BMW R1200R R1150R/T F800 K1200R R1100R/T R1250R RnineT Message Board

I have always enjoyed the security of being able to plug a nail hole in my tubeless tires and make my way home. Well, now I have tubes.......
- What do I carry in the event of picking up a nail in my tires with tubes? -
I've seen and heard about "Slime", but there are technicians out there who won't have anything to do with a tire change if they see even a HINT of that stuff! I need suggestions, I need help. I need to be self sufficiant!

What is it about a "good" shock absorber that makes it better than (for instance) the brand new factory shocks that came on the Bonnie'??? I didn't spend the big bucks for REALLY good shocks, but I did put Hagon shocks on the back and Hagon springs (w/20wt.) up front. The bike is a totally different bike!?!?!!!!!!
It rides smoother, absorbs bumps better, tracks MUCH better, and the front end feels planted......

Tubed tires can be repaired with a bicycle tube repair kit. Three tire irons, vulcanized patch with rubber cement, roughening tool (or sandpaper,) and a pump. The repair is tougher than a tubeless tire plug. In fact, it's usually stronger than the original tube.

I'm sure you're aware of this already, but tubed tires go flat way quicker than tubeless...

I've done tube repairs at the side of the road and as long as it is light out, it is not too bad.

Riders Wearhouse and Cruz Tools have pretty nice "irons". Longer is better. And maybe a few pieces of tough vinyl to keep from scratching up the rims.

Pat,

There is another way. Now understand that I've not done it myself, I've only spoken with people who have. There are companies that will seal your spoke holes, nipples, etc. What you have is a sort of tubeless tire. I imagine they also replace the rim with a tubeless tire design.

The downside, so I'm told, is if one damaged a spoke. It could not be replaced, at least not with ease.

Now I don't know about you, but the last time I had problems with spokes breaking or needing to be replaced was in 1961. I guess I'd take my chances.

Frank

All of my experience with tubes comes from bicycles. We have seven bicycles in our garage, so I get lots of practice. I used to mountain bike a lot.

Anyway, in addition to what noRRmad said, you also will benefit from some talc powder. A wee bit sprinkled in the tire will keep the tube from rubbing against the tire as you inflate it. This enables the tube to seat better and helps to prevent pinch flats.