Motorcycle Repair: Nothing Major, shadow sabre, dirt bikes

Question
Hi Rich,

How ya doin?  I was curious, I had a flat on my bike on the rear tire, and I had to drive on it for quite a bit.  I also had more issues on my bike that needed to be corrected.  I have an 07 Shadow Sabre 1100.  I was wondering would you recommend changing the tire altogether or patching it and how much it would cost for each?  I also needed a new gear shift lever, mine was bent up pretty badly on a drop, as well as changing all the fluids, including oil in the shaft, and my air filter.  How much would you think this would run me?

Answer
Well Rick...I'm afraid my experience is on older pre-82 Hondas so I can't really say.  I'd never recommend patching a motorcycle tire, except dirt bikes.  You only have two of them and if you happen to be cruising the highway at 70 ro 80 mph and that patch decided it's had enough abuse, you can loose a lot of skin at those speeds. I've lost more than I wanted to at 40 mph.  As far as the other expenses, I have no clue but I know it will depend a lot on who does the work.  If you do the work, about $75-100 bucks.

Regards
Rich