Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Technical, Bike forums > Honda Tech
Tyres: to tube or not to tube? Tyres: to tube or not to tube?
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
Honda Tech Honda Tech Forum - For Questions specific and of interest to Honda riders only.
Photo by Andy Miller, UK, Taking a rest, Jokulsarlon, Iceland

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


Photo by Andy Miller, UK,
Taking a rest,
Jokulsarlon, Iceland



Reply
Page 1 of 3 1 23
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 4 Dec 2007
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Bristol
Posts: 27
Tyres: to tube or not to tube?
Hi all,

What is the concensous amongst the wise travellers on the issue of choice or tyre type? as is tubeless or tubed for ease of puncture repairs in the 'wilds'??

I know that the specific tyre make has been looked at in detail on other threads, I'm after a more general overview on which way to look for a RTW on an Africa Twin??

Many thanks in anticipation...
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 4 Dec 2007
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Saudi Arabia
Posts: 173
My personal choice is tubeless as on my V-Strom, you can prefill the tyres with Slime or some other and just remove the nail and it will self seal or you can use a plug without having to take the wheel off. A tubeless tyre will deflate slowly when punctured but a tube can go down very quickly.
Don't forget that if a bike has spoked wheels, except big BMWs,then you are stuck with tubes.
Cheers
Ian
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 4 Dec 2007
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: spain
Posts: 72
The Africa Twin needs tubes...unless you've changed the wheels!
__________________
Dean
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 4 Dec 2007
MikeS's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Nov 2005
Posts: 1,187
Smile Tubeless rules!
Argentina-Alaska: February 2007

Scroll down to my blog entitled 'Bang Bang Bang! Its a puncture'

If I'd had tubed tires, I'd be probably dead. Probably.

Tubeless rules!
__________________
Mike


www.singapore-scotland.blogspot.com
www.argentina-alaska.blogspot.com
My little Vid: India/Pakistan

BMW R1150GS
Suzuki DR650 SE: Ride it like ya stole it. Oh, somebody just did...
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 4 Dec 2007
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Bristol
Posts: 27
....and they say that there are no stupid questions? I'm always happy to prove such sayings as wrong.....

Tubes it'll be then... if I do buy an AT to go on (still practising on an Transalp)... my Aussie mate will wet himself when he see's this thread as we were discussing such 'complexities' on the phone when I suggested I knew of a pool of information to assist (the HUBB)... and he had me convinced that you could get tubeless tyres for a TA...

I live and learn...... (and thanks for the help)
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 4 Dec 2007
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Bristol
Posts: 27
Now I'm really confused; great site and blog Mike... Does that mean I can get tubeless for a TA?????
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 4 Dec 2007
MikeS's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Nov 2005
Posts: 1,187
Its really pretty simple- I think with the Africa Twin, you're stuck with tubed tires. (I have a GS so its tubeless).




Quote:
Originally Posted by Crazylegs View Post
Now I'm really confused; great site and blog Mike... Does that mean I can get tubeless for a TA?????
__________________
Mike


www.singapore-scotland.blogspot.com
www.argentina-alaska.blogspot.com
My little Vid: India/Pakistan

BMW R1150GS
Suzuki DR650 SE: Ride it like ya stole it. Oh, somebody just did...
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 4 Dec 2007
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Saudi Arabia
Posts: 173
Crazylegs,
Spoked wheels are for tubed as the spoke fittings in centre of the rim will let air out. The exception being BMW GS rims where the spokes are fitted to the outer edge of the rim.
The wheels for tubeless tyres are mostly cast alloy.
There are some spoked wheels with a deep centre section with a rubber seal to stop air escape past the spoke fittings, the Africa Twin does not have them.
Cheers
Ian
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 4 Dec 2007
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Bristol
Posts: 27
Thanks Mike and all....

No yet bought the bike for the 'big trip' so all good info to make an 'informed' choice....

I'll now travel the many tyre threads of the www.....

Cheers
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 4 Dec 2007
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,598
Quote:
Originally Posted by Crazylegs View Post
....and they say that there are no stupid questions? I'm always happy to prove such sayings as wrong.....

Tubes it'll be then... if I do buy an AT to go on (still practising on an Transalp)... my Aussie mate will wet himself when he see's this thread as we were discussing such 'complexities' on the phone when I suggested I knew of a pool of information to assist (the HUBB)... and he had me convinced that you could get tubeless tyres for a TA...

I live and learn...... (and thanks for the help)
Is it possible to use tubeless tyres with a tube on a bike ? In the past I had to fit tubes to a car with alloy rims, because they would not hold their bead seal going around bends, and would deflate completely suddenly. Last alloy rims I ever had.. Until this BMW. Sadly that too leaks between the tyre and rim ( only on the front) For me at least, riding/driving since 1960 evrry time ( twice) I have had tubless tyres combined with alloy rims they have failed. Certainly the alloy rims and tubless tyre setup will accept tubes, but I am not sure if there may be a difference of form factor in the bead, fitting tubeless tyres to spoked rims. if that is an ok thing to do, then you at least could use tubeless tyres on theh AT with tubes. The tubless tyres seem less flexible than tubed, but that may just be changes in materials across the board since i had Triumphs.

Edit, teh new Triumph Bonnevilles come with tubed tubeless tyres on spoked wheels, but as they are built that way, maybe teh bead on teh rims is different?? i just do not know.
Last edited by oldbmw; 4 Dec 2007 at 20:39. Reason: remembered about new triumphs
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 5 Dec 2007
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: kuala lumpur
Posts: 212
yes you can!
Hi,
My Dommie uses a tubeless tyre, but all spoked rims has to use tube, so just fit the tube in the rim, it shouldnt be any problem. Most new tyres nowdays are tubeless & if you have a sport rims youre LUCKY & if not youre tubed.... (even if youre tyre says its tubeless)
Like most of us out here...
It has been agreed by everyone on the HUBB but....

one day.......

I met a mechanic that uses some kind "secret" formula to fill all the holes in a normal spoked rims!
As a results =
TUBELESS SPOKED RIMS!!
He's a traveller too & have done many miles on his original DR800 spoked rims with no nightmare... hes done it on some easy riders too &
he's asking for $100 for the modfication...

But Im just not convinced yet. Any Ideas/suggestion/oppinion?


Ride Safe/Save/Sober
__________________
Ride
Safe,
Sober,
& Save!
"man without beard is like porridge without salt": Ned Kelly
Last edited by Osama Radzi; 5 Dec 2007 at 09:41.
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 5 Dec 2007
AliBaba's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: Norway
Posts: 1,379
It is possible to fit tubeless tires on tubed rims (with tubes). On some tires (eg TKC80) it impossible (at least for me) to see the difference between the tubed version and the tubeless version.

There are some bikes which have spoked rims which can be used tubeless, from memory:

Aprilia, CapoNord
Honda XL600LM
All BMW boxer-GS (not G/S)


BMW has x-spoked rims. The spoke enter the rim beside the tire:


If you have (or can find) hubs for your bike that has room for 40 spokes it should be possible to use the BMW-setup.
Last edited by AliBaba; 5 Dec 2007 at 10:47.
Reply With Quote
  #13  
Old 5 Dec 2007
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Saudi Arabia
Posts: 173
You can fit tubes in tubeless tyres in an emergency but I think the tyre manufacturers state that the heat characteristics are different and a tube in a tubeless tyre will overheat which increases tyre pressure which in turn reduces the tyre footprint on the road which then effects the grip.
Get some moose inserts for your spoked wheels like the Dakar boys.
Cheers
Ian
Reply With Quote
  #14  
Old 5 Dec 2007
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Sax, Spain
Posts: 901
exscuse my ignorance........
Quote:
Originally Posted by Dessertstrom View Post
You can fit tubes in tubeless tyres in an emergency but I think the tyre manufacturers state that the heat characteristics are different and a tube in a tubeless tyre will overheat which increases tyre pressure which in turn reduces the tyre footprint on the road which then effects the grip.
Get some moose inserts for your spoked wheels like the Dakar boys.
Cheers
Ian
I have googled it, and searched, and apart from looking on the veterinarian pages, what the Heck is a "Moose Insert"????

Martyn
Reply With Quote
  #15  
Old 5 Dec 2007
AliBaba's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: Norway
Posts: 1,379
Quote:
Originally Posted by Martynbiker View Post
I have googled it, and searched, and apart from looking on the veterinarian pages, what the Heck is a "Moose Insert"????

Martyn
Not suited for touring, but here it is:
Michelin Off-Road Motorcycle Tyre Accessories
Reply With Quote
Reply
Page 1 of 3 1 23

« 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
Tyres, tyres, tyres! Mark & Lynda Equipping the Overland Vehicle 17 26 Jul 2009 22:32
Shipping tyres edteamslr Route Planning 2 1 Nov 2007 15:41
Mixing tyres on a Landy CornishDaddy Equipping the Overland Vehicle 22 30 Jan 2007 09:02
Carrying spare tyres across borders iris_trui Equipping the Bike - what's the best gear? 5 18 Feb 2002 12:49

 
 

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

ALL Dates subject to change.

2025 Confirmed Events:

  • Virginia: April 24-27 2025
  • Queensland is back! May 2-4 2025
  • Germany Summer: May 29-June 1 2025
  • CanWest: July 10-13 2025
  • Switzerland: Date TBC
  • Ecuador: Date TBC
  • Romania: Date TBC
  • Austria: Sept. 11-15
  • California: September 18-21
  • France: September 19-21 2025
  • Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2 2025

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 15:33.

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