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How you handle a flat tire on the trail will depend on the severity of the damage to the tire and/or the inner tube
and what tools and supplies you keep with you. If you have a slow leak or a minor puncture, there are two ways
you can try to make a temporary repair:
1. Use an aerosol tire sealer to seal the puncture and inflate the tube. You can do this without removing the
wheel.
2. Use a tube repair kit to patch the hole in the inner tube. This requires removal of the wheel and tire.
If the leak is more severe, or a temporary repair does not hold up, you will need to replace the inner tube.
If the tire is also severely damaged, you will need to replace the tire as well.
If you cannot repair the flat tire on the trail, you will need to push the motorcycle back to your base or send for
help. Do not ride on a flat tire. The motorcycle will be hard to handle, and if the tire comes of the rim, it can lock
up the wheel and cause you to crash.
Personal safety is the first priority after an accident. If you or anyone else has been injured, take plenty of time to
assess the severity of the injuries and determine if it is safe to continue riding. If you cannot ride safely, send
someone for help. Do not ride if you will risk further injury or if your motorcycle has been damaged too severely.
If you decide you are capable of riding safely, carefully inspect the motorcycle for damage. Check the tightness
of critical nuts and bolts such as the handle bars, control levers, brakes and wheels. If there is minor damage, or
you are not sure about possible damage but decide to ride back to your base, ride slowly and cautiously.
Sometimes crash damage is hidden or not immediately apparent. Once you get home, go over your motorcycle
thoroughly and fix any problems that you find. Also, be sure to have your Xmotos dealer inspect the frame and
suspension after a serious crash.
The drive chain, master link, control cables, brake controls, and other components can be damaged if you ride in
dense brush or over rocky terrain. As mentioned earlier, making the repair on the trail will depend on the severity
of the damage, tools, supplies, and skills that you have.
1. If the drive chain comes off because the master link clip has been knocked off, you may be able to repair the
chain with a new master link. However, if the chain is broken or causes damage when it comes off, you may not
be able to make a trailside repair.
2. If any component of the front braking system is damaged, you may be able to ride back to your base carefully
using the rear brake for slowing and stopping. Likewise, if a component of the rear braking system fails, you can
use the front brake for slowing and stopping.
3. If you damage the throttle cable or some other critical component, the motorcycle may be unsafe to ride.
Carefully assess the damage and make any repairs that you can. But if you have any doubts, it is best to be
conservative and safe.
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