Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Technical, Bike forums > BMW Tech
Using tubes (for tubeless tyres) and 1200GS Using tubes (for tubeless tyres) and 1200GS
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
BMW Tech BMW Tech Forum - For Questions specific and of interest to BMW riders only.
Photo by Hendi Kaf, in Cambodia

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Hendi Kaf,
in Cambodia



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 21 Dec 2007
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Cambridgeshire, England
Posts: 45
Using tubes (for tubeless tyres) and 1200GS
I've been looking for some tubes to carry for emergencies and found this site:

Just Tubes - Discount Motorcycle Inner Tubes

Looks like a big range of tubes so thought it might be of interest here.

I've got tubeless tyres but understand you can put a tube in in emergencies. Am I right in thinking this will be OK on my 1200GS spoke rims ? (They weren't over keen to commit to this being OK on the phone).

They seem to sell primarily two types - a regular Continental one and a heavy duty 4mm Bridgestone one. Which would be better to carry ?
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 21 Dec 2007
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Saudi Arabia
Posts: 173
There are many who use tubes in tubeless tyres for variouse reasons but I would only use in emergencies as in too damaged to plug it as a tube in a tubeless can cause the tyre to overheat. Don't forget you would have to cut the tubeless valve off.

Cheers
Ian
Last edited by Dessertstrom; 21 Dec 2007 at 11:30.
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 21 Dec 2007
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Cambridgeshire, England
Posts: 45
Hi. Yea I understand that, I really am talking about real emergencies here. For example being in the middle of nowhere with a tyre cut that a plugger can't fix. Just to be able to limp to civilisation (slowly!).
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 21 Dec 2007
AliBaba's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: Norway
Posts: 1,379
I would not be afraid of the overheat issue. People use tubes all the time with no problems, but some people say that when using a tube on a tubeless tire you should reduce the speedindex by 1.

When you install the tube you have to remove the tubeless valve and insert a spacer on the new valve stem because the hole in the rim is big and your valve might get ripped off. This spacer comes with some tubes but if not you can use a M8 spacer.

The 4mm tube takes up a lot of space, so unless you are going into real remote places carry something thinner.
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 21 Dec 2007
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Cambridgeshire, England
Posts: 45
Thanks - that was what I was thinking, just nice to have someone else's similar opinion
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 22 Dec 2007
seanh's Avatar
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: May 2004
Location: Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
Posts: 301
I bent my front wheel rim in Senegal, stuck a tube in, and rode through another 13 countries in Africa, high speed, low speed, off road, low pressure, without a problem. I know Grant has used tubes in tubeless tyres for most of his touring also. It might reduce your speed index a bit and make it a little bit hotter, but there really shouldn't be a problem. It also helps if you've taken the tyre off and can't re-seat the bead.
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 3 Jan 2008
Steve Pickford's Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: Oxford, UK
Posts: 994
I fitted the 18" spare rear tube from my 400EXC to the 17" rear wheel of a friends R1200GS last May when we were stuck in the Pyrenees, he'd suffered a 3" gash to the sidewall. Instant deflation, no chance of plugging it.

Got us 40km down the mountains & back to Sort & then another 75km to Andorra for another tyre. Tube was still usable when removed from the tyre.

Useful skill to learn. You'll need to cut the tubeless valve stem out to fit a tube, carry a spare bolt in version as the rubber pull through types are a pain to fit without the correct tool (DAMHIK).
__________________
My photos: www.possu.smugmug.com
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 25 Jan 2008
george t's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: May 2005
Location: London, UK
Posts: 119
Thumbs up tube on my GS
I had to fit an 18inch heavy duty tube (4mm Bridgestone) inside a 17in Tourance on a 12GS.

The plugs I carried didn't work and had to fit the tube in order to make it back. Used the bike with the inner tube in for about 2k miles and I had no problems -


I still have the tube somewhere in the garage and will carry it with me next time I am out and about..
Reply With Quote
Reply

« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Spoke wheel for 1200GS - alt suppliers ? flyerblade BMW Tech 2 14 Dec 2007 13:00

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

25 years of HU Events
Be sure to join us for this huge milestone!

ALL Dates subject to change.

2025 Confirmed Events:

Virginia: April 24-27
Queensland is back! May 2-5
Ecuador June 13-15
Germany Summer: May 29-June 1
CanWest: July 10-13
Switzerland: Date TBC
Ecuador: Date TBC
Romania: Date TBC
Austria: Sept. 11-14
California: September 18-21
France: September 19-21
Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

Adventurous Bikers – We've got all your Hygiene & Protection needs SORTED! Powdered Hair & Body Wash, Moisturising Cream Insect Repellent, and Moisturising Cream Sunscreen SPF50. ESSENTIAL | CONVENIENT | FUNCTIONAL.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

Your ad could be here, on EVERY page of the HUBB, or the whole website, or as many as you like!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.



All times are GMT +1. The time now is 16:29.

Contact Us - Horizons Unlimited Motorcycle Travellers Website - Archive - Privacy Statement - Top