stop any discussion on the subject.
Possibly some garages considering safety and not wanting to risk a repair in case it doesn’t last then someone has an accident.
They shouldn’t however be saying it is illegal if it isn’t.
