 tires and tubes
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Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 15
Complete Newb
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OP
Complete Newb
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 15 |
Hello All,
I would like to revisit the topic of tires and tubes for a 2003 Bonneville America. It seems that most folks prefer Avon or Metzlers. I think it wouls also be wise to install new tubes also but need help on chossing both tires and tube. Especiallthe valve type on the tubes.
has anyone found whitewalls for both the front and back/
thanks
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 Re: tires and tubes
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 2,362
Oil Expert
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Oil Expert
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 2,362 |
There's no whitewalls that'll fit the front without modifying the fender by moving it up by half an inch or so. Mikey790 has a picture of his simple solution in his photo gallery.
As far as tubes go, I actually think I'm still running the factory tubes - why replace them?
I've not tried the Avons, but I traded the original bridgstones in for metzelers first chance I got and haven't looked back since. Thinking of going Dunlop for whitewalls if I get around to fixing up that front fender, but I'm in no rush.
Matt
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Re: tires and tubes
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,216
Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,216 |
Quote:
As far as tubes go, I actually think I'm still running the factory tubes - why replace them?
When I replaced my tires the spoke nipples had rusted badly. That rust was all over the tubes. I think it's good practice to replace the tubes when the tires are replaced. Although I don't think it matters about what tube you use. Of course it's like anything else, some guys will go to fists that one tube or another is better, sort of like oil or filters or gas or plugs. I think any tube that fits will do the job nicely (yes, even $10 Cheng Shins). I think most shops will not replace a tubed tire without replacing the tube.
You probably would want to get the rear with a 90 valve stem, but make sure you have it turned to the sprocket side just to make checking easier on the side stand.
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Re: tires and tubes
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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 |
Schraeder valve for each tube. That 90 degree valve stem on the rear tire is a good thing. Ask anyone who dosen't have one!
Blowing gravel off rural roads
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Re: tires and tubes
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 5,537
Check Pants
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Check Pants
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 5,537 |
[quote....I think most shops will not replace a tubed tire without replacing the tube.
You probably would want to get the rear with a 90 valve stem, but make sure you have it turned to the sprocket side just to make checking easier on the side stand.
That is correct.
My front was somewhat rusty but the rear looked terrific, so I'll replace it on the next tire change.
Al
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Re: tires and tubes
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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 |
Whatever you do, avoind chen shing tubes like the plague! They are paper thin and tend to rip with what would be a minor, repairable puncture on a good tube.
Let's hope there's intelligent life somewhere in space 'cause it's buggar all down here. -- Monte Python
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Re: tires and tubes
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 3,753
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 3,753 |
the metzeler tubes i got seem to be nice and thick, i would check them out. a lil more expensive then others but we only have 2 tires on the road
Frank
(Former)05 BA tbike pipes, ai removed, Freak, mikuni hsr 42's, 904, ported/polished head, 1mm oversized valves
NOW-2010 silver and black tbird
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Re: tires and tubes
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Anonymous
Unregistered
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Anonymous
Unregistered
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Quote:
When I replaced my tires the spoke nipples had rusted badly. That rust was all over the tubes.
I've never changed a tire myself, don't know what it looks like in there. Should the air be let out before staightening a wheel? In other words, does turning the nipples twist holes in the tube if it is aired up?
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Re: tires and tubes
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,216
Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,216 |
If you've never changed a tire, you may want to consider getting a shop to true the wheel.
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Re: tires and tubes
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 5,537
Check Pants
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Check Pants
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 5,537 |
Good point. Daughters boyfriend did my rear and it needed a little tweaking he said. Shop did my front, who knows?
Al
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Re: tires and tubes
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Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 258
Adjunct
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Adjunct
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 258 |
Quote:
Schraeder valve for each tube. That 90 degree valve stem on the rear tire is a good thing. Ask anyone who dosen't have one!
Virtually inpossible to add air to the straight valve on the rear tire without the 90. I tried it once and broke the straight stem. Now I have the 90 and its a good thing to have.
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Re: tires and tubes
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Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 258
Adjunct
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Adjunct
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 258 |
Quote:
Whatever you do, avoind chen shing tubes like the plague! They are paper thin and tend to rip with what would be a minor, repairable puncture on a good tube.
That is some of the cheapest garbage there is available anywhere. I second his post!!!!!!
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Re: tires and tubes
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Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 15
Complete Newb
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OP
Complete Newb
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 15 |
Thanks to all that replied,
I appreciate the input.
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 Re: tires and tubes
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,335
Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,335 |
When I replaced my tires I wire brushed the rust from the inside of the rim(s) and sprayed the inside of the rim(s) with the same stuff I use to lube my chain (chain wax with rust inhibiters, made by Amsoil). I replaced the rubber bands on both rims, installed new tubes (never replace tires without replacing the tubes) and installed Dunlap tires. Balancing was not required and generally never is unless the tires were out of balance to begin with, or you lost your rim weights. New tires come from the factory balance. They are even marked for you to line them up to the valve stem opening, thus ensure they will be balanced once installed on the rim.
Tom
Those who would give up essential liberty to purchase a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety.
Benjamin Franklin, US author, diplomat, inventor, physicist, politician, & printer (1706 - 1790)
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Re: tires and tubes
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 5,537
Check Pants
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Check Pants
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 5,537 |
Quote:
...Balancing was not required and generally never is unless the tires were out of balance to begin with, or you lost your rim weights. New tires come from the factory balance. They are even marked for you to line them up to the valve stem opening, thus ensure they will be balanced once installed on the rim.
Tom
Are you sure? Car tires have the same markings and they invariably need balancing.
Al
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Re: tires and tubes
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,335
Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,335 |
I would say over 90% of the time balancing is only needed due to the rims. Most tire shops (for cars) remove the weights from the rims before mounting new tires, which then requires rebalancing.
Tom
Those who would give up essential liberty to purchase a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety.
Benjamin Franklin, US author, diplomat, inventor, physicist, politician, & printer (1706 - 1790)
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Re: tires and tubes
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Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 258
Adjunct
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Adjunct
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 258 |
Tires do not come balanced from the factory. They are normally checked to be somewhat not "out of round" but the manufacturers do have an amount of play with what they find acceptable. We are a Dunlop dealer (deal many other brands as well) and find they are the worst when it comes to making sure the tires are somewhat close to acceptable when they leave the factory.
I regards to balancing, every tire is different and new tires should always be balanced when put on any rim regardless of how true you think the rim is.
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Re: tires and tubes
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,335
Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,335 |
I am basing my information on a friend who repairs bikes as a side business. He replaces about 50 to 60 pairs of motorcycle tires a year. Very seldom do the wheels need balancing after replacing the tires. As far as his experience has been, only when they were already out of balance or the rim weights came off during the exchange. I don't know that much about car tires. When we changed my tires on my bike they were fine and didn't need balancing. It certainly doesn't hurt to check the balance.
Tom
Those who would give up essential liberty to purchase a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety.
Benjamin Franklin, US author, diplomat, inventor, physicist, politician, & printer (1706 - 1790)
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