Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Technical, Bike forums > Equipping the Bike - what's the best gear?
Peace of mind or pain in rear? Peace of mind or pain in rear?
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
Equipping the Bike - what's the best gear? Anything to do with the bikes equipment, saddlebags, etc. Questions on repairs and maintenance of the bike itself belong in the Brand Specific Tech Forums.
Photo by George Guille, It's going to be a long 300km... Bolivian Amazon

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by George Guille
It's going to be a long 300km...
Bolivian Amazon



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 15 Jun 2008
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Tallinn, Estonia
Posts: 1,048
Question Peace of mind or pain in rear?
Has anyone ever tried these?

Although not such an issue day-to-day, I thought these might be a real boon on a big overland trip; eliminating the worries of getting a flat in the back end of nowhere.

I was primarily thinking fitting these to my Ural outfit as it is heavy and runs tubed tyres. The main disadvantages I can think of is the initial price, and possibly making it harder to change worn tyres (?).

1. So have these been used?

2. Are they recommended?

3. If not, why not?

4. Have I over looked anything?

Thanks.
Attached Images
 
__________________
Adventure: it's an experience, not a style!
(so ride what you like, but ride it somewhere new!)
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 15 Jun 2008
quastdog's Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Chiangmai, Thailand
Posts: 509
Check the specs carefully. A lot of these types of things reduce safe operating speeds, and they also don't last long.

These thigns aren't designed by real riders to go long distances; more like the lunatic fringe who want to design a better mouse trap - something like these have probably been tried countless times in the history of motorcycling - and there's a reason why we are still using an inner tube full of air - best for all conditions/handling/grip and other characteristics and requirements of the motorbike.

You are better off just learning to fix flats - and carry appropriate repair items and extra tubes - IMO. Tubes, rubber cement, patches, and free air can be found everywhere.
__________________
quastdog
Chiang Mai, Thailand
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 16 Jun 2008
Big Yellow Tractor's Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: England
Posts: 649
Quote:
Originally Posted by quastdog View Post
Check the specs carefully. A lot of these types of things reduce safe operating speeds, and they also don't last long.

These thigns aren't designed by real riders to go long distances; more like the lunatic fringe who want to design a better mouse trap - something like these have probably been tried countless times in the history of motorcycling - and there's a reason why we are still using an inner tube full of air - best for all conditions/handling/grip and other characteristics and requirements of the motorbike.

You are better off just learning to fix flats - and carry appropriate repair items and extra tubes - IMO. Tubes, rubber cement, patches, and free air can be found everywhere.
I use mouses for trail riding and racing as do (I think I'm right with this) most of the Dakar bikes. They allow you to have a very soft tyre for grip without having to worry about hitting rocks. I just like the piece of mind. When trail riding, I carry a tube and levers just in case one of them gives up.

I wouldn't use them for a long tour, they just wouldn't last. I wouldn't expect to be riding such speeds over rocks and hey, if I have to stop for half an hour to replace a tube so be it. Maybe get a brew on while I'm at it.

Good points
No punctures, whatever you run in to.

Bad Points
Expensive
Don't last forever
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 16 Jun 2008
quastdog's Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Chiangmai, Thailand
Posts: 509
Quote:
Originally Posted by Big Yellow Tractor View Post
I wouldn't use them for a long tour, they just wouldn't last.
My point exactly Tractor.

they might be fine for some limited application - but for long distance fully loaded transcontinental traveling???
__________________
quastdog
Chiang Mai, Thailand
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 16 Jun 2008
Stephano's Avatar
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Apr 2002
Location: Abu Dhabi
Posts: 887
Bib-Mousse
Quote:
Originally Posted by Warthog View Post
Has anyone ever tried these?
These are called Bib-Mousse. I have them on my CRF. If you search for 'bib mousse' on this BB you'll find several threads.

The main answer to your question can be found here.
Stephan
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 16 Jun 2008
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Tallinn, Estonia
Posts: 1,048
Quote:
Originally Posted by Stephano View Post
These are called Bib-Mousse. I have them on my CRF. If you search for 'bib mousse' on this BB you'll find several threads.

The main answer to your question can be found here.
Stephan
The equivalent air pressure says it all really!!

Best just live with puncture repairs then!
__________________
Adventure: it's an experience, not a style!
(so ride what you like, but ride it somewhere new!)
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 16 Jun 2008
Big Yellow Tractor's Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: England
Posts: 649
The "usefull life" they quote is very low. I get much longer than that out of mine. I do give them a good clean and relube when I change tyres though. I think the rear on my race wheels probably feels like about 8psi now so has probably had it.........nearly

Mine are Metzler a fair bit cheaper than Michelin but very nicely made.
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 17 Jun 2008
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: Sydney, NSW, Australia
Posts: 1,362
Thumbs down Bib mouse bad - for heavy bike.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Warthog View Post
I was primarily thinking fitting these to my Ural outfit as it is heavy and runs tubed tyres.
Bib mouses are suited to light weight racing bikes where fixing a flat means loosing a race.

You cannot change ths tyre pressure to suit the load you are carring.

So the Answer is NO.

Please consider puting the item in the subject .. to find out what you are talking about I needed to read right to the end .. even then I had to look at some link thing at the very end... put it in the title eg

Bib mouse -good or bad?
__________________
---
Regards Frank Warner
motorcycles BMW R80 G/S 1981, BMW K11LT 1993, BMW K75 G/S
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 17 Jun 2008
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Tallinn, Estonia
Posts: 1,048
Quote:
Originally Posted by Frank Warner View Post
Please consider puting the item in the subject .. to find out what you are talking about I needed to read right to the end .. even then I had to look at some link thing at the very end... put it in the title eg

Bib mouse -good or bad?
Sorry if the subject was not clear, but I thought every thing relevant was in my very first post.

As for the marketed name: I did not know it, hence why I attached a picture instead.

As to whether or not to use them, the PSI equivalent, alone, that Stephano informed me about makes this a prohibitive move on a Ural.

I will probably invest in some tougher inners, and some Ultra-seal/Slime puncture prevention fluid.
__________________
Adventure: it's an experience, not a style!
(so ride what you like, but ride it somewhere new!)
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 17 Jun 2008
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Sheffield
Posts: 994
A lot of the slime type products can be a problem if you then want to let the air out (to change tyre/increase footprint etc).

I highly rate the conti heavy duty inners. Whatever you get try and get natural rather than synthetic rubber, it generates less heat and can stretch a bit more making it more resilient.

I don't know if it is relevant but I have always used cheap duck tape instead of 'proper' rim tape on spoked wheels and have never had a puncture....
Reply With Quote
Reply

« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 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
Will my 250 take the pain? butchdiamond Which Bike? 18 1 May 2008 11:57
Once a girl makes up her mind... XT GIRL Suzuki Tech 31 12 Feb 2008 03:13
Moto For Peace fatrob SOUTH AMERICA 1 19 Nov 2007 02:08
PeAcE! Osama Radzi Welcome to HU 2 29 Aug 2007 19:48

 
 

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

HU Event and other updates on the HUBB Forum "Traveller's Advisories" thread.
ALL Dates subject to change.

2024:

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

HUBBUK: info

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...

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.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

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 travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

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!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



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 05:25.

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