Running Tubes on R100GS

**kevinmichigan** · #1 7 Oct 2002

I would like to take some tire tubes along in case a tubeless tire springs an air leak that can't be easily fixed. Can someone recommend air pressures to run tubes at in tubeless tires, and perhaps a brand of tubes they've got experience with? Tube size would be useful also.

Thanks in advance.
Kevin
'92 R100GS

**Grant Johnson** · #2 7 Oct 2002

Just run the standard size tube for the tire, and the same pressure you normally would, no changes.

The only thing to do differently is to keep the top speed down a little. Adding a tube to a tubeless tire lowers it's speed rating by one notch, usually around 10mph.

As for tube brand, since you're carrying it as a spare only, I'd pick one that's fairly compact. A good quality tube is a lot bulkier than a cheap one, but in this case who cares about the quality, as long as it holds air temporarily, and doesn't take up a lot space in the meantime - and you may never use it.

If there isn't too huge a difference in tire size, you can stretch a tube to fit as needed. For your bike,I'd carry a rear, and stretch if needed for the front. It's rare to get a flat in the front.

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Grant Johnson

Seek, and ye shall find.
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One world, Two wheels.
www.HorizonsUnlimited.com

**merlin** · #3 7 Oct 2002

kevin,
i have a R80G/S which is tube .i have found metezer iner tubes to be v.good. michelin are ok,
i would not fit a cheap tube .
you can stretch a tube maybe one inch but a 17" to a 21" ??i don't think so ;-)
merlin

**Grant Johnson** · #4 8 Oct 2002

Actually I was thinking R1100GS 17-19 - ooops!

Although you'd be surprised - 17 to 21 CAN be done, but it's pushing it - a lot.
All the more reason to carry smallest possible compact tubes.

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Grant Johnson

Seek, and ye shall find.
------------------------

One world, Two wheels.
www.HorizonsUnlimited.com

**dc lindberg** · #5 8 Oct 2002

Hi Kevin,

2.0-2.1kg front tyre
2.3-2.5kg, heavy load up to about 2.7kg rear

BMW gives the wrong tyre pressures - 1.9kg front is too low on asphalt and too high on gravel.
1.8kg rear - may be ok on gravel but will not suffice on asphalt.

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Albert Lindberg, D.C.
heal@ebox.tninet.se