to patch or not to patch, that is the question
 

Just wondering how you guys feel about patching tires. I recently got a nail in my rear tire, right in the middle of it, damn thing's practically brand new only 500 miles on it.

How do you ride? I wouldn't do a trackday on it, but for tooling around with occasional twisties with no extended triple digit speeds, I'd be ok with a plug.

Rope plugs even work if the tire has decent tread thickness.
But for security, use a mushroom patch, the kind that looks like a round patch with a stem sticking out of the center.
And always keep in mind ( the back of your mind) that you are on a repaired tire that could self destruct at speeds over 120 mph.
Stay within reason and wear out that tire and get your moneys worth out of it.
(good excuse to practice wheelies, power slides, etc. )

Yes, I've patched a few. Should be a patch/plug. If it's done right it should last the life of the tire.

you will not find a good evidence-based answer. Use common sense in how you ride and what kind of puncture, what kind of shape and tread left on the tire. here is what dunlop says. Obviously they are erring way on the corporate side of safety, but do you really want to err on any other side when its your butt on the bike:

http://www.dunlopmotorcycle.com/info....asp?id=13#tip

Tire Repair


Some punctures in motorcycle tires may be repaired.

Dunlop recommends only permanent plug-patch repairs of small (maximum 1/4-inch diameter) tread area punctures from within the dismounted tire by a qualified tire repair shop or motorcycle dealer. Never perform an exterior repair and never use an inner tube as a substitute for a proper repair. Speed should not exceed 50 mph for the first 24 hours after repair and the repaired tire should never be used over 75 mph. Check inflation pressure after tire cools for at least three (3) hours following run-in, or sooner if air loss is suspected.

No form of temporary repair should be attempted because secondary damage caused by a penetrating object may not be detected and tire or tube deflation may occur at a later date.

Dunlop does not recommend the use of liquid sealants. These are a form of temporary repair, and they may adversely affect ply material and mask secondary damage caused by a penetrating object. Reliance upon sealants can result in sudden tire failure and accident.

i would patch car tyres but never a bike tyre

I've patched a few bike tires, it's no big deal for general street riding.

+1 on these points

I would use a rope plug to get home, but any punctured tire should be taken off the wheel & inspected for secondary damage - such as a curved nail rubbing on the inside of the tire.