Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Technical, Bike forums > Other Bikes Tech
Inner tube problem - Seeking advice Inner tube problem - Seeking advice
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
Other Bikes Tech For Technical Questions on bikes not listed in the other forums.
Photo by Alessio Corradini, on the Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia, of two locals

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


Photo by Alessio Corradini,
on the Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia,
of two locals



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 7 Nov 2005
maria41's Avatar
The franglais-riders
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: UK
Posts: 1,185
Inner tube problem - Seeking advice
Hi everyone! I have a (maybe silly) question. My tyres deflates slowly and get flat within 3 weeks.
I got new tyres and inner tubes fitted in April and this is when it started. I then went back complaining there was something wrong with the inner tubes and got them replaced. The garage said there was nothing wrong with the inner tubes they fitted in April. Now I have the same problem with the 2d set of inner tubes. I never in the past, with any bike, had to get the pressure checked every week! This is a bit silly but does anyone have the same problem? Is that normal? I only use the bike in town and small mileage.
__________________
Maria

www.franglais-riders.com
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 7 Nov 2005
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Oct 2002
Location: montana usa
Posts: 547
Hi, maybe somebody is secretly letting the air out of your tires? If you ride daily for three weeks there will be some pressure drop but the tires should not go flat. Try spraying some soapy water around the valve stem area to see if you get bubbles.Specificaly check the valve core. Otherwise perhaps the shop can immerse the rim a bit at a time looking for bubbles that would indicate a sloooww leak. You didn't say if they were mags (some old mags take tubes) or spoked wheels but both can develop corrosion that can damage a new tube.
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 8 Nov 2005
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: Edinburgh
Posts: 762
blow one up and leave it in your house. does it go down? You could always put something on the valve cap (honey/shoe polish?) and see if it's tampered with.
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 8 Nov 2005
maria41's Avatar
The franglais-riders
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: UK
Posts: 1,185
Thanks. These are very good idea! I will check if someone is tampering with them with some sticky stuff on the valves as this crossed my mind although who could do over several months?! The shop gave me the old tubes (which had the same problem) so I will do as suggested and check in water again, although according to the shop they couldn't find anything wrong at all with them. Thanks gain!
__________________
Maria

www.franglais-riders.com
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 8 Nov 2005
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: Edinburgh
Posts: 762
what about filling the top of the valve with talc, then if anyone tampers with it and lets air out that would also blow out the talc. Easy to check, and less messy than smearing honey over your valve caps.



DougieB - Anti-Tamper Enterprises Inc.
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 13 Nov 2005
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: cardigan,wales
Posts: 249
I've had this same thing before.All inner-tubes and tubeless tyres will loose pressure over time,but i found the cheap tubes to leak quite a bit more than the Michelin or Conti tubes.What you could do to cure it,is use one of those airosol "tyre repair/re-inflator" things that you get from most garages.It'll leave a sealant inside the tube that will seekout and seal-up and micro-leaks.Or insist on the thick enduro type tubes being fitted every time you get a new tyre fitted.

------------------
Just going for a short ride on my bike....
__________________
Just going for a short ride on my bike....
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 5 Oct 2006
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: Cape Town, South Africa
Posts: 303
crappy tubes
I had exactly the same problem with cheap crappy porous tubes here. Changed to good quality (Bridgestone) and no more problems.
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 5 Oct 2006
maria41's Avatar
The franglais-riders
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: UK
Posts: 1,185
sorted the problem
I sorted the problem by ... getting rid of the bike last year! Well I did not sell it for that reason of course!
Anyway, I think it was probably low quality inner tubes (thanks Infinity!).
I tried at the time to use one of those spray of "ultra seal" but it did not improve.
__________________
Maria

www.franglais-riders.com
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

 
 

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 07:16.

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