A few weeks ago I stumbled across a write-up from a guy who used zip ties to keep his tire on the rim after getting a flat. Basically, he put 3 thick zip ties about 2 inches apart around the tire and the rim. The zip tie fell between the *****. He said it kept the bead on the rim so he could ride out.

I thought that idea was cool so I bought some beefy zip ties on Amazon. Unfortunately, my tool kit is packed, so I curled them up and put them on top of the air box.

Zip ties 5/16' x 24"

 

That's really clever. I'll have to pack some up!

 

Cheap, light weight insurance. Without them you are leaving the bike, with them you are slowly riding out.
Haven't used mine yet...
Nice stow spot!

 

Probably not a bad idea but I've rode a lot of miles on flats on both ends and not had an issue other than having to limp an ill handling bike.

 

Sounds like a great idea in case all else fails. Personally for me I would rather patch the tube or put my spare tube in and try that first. I've had several flats both front and rear over the years on both of my bikes. Only one time I said screw it and rode 2 miles home at a crawl to get the bike home. I did that because it was 5 am and I was going to work. It was on my klr250 and it wasn't a good choice. I ended up breaking several spokes and destroyed a half way good tire. I was only doing about 5 mph the whole way, but it destroyed the sidewall of the tire. Carrying the necessary tools, tubes, and compressor doesn't take up much room. Here's how I do it on my klr250. Tools in the front fender bag and tubes and air compressor in tank bag. Since this picture I have also added a small portable telescoping jack to the underside of the rear rack.



The front fender bag holds all of these tools:



Here's when I got a flat tire on my GS in which I used bricks to hold the front of the bike off the ground. I changed the tube and was back on the road in less than 30 minutes.



All of these tools on the GS are under the seat: