🚲 4,000 Miles and a Simple Flat: A Call to AAA
By the time October 4, 2017, rolled around, the CB550 had proven its revival many times over, accumulating a reliable 4,000 miles since getting back on the road. The bike was running great, and on this particular day, I was simply out enjoying a pleasant fall afternoon ride through the local Ohio countryside. The air was crisp, the leaves were changing, and everything felt right—until it didn’t.
While meandering down a quiet county road, I noticed the unmistakable sensation of a flat rear tire.
The Unexpected Interruption
A flat is an inevitable part of riding, but it’s always inconvenient. Since I was riding so close to home, and relying on the high-mileage confidence I had built up, I hadn’t bothered to pack any tire repair tools. It quickly became clear that roadside repair was not an option, and with no one available to easily retrieve the bike, I did the sensible thing: I called for help.
Relying on the Safety Net
My solution was simple and highly effective: I called AAA.
Within a reasonable amount of time, a tow truck arrived, complete with a covered trailer. They were meticulous, treating the classic bike with care, and efficiently secured both me and the CB550. This brief incident served as a potent reminder that even a perfectly maintained, recently revived motorcycle is still susceptible to road debris and bad luck. The peace of mind provided by a reliable roadside assistance service is priceless, especially when riding a machine that’s over 40 years old. We were both delivered safe and sound back home.
The Post-Mortem and Replacement
Once the bike was safely in the garage, I inspected the tire and wheel assembly. I never did find a definitive reason for the puncture—no nail, no obvious cut—but the damage was done. Because I had ridden the bike perhaps just a bit too long on the tire before pulling over, there was a high risk that the sidewall or bead had been compromised, making it unsafe to repair.
The solution was clear: replacement. I installed a new tire and tube, opting again for the Shinko 712 to maintain the matched set with the tire already on the front.
The entire episode was a minor setback, but it was easily resolved, proving that sometimes the best tool in your kit is a cell phone and a roadside assistance membership. With limited riding time left this year, I should be all set for next season!