 Tube Talk
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Hey guys.
I've got an '02 America. Time to replace the stock Bridgestone front tire. I bought a Metzler Lazertech from Dennis Kirk and it states "TUBELESS" on the side. I can't seem to get a definative answer on weather it's ok to use with a tube on my spoked wheels. I know Metzler also sells tires that say "TUBE ONLY".
I asked the service guys at the local Triumph shoop and they say things like "I think so" or "I don't see why not". I did a search on here and mostly find the same kind of answers.
I don't see why not myself but I am not a tire expert. Could someone here give me a definative answer before my appointment on Wednesday? Thanks, Jim
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Re: Tube Talk
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Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 3,463
Loquacious
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Loquacious
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I have Metzlers on both Americas and both have tubes in.
As the spokes wheels need tubes, you need the tubes.
Any help?
Gina
03 America - Pretty stock - except the TBS wheel... 
06 America - missing, presumed in bits. With it's TBS wheel... 
09 America - It's very blue....
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Re: Tube Talk
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Joined: Jul 2008
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Thanks Gina. I know any tires that go on the America's spoked wheels need tubes.
My question is can I put a tube in a tire that says TUBELESS on the sidewall or do I need to use a tire that specifically states "TUBE TYPE TIRE" on the sidewall.
And if it doesn't matter, why does Metzeler make two different versions?
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Re: Tube Talk
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Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 3,463
Loquacious
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Loquacious
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dunno, but both of mine say tube free...
Gina
03 America - Pretty stock - except the TBS wheel...
06 America - missing, presumed in bits. With it's TBS wheel...
09 America - It's very blue....
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Re: Tube Talk
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Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,241 Likes: 64
Fe Butt
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Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,241 Likes: 64 |
Not sure what the difference is between tube and tubeless tires but I have used tires in the past that say tubeless on spoked wheels with no problem. I think the problem arises if you try and go the other way and put a tube type tire on a tubeless wheel with no tube.
I learned all I need to know about life by killing smart people and eating their brains.
Eat right ,Exercise ,Stay fit, Die Anyway!
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Re: Tube Talk
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Joined: Jun 2007
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It's not a problem at all to put a tube into a "tubeless marked" tire. I've got an IRC on the front right now that's tubeless marked, but tubed inside (been that way for 8k miles now). Makes no difference. The only thing I've really noticed between a tubeless, and tubed tire is the bead seems to be a little thicker on the tubeless tires. That is all.
Last edited by cochran03; 05/11/2009 9:13 AM.
Aaron
04 "Green Bean" Freaked, AI removal, Bafflectomy, 6" Risers, and 30" Drag Bars.
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Re: Tube Talk
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 8,639 Likes: 3
Old Hand
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Old Hand
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 8,639 Likes: 3 |
The tube only tires will not seal to the rim well enough to run tubeless. On the other hand, I've never had a problem running a tubeless tire with a tube in it.
Let's hope there's intelligent life somewhere in space 'cause it's buggar all down here. -- Monte Python
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Re: Tube Talk
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 8,639 Likes: 3
Old Hand
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Old Hand
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Posts: 8,639 Likes: 3 |
Quote:
dunno, but both of mine say tube free...
I didn't think you could get free tubes with your tyres these days.  
Let's hope there's intelligent life somewhere in space 'cause it's buggar all down here. -- Monte Python
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Re: Tube Talk
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Joined: Jul 2008
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Thanks for all yourt responses. That explaination makes sense. Can't wait to get the new tire on.
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Re: Tube Talk
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Joined: Nov 2008
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A lot of times the side wall will say something like "Tubeless (fit tube on tube-type rim)"
-Joe Merlino
Boston, MA USA
1982 BMW R100 (decomissioned), 2003 America
Triumph: Cool enough for The Fonz, cool enough for me.
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Much Betterer
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So I got the new Metzeler on yesterday and I have to say, what a huge difference. I can't believe it. There is no more getting disturbed by the slightest road imperfections, no more following every grove in the road. I love this tire already and that was just the trip home from the dealership. Either that old Bridgestone was on it's last legs or it was a total piece of sh!t.
Now if spring would finally show up so I can ride, that would be great.
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Re: Much Betterer
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Joined: Oct 2005
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Loquacious
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Loquacious
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Quote:
Either that old Bridgestone was on it's last legs or it was a total piece of sh!t.
No, really, it's a piece of sh!t!
Enjoy the Metz and hope the summer comes soon there (and here!).
Gina
03 America - Pretty stock - except the TBS wheel...
06 America - missing, presumed in bits. With it's TBS wheel...
09 America - It's very blue....
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Re: Much Betterer
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Quote:
Now if spring would finally show up so I can ride, that would be great.
I've been riding to work all week. I've got new Metzlers, too, and I love them.
-Joe Merlino
Boston, MA USA
1982 BMW R100 (decomissioned), 2003 America
Triumph: Cool enough for The Fonz, cool enough for me.
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Re: Much Betterer
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I road in to work for the first time yesterday morning. 42 degrees. Was a bit chilly for my taste.
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Re: Tube Talk
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Joined: Mar 2008
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I need to replace my stock Bridgestone front tire also. Thinking of going with the 880 instead of the Lazertech. My question is about the tube. Did you re-use your old one or put in a new one? If new which one, the Metzeler tubes seem to only have straight valves? My tube has 6000 miles and holds air fine.
'05 America, 904, K&N pods, British Customs Bomber Exhaust
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Re: Tube Talk
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Joined: Aug 2007
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Should be Riding
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Should be Riding
Joined: Aug 2007
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You're probably going to have to replace it, and even if it doesn't get stuck to the inside of the tire, you should replace it anyway. It's cheap enough.
Always remember to be yourself. Unless you suck. Then pretend to be someone else.
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Re: Tube Talk
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Joined: May 2008
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Here is my experience with it. The tubless tire has a smaller bead and SOMETIMES it is very hard to get the bead to seat on the rim. Once I had to spray the tire and rim with copious amounts on silicon spray and put 80 PSI in it and beat the bajeezes out of with a hammer. Ended up poping the first tube (probable close to 100PSI then), and put another in and did it again. It was so close to going on when it let go I had to try again. Second time I got to the same place and put it out in the sun for about an hour and bounced on the ground a few times and WELLA! it finally seated. No problems riding on it and it lasted as long as any other tire I had on that bike. Sometimes they go right on and there is no problem with the mounting, other times, it ends up a good gurage story when the guys are all sittin around.
Chip Sciarra "07" America, N.C.Switch Blade windshield, Moto Lights, Tri. Off Road pipes
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Re: Tube Talk
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 11,126 Likes: 13
Should be Riding
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Should be Riding
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 11,126 Likes: 13 |
might try a ratcheting tie down round the circumference next time.
Blowing gravel off rural roads
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Re: Tube Talk
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Joined: Jan 2005
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Check Pants
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Check Pants
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You'll love the ME880 over the OEM Bridgestone, but they only last about 20,000 miles... On the tube, a mechanic told me if it's rusty looking around the valve stem replace it or at least every other tire change. Less than $10 per tube, so it seems like cheap insurance. Quote:
I need to replace my stock Bridgestone front tire also. Thinking of going with the 880 instead of the Lazertech. My question is about the tube. Did you re-use your old one or put in a new one? If new which one, the Metzeler tubes seem to only have straight valves? My tube has 6000 miles and holds air fine.
Al
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