Quite interesting ride this evening

[Desmo Demon]

I always prefer to patch a tire from the inside. Having my own tire changer makes it easy, and many dealerships will absolutely refuse to patch a tire and will nto mount one if they know it's been patched. The largest reason I dislike plugging a tire is that, in a situation such as yours, you wind up taking a little, tiny hole and reaming it out to several times its size and rasping the heck out of the tire's cords.....every time I can feel and hear that rasp grinding away at the cords sends cringes up my spine.

[GraGra]

I was about 500 km into a long 2 week tour and got a nail in the rear. Didn't deflate - I accidentally noticed it while cleaning the back of the bike.

Took it to a local car tire shop - they removed the nail -it had penetrated and was leaking air.

They plugged the tire - cost was about 15 bucks - took 5 minutes.

No air leak on the spot, and I continued along for about another 2,500 km with the same tire until it started to leak air.

I say plug and monitor - but if the tire is shagged anyway, start looking for a replacement as well.

When possible, I too often pick up slightly used tires from the dealer here for a fraction of the new price. I make sure the rubber is relatively new and in good condition.

[jerryz]

I put an external plug in My S4 metzler Z6 rear 2600 miles ago still perfect .I always carry arepair kit in each of my Dukes.

[dlearl476]

Get a small tube of super glue with a tiny pointed applicator.  Push it into the hole and dispense some glue as you retract the applicator.  If it holds air, it's as good as new.
FWIW, I once put 3k miles on a Pilot Sport with a plug in it.  Never lost a bit of air.

[booger]

Stop 'N Go Pocket Plugger w/ the mushroom plugs & CO2 cartridges. Fits in the seat compartment. Everything you need to plug a tire as long as the hole is near the center. If too much off center you need a new tire. Aerostich has what you need.