I've always wondered about this too...I definitely see both sides of it but have never plugged a motorcycle tire "just in case".
Having said this...the R6 that my wife rides got a nail in it with only 800 miles on it.

Since it was her bike I didn't want to take any chances so we bought a new tire.
Soooo....
For Sale...one... 180 x 55 x 17 Dunlop Qualifier 800 miles...no wheelies...no burnouts...fat chicken strips (new rider) with one small pin hole.
All resonable offers considered.