Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Technical, Bike forums > Other Bikes Tech
tube or tubeless tyres? tube or tubeless tyres?
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
Other Bikes Tech For Technical Questions on bikes not listed in the other forums.
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 30 Sep 2008
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: stgo, chile
Posts: 67
Question tube or tubeless tyres?
Hello there, I have been wondering this subject for quite a long time, as a dirtbike rider, I got use to change tubes, etc when getting a flat in the woods, so, Now, I just bought a little bike for city traffic only, and I do not know what tyre to choose, tube or tubeless tyre, I reckon the tube tyre would be better on off road and the tubeless tyre would be better on the road.

Now, I see this little bike can handle some off road usage, gently though and I am just wondering what would be the best option, what do you reckon here? the bike is a Suzuki GN125, cheap tyres anyway

any help would be fantastic
__________________
Regards, Victor
Last edited by xt performer; 30 Sep 2008 at 02:37.
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 30 Sep 2008
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: West Yorkshire UK
Posts: 1,785
Can you choose which wheels you have?

The wheels will tell you which tyres. Basically, most modern cast wheels used tubeless which means the bead is designed to seal. Regardless of if you fit a tube or not you'll need a bead breaker to get inside. Fit a tube and get a puncture and you are waiting for the recovery truck. Spoked rims have the same issue, you can run the tubeless tyre with a tube but can forget fixing a puncture without half a ton of press as the tyre bead will be tight.

The bike manufacturers don't seem to care about punctures. BMW as standard fitted tubeless tyres with tubes on the F650 and Moto Guzzi do the same trick. This combination really does give the worst of both systems. Only Triumph seem to make any effort fitting tube type tyres on the spoked bikes.

The plug kits work just as well as new tubes and are a lot easier. If you can run cast wheels I'd run them tubeless. If you are going off road and really need spoked wheels I'd make sure you run proper tubed tyres.

Andy
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 30 Sep 2008
beddhist's Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: Whangarei, NZ
Posts: 2,214
There is another topic here on HUBB somewhere discussing whether fitting tyres without tubes on rims not designed for this is safe or not.

I like tubeless tyres, because you get less punctures and fix them without removing anything but the nail. However, the rim must be marked tubeless or you run the risk of blowouts, should the tyre be pushed off the side of the rim (pothole...).
__________________
Cheers,
Peter.

Europe to NZ 2006-10
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 30 Sep 2008
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: stgo, chile
Posts: 67
Thanks for that Threewheelbonnie and beddhist, I run "cast wheels", (OEM wheels) the bike is almost new, (600 kays). The strange part here is that the tyres have tube tyres instead tubeless tyres, having tube tyres is a reason of costs in this chinese suzuki. I have some plugs from the old kit of my TDM850 so I will use it here. Ok, thanks again, I am going to use tubeless tyres then, taking advantage of the cast wheels and now, a technical question.

Running tubeless tyres in off road, I mean gravel and some dirt, what is the air pressure that the tyre can cope with off riding?, with my TTR, I was on the 17-18 PSI range, I do not know if tubeless tyres can take these low pressure, maybe the they can or..... what do you reckon?

here is a pic of the bike
Attached Images
 
__________________
Regards, Victor
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 1 Oct 2008
beddhist's Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: Whangarei, NZ
Posts: 2,214
Exclamation
At the risk of repeating myself: I don't think you have considered whether the rims are marked and designed for tubeless tyres. If they aren't, then they are missing the humps on either side, that prevents a tubeless tyre from jumping off the shoulder into the bed, causing instant loss off all air. If you then decrease the tyre pressure you will greatly increase the chances of that happening.

If the rims are marked tubeless then I think you can safely decrease the air pressure. I have run on a flat tyre with my K100RT and it didn't jump off. That's the beauty of tubeless.
__________________
Cheers,
Peter.

Europe to NZ 2006-10
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 1 Oct 2008
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: West Yorkshire UK
Posts: 1,785
Cast wheels with OEM tube tyres would have me looking for the markings as Beddhist says. My MZ (1994) has cast wheels, but the casting is so porous they ran a tube tyre and tube. I wonder if the Chinese had the same idea?

Andy
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 2 Oct 2008
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: stgo, chile
Posts: 67
Thanks,I was reading all the codes written on the rim but nothing, it says the measure of the rim, just that, I was hoping to find something like TL rim or something. I thought the tube tyres as an OEM product was just a matter of costs (being a chinese bike, anyhow it is a Suzuki).

thanks
__________________
Regards, Victor
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 2 Oct 2008
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Dec 2001
Location: Scotland
Posts: 35
Tubliss
I was on a site selling various motorcycle accessories and came across a new type of inner tube for tyres that turns a spoked wheel into a rim that you run with no tube fitted.

Only draw back i can see (if they work) is that they dont sell them in the 17" size which is the size that most Jap DS bikes run on the rear.

Heres a link,

Nuetech Products

They also have a clip to watch.

Nuetech Products

Ian
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 2 Oct 2008
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,598
Quote:
Originally Posted by Threewheelbonnie View Post
Cast wheels with OEM tube tyres would have me looking for the markings as Beddhist says. My MZ (1994) has cast wheels, but the casting is so porous they ran a tube tyre and tube. I wonder if the Chinese had the same idea?

Andy
This is the problem i had with my 1985 bmw, so now I run a tube in the front wheel. In my view you 'should' run tubeless tyres on tubeless rims. but use of the tube being down to need. Never try to run a tyre in tubeless mode on non tubeless rims, although again the choice of tyre type is optional. ie can run tubless tyres on non tubeless rims, but with a tube.
When running with tubes you 'ought' to use a security bar to ensure the tyre does not creep if it loses air pressure.
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
Using tubes (for tubeless tyres) and 1200GS flyerblade BMW Tech 7 25 Jan 2008 17:15
Tubeless tyres on Tiger. Tiger Mike Triumph Tech 1 22 Oct 2007 00:25
Tubeless tyres The Cameraman Equipping the Bike - what's the best gear? 0 16 Aug 2006 23:16
Tubeless Tyres and Autoboxes. tony johnston Equipping the Overland Vehicle 1 3 Jan 2004 16:21
refitting tubeless tyres Erik D. North Africa 3 7 Sep 2002 14:31

 
 

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 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. 11-14
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 03:11.

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