Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Technical, Bike forums > Which Bike?
Going tubed or tubeless? Going tubed or tubeless?
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
Which Bike? Comments and Questions on what is the best bike for YOU, for YOUR trip. Note that we believe that ANY bike will do, so please remember that it's all down to PERSONAL OPINION. Technical Questions for all brands go in their own forum.
Photo by Marc Gibaud, Clouds on Tres Cerros and Mount Fitzroy, Argentinian Patagonia

25 years of HU Events


Destination ANYWHERE...
Adventure EVERYWHERE!




Photo by Marc Gibaud,
Clouds on Tres Cerros and
Mount Fitzroy, Argentinian Patagonia



Like Tree4Likes
  • 1 Post By juanvaldez650
  • 1 Post By PaulNomad
  • 1 Post By

Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 31 Jul 2014
kei kei is offline
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: Hong Kong
Posts: 11
Going tubed or tubeless?
Hi there!

Can anyone tell me the advantages/disadvantages for having tubed/tubeless tires for a RTW journey?

Tubeless tires seem to be safer and easier to repair in case of puncture. But I wonder if tubed tires are more common in developing countries so it's easier to look for replacements.

I don't intend to do extreme off-road but I do expect some unpaved roads or trails.

Many thanks.

Cheers,
Kei
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 31 Jul 2014
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jul 2014
Posts: 141
No so much tube versus tubeless but spoked versus unspoked. Spoked wheels are better for bad road/off road and most require tube tire.
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 31 Jul 2014
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: West Yorkshire UK
Posts: 1,785
The key factor IMHO is the person and the tyres not the basic technology. Some tube rims and tyres (moto Guzzi) were so tight we struggled with a shop bead breaker. OEM unlubed Bridgestones on the Bonneville were close to impossible while lubed and hand fitted Hidenaus could be re-tubed with one 4-inch lever in five minutes.

Likewise I've seen mushroom plugs fail to hold because the fitter was clueless and a silly string repair that lasted the life of the tyre.

Choose your weapon how you like (i like tubeless) but practice with it.

Andy
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 31 Jul 2014
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: Sunshine Coast, Queensland Australia
Posts: 241
I just changed my Heidenaus after they did 20,000kms through Mexico and Cuba on an R1200GSA and no flats. They still had life in them but had the opportunity to change them at a good price in Guatemala. I've done 50,000kms on this brand now with no flats. No need to carry other tyres, only carry plugs and a compressor.

Thumbs up for tubeless, particularly this brand.

PN
__________________
When you come to a fork in the road…take it!

BLOG: paulnomad.blogspot.com.au

FaceBook: www.facebook.com/PaulNomadRTW
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 31 Jul 2014
mollydog's Avatar
R.I.P.
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: california
Posts: 3,824
Quote:
Originally Posted by Threewheelbonnie View Post
The key factor IMHO is the person and the tyres not the basic technology. Some tube rims and tyres (moto Guzzi) were so tight we struggled with a shop bead breaker. OEM unlubed Bridgestones on the Bonneville were close to impossible while lubed and hand fitted Hidenaus could be re-tubed with one 4-inch lever in five minutes.

Likewise I've seen mushroom plugs fail to hold because the fitter was clueless and a silly string repair that lasted the life of the tyre.

Choose your weapon how you like (i like tubeless) but practice with it.

Andy
All good points. Wheels and tires vary ... and unless you know the proper technique installing a Plug, then they can leak or Pop out. (rare)

I wonder what bike you have? And I wonder what tires you intend to run?
If doing lots of OFF ROAD ... you may be running some sort of knobby?
Sometimes tough to get a Plug into a knobby tire, depending where puncture is.

Also, if going off road, you probably will need to carry a tube or two anyway, even if running tubeless. IE: if you damage side wall ... a tube can allow you to continue. Or ... if your tubeless-type spoked wheel gets damaged and leaks ... a tube can save the day.

But as said, lots depends on WHICH BIKE ... and WHICH tires you want to use.

If doing mostly On Road, my choice would Tubeless tires. But as Andy mentioned,
some tires are very hard to break the bead on. So plan tire changes carefully, make sure you get to a shop with a tire machine when time for new tire. For most flats a simple String plug or Mushroom plug fitted road side will work.
But good technique is important here. Also, carry a small compressor with and plenty of
Rubber Cement and a really GOOD tubeless repair kit.

Good luck.
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 1 Aug 2014
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Back in the Garage..regrouping.
Posts: 247
Hi,

We managed 7000 miles of dirt, gravel and crossing a mountain range off road in America and Mexico.....Two bikes and not one puncture. Until we shipped to NZ and found a nail within the first 15Km out of the port. All the dirt was on Knoblies....Pirelli MT21 fronts and Michelin T63 rears x 3 sets, the puncture was in a new 130 Hiedenau scout!! Waiting for our bikes to arrive in Dili after 6000km of tar and graded gravel in OZ (70/30 split favouring tar) - no flats!


I talked to a German guy who stuck to tar sealed roads and he had 4 flats in 6 months.....on one bike!! I guess it's down to luck and how you ride.

Like Mollydog says - It's probably more a case of what wheels you have and if you plan using knoblies. Use knoblies and you really need to carry tubes...so many ways you can damage a tyre off road and plugs have limited applications. What ever you chose, don't rely on the comp air cartridges alone and carry a decent pump - it needs to get that bead back on and if you get a hard to find slow puncture - you could soon use up the cartridges.

It sure is nice not having to remove that rear wheel though.....I wouldn't miss the finger bending job of dealing with the front tube either but as I fit all our tyres and got used to it......think I'd stick with my tubes.
Last edited by twowheels03; 1 Aug 2014 at 02:04.
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 1 Aug 2014
kei kei is offline
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: Hong Kong
Posts: 11
Thanks y'all

I think I'm going to have a used 250cc Honda dual sport. It has tubed tires.

The wheel rims are very old and the spokes are rusted. I may change the rims so just want to know whether switching to tubeless is recommended. The toughest part of my plan should be Africa along the east.


Cheers,
Kei
Reply With Quote
Reply

« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 2 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 2 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
Make my Africa twin tubeless omar mansour Honda Tech 39 31 May 2018 18:55
Why are there not more bikes with tubeless tyres for worry-free adventure touring? Tim Cullis Tech 65 3 Jul 2016 21:52
Tubeless Tires on Tubeless AT 750? Cheaper in Calcutta theoverman83 Honda Tech 2 3 Jan 2014 14:55
tubeless kit for spokes rims omar mansour Honda Tech 9 24 Apr 2013 18:19
how do i get tubeless tyres on my kle500? nath23 Kawasaki Tech 17 5 Jun 2012 12:31

 
 

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
Queensland is back! May 2-5
Germany Summer: May 29-June 1
Ecuador June 13-15
Bulgaria Mini: June 27-29
CanWest: July 10-13
Switzerland: Aug 14-17
Romania: Aug 22-24
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.

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 Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes.
(ONLY US RESIDENTS and currently has a limit of 60 days.)

Ripcord Evacuation Insurance is available for ALL nationalities.


 

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!

Every book a diary
Every chapter a day
Every day a journey
Refreshingly honest and compelling tales: the hights and lows of a life on the road. Solo, unsupported, budget journeys of discovery.
Authentic, engaging and evocative travel memoirs, overland, around the world and through life.
All 8 books available from the author or as eBooks and audio books



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 22:27.

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