Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Technical, Bike forums > Which Bike?
Which Bike? Comments and Questions on what is the best bike for YOU, for YOUR trip. Note that we believe that ANY bike will do, so please remember that it's all down to PERSONAL OPINION. Technical Questions for all brands go in their own forum.
Photo by Daniel Rintz, Himba children, Namibia

The only impossible journey
is the one
you never begin

Photo by Daniel Rintz,
Himba children, Namibia



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 20 Nov 2007
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: London
Posts: 11
Question Spoked wheels = tubed tyres?

Am I right in thinking that as a general rule if a bike has spoked wheels then it needs tubed tyres?

David
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 20 Nov 2007
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: May 2007
Location: California
Posts: 92
No

Spoke tyres do not necessarily mean tubes.
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 20 Nov 2007
Nigel Marx's Avatar
Super Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Oct 2000
Location: South Island, New Zealand
Posts: 798
Mostly tubed

That used to be the way of the wheel, in the good ol' days, but more manufacturers have been making tubeless spoked wheels in recent times. The older the bike, the more likely. I think BMW where about the first to sell numbers of bike with spoked tubeless about 15-20 years ago. Taking all models into consideration, I'm sure tubes are still the norm for spoked wheels.

Regards

Nigel in NZ
__________________
The mouth of a perfectly contented man is filled with . -- 2200 BC Egyptian inscription
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 20 Nov 2007
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Toledo, OH
Posts: 8
My 78 BMW with spoked wheels definitely takes tube. My '93 GSPD does not. I think all of the GS bikes are tubeless spoke wheels. Just look at the wheel; if the spokes come out beyond the edge of the tire (as opposed to the center of the rim), they are likely tubless rims. On my GS you can see the "head" of the spoke right along the edge of the tire and the rim.
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 20 Nov 2007
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: London
Posts: 11
Thanks for the replies.
So presumably a 650 Dakar would have tubeless tyres?
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 20 Nov 2007
Nigel Marx's Avatar
Super Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Oct 2000
Location: South Island, New Zealand
Posts: 798
Yes

My GS650 and my Funduro are both tube type.

Regards

Nigel in NZ
__________________
The mouth of a perfectly contented man is filled with . -- 2200 BC Egyptian inscription

Last edited by Nigel Marx; 20 Nov 2007 at 23:40. Reason: Was arse about face, don't even know my own bikes!
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 20 Nov 2007
MarkLG's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: Sheffield, UK
Posts: 226
Quote:
Originally Posted by David09 View Post
Thanks for the replies.
So presumably a 650 Dakar would have tubeless tyres?
650 Dakar runs conventional tubed rims and tyres.
You can tell the difference by the rim design - the tubeless spoked rims have the spokes laced to the outer edge of the rim, with the spoke nipple at the hub end. Conventional rims have the spokes laced to the centre of the rim, meaning lots of holes in the rims, so you need tubes.
If I recall correctly BMW own the patent for the tubeless rim design so you only really see them on big GS's. The exception is the Aprillia Capanord which uses a similar design under a licensing agreement with BMW.
There are various arguements as to the pro's and con's of each.
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 21 Nov 2007
Irishkev's Avatar
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: Luxembourg
Posts: 96
Quote:
Originally Posted by David09 View Post
Thanks for the replies.
So presumably a 650 Dakar would have tubeless tyres?


No the F650 has tubes, the R1200GS is tubeless, look at the spoked wheels and see where the spokes go. If they enter the rim in the middle, more than likely tubes, if as on the 1200 GS the spokes are attached to the edge of the rim outside the tire, then they will be tubeless!
__________________
http://www.celticadventurer.com
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 21 Nov 2007
Irishkev's Avatar
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: Luxembourg
Posts: 96
Sorry Mark.. should have read your post first!! seem to have given the same answer as ye! over kill!!
__________________
http://www.celticadventurer.com
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 21 Nov 2007
Ian Ian is offline
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Aug 2000
Location: UK
Posts: 443
Cool

Quote:
Originally Posted by MarkLG View Post
The exception is the Aprillia Capanord which uses a similar design under a licensing agreement with BMW.
There are various arguements as to the pro's and con's of each.
If I recall correctly both the Honda XL600M and Yamaha 250 Serrow have tubeless rims.

Nearly all modern trials bikes have a tubeless rear wheel - with a variety of solutions to preventing air escaping through the spoke holes from not having any (spokes join in their middle and are hooked around both the hub and a lip on the rim) to an airtight rimtape.

Cheers.
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 21 Nov 2007
MarkLG's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: Sheffield, UK
Posts: 226
Quote:
Originally Posted by Ian View Post
If I recall correctly both the Honda XL600M and Yamaha 250 Serrow have tubeless rims.

Nearly all modern trials bikes have a tubeless rear wheel - with a variety of solutions to preventing air escaping through the spoke holes from not having any (spokes join in their middle and are hooked around both the hub and a lip on the rim) to an airtight rimtape.

Cheers.
I'm not at all familiar with trials bikes, so I'll take your word for it. Are they actually tubeless, or do they run mousses in place of a tube like the enduro boys?? I can see how using tubes might not be ideal at the sort of low pressures trials riders use.

Your comment on the old XL600LM had me doing some searching. From the pictures I've seen of them there was a raised lip on the inside of the rim which the spokes laced into, rather than penetrating the rim. Apparently it was the first spoked wheel design for use with tubeless tyres - you learn something new everyday.
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 22 Nov 2007
Steve Pickford's Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: Oxford, UK
Posts: 994
Quote:
Originally Posted by MarkLG View Post

Your comment on the old XL600LM had me doing some searching. From the pictures I've seen of them there was a raised lip on the inside of the rim which the spokes laced into, rather than penetrating the rim. Apparently it was the first spoked wheel design for use with tubeless tyres - you learn something new everyday.
The Honda had a flange in the centre line of the rim that the spoke attached to. The spoke had a 90 degree bend where it attached, not sure how strong this was, looks like a weak link IMO?

A good tubeless puncture repair kit will repair most puncture effectively unless the tyre has a slice type hole rather than a straight puncture. I've found the string type repair kits far more effective & versatile than the rubber block type kits. If riding off road, it's worth carrying a tube or two as these can save the day (it has for me anyway, 18" tube from my KTM in the rear of a friends 17" GS rear wheel).
__________________
My photos: www.possu.smugmug.com
Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 
Thread Tools
Display Modes

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
Spoked wheels, ceramic clutches, aftermarket shocks - how important ? flyerblade BMW Tech 14 2 Sep 2007 22:06
"Dumb" question about tubed vs tubeless tyres flyerblade BMW Tech 6 26 Jul 2007 15:21
Tubed tyres on tubeless rims Andy Booth Equipment Reviews 6 19 Mar 2002 01:36
When spoked or cast wheels? STEVE B Equipping the Bike - what's the best gear? 5 14 Feb 2002 18:23
tubed v's tubless tyres ? tom Equipping the Bike - what's the best gear? 12 17 Apr 2001 22:50

 
 

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!

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 11:10.