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What Is It Like To Ride A Motorcycle In Patagonia?

Flats, we all get them, and we all sigh when it happens

11/10/2019

 
Over the years here in Patagonia one thing became clear very quickly. Flat tires happen and they happen more that you think. I want to share what I carry here while out riding. Being prepared for a flat is important to keep the Brraaapp train going.

Getting a flat on a tubeless wheel is no big deal, you can treat it like a car tire and plug it with those gummy tire plugs and a few tools. It’s a quick 10-minute job with a 12v air compressor and your back on the road. However, on more dirt oriented dual sport bikes that use a tube inside the tire, the situations become a bit more involved. While changing a tube is not a technically hard thing to do, it does require technique. It can be most compared to changing a bicycle tire. The ideas are the same the tools similar, but a motorcycle tire bead is much tighter and harder to dismount and then seat.

I carry several things to make these roadside jobs go quicker.
  • Tools to remove the wheel
  • Tire levers to remove the tire - I use 3, one long and 2 shorter ones
  • Spare tube
  • Patch kit as a back up
  • Soap and water (these items get overlooked but make a big difference when setting the bead)
  • 12v Air Compressor
  • Patience
With these items you can successfully change a tube on the side of the road and get moving again. I suggest practicing this task. Its best not to be on the side of the road in a remote area and realize you haven’t a clue how to put all these items to use. Another piece of advice it to NEVER throw away the old tube. Keep it and at the next town have a tire shop patch it professionally. Otherwise your down to no spare tube. Keeping that old one will save you some headaches down the road should you get another flat. I’ve been on rides where a rider has gotten 3 flats in a 2-day period, that’s right, two flats in one day plus a bonus flat the next day!

Being prepared with the necessary items only goes as far as your skill, so get the tools you need and practice how to change the tube. Maybe even investigate taking a class on these types of roadside repairs. I know at events like The Overland Event in the UK and Overland Expo in the USA they offer classes on changing tubes and basic repairs to keep the ride going.

​And remember along with those tools and training have a good attitude and patience. Those last two have eluded me in the past and without them its always a tougher situation.
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    Author

    Daniel Palazzolo, Co-Founder and Lead Guide at Moto Patagonia.
    Long time rider, first time writer.

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Moto Patagonia was created to share this incredible part of the world.
Here are several ways to follow our adventures.

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 Puerto Varas - Chile
Email 
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Moto Patagonia fue creado para compartir esta increíble parte del mundo.
Aquí tienes varias formas de seguir nuestras aventuras.

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Horario
9am-6pm
Lunes a Domingo

Fono & WhatsApp
ENG: +56 9 4267 2861 
ESP: +56 9 4267 2872
Puerto Varas - Chile

Email 
​info@motopatagonia.com

  • HOME
  • MOTORCYCLE TOURS
  • MOTORCYCLE RENTALS
  • TOUR DATES
  • ABOUT
  • CONTACT
  • FAQ
  • PATAGONIA LIFE
  • INICIO
  • TOURS
  • ARRIENDOS
  • FECHAS DE TOURS
  • NOSOTROS
  • CONTACTO
  • PREGUNTAS FRECUENTES