Triumphrat

05-20-2004

First off, am glad I found this place. Looks like a great group. Am hoping someone out there can help me out.

I have a '99 Legend (which I absolutely love) and recently purchased some new tires. They just arrived, and unfortunately are tubeless. Since the wheels are spoked, all I've ever known to work were tubed type tires.

Am I stuck into returning these and getting tubed tires sent out, or are these tubeless guys safe/OK to have installed on my bike? Would appreciate any help I could get on this one.

Thanx,

Mac

vonbonds · 05-20-2004

Unless you had your rims professionally sealed I am not sure how it would work. Maybe other members will know otherwise but I think you are SOL on those tires buddy

.

Tom

05-21-2004

You didn't give info on the manufacturer of the tires or type of tire, Check with the manufacturer they can help out.

mecscc · 05-21-2004

Many "tubeless" tires are fine with tubes; some aren't. The advice to check with the mfgr is sound. Go to Google.com; search for the mfgr's ISP and check out your Series and model and see. Also, some of the good internet sales sites will tell you in their ads whether or not a particular tire will work with tubes. In that case search in Google for the Brand, series and type of tire. You'll get dozens of sites to check.

Monte

GeoffE · 05-21-2004

Hi Mac,

Welcome. You did not say which tyres/tires you have to fit? What have you got?

I can concur with the information given above, and also can give you an example. I have recently fitted Avon AV45/46 tyres, which are noted as tubeless, etc... Before fitting I contacted Avon's technical people and they confirmed them as a good tyre for the Thunderbird and fine with Tubes (in spoked wheels).

What they did say was to remove all lables, etc.. from inside (e.g. the paper type) as these can contribute to premature wear of the tube - this would apply to all manufacturers tyres though.

We have seen some great tyre debates before. I think we would all be interested in what tyres you are fitting, and later, letting us know how they performed.

Ciao, Geoff

jimmyj900 · 05-21-2004

There are only a couple of manufacturers that list tires specifically for tubed application but most tires will accept a tube with no problems. The more extreme "performance" tires may be a problem with tubes especially if you're running them to their limits.

The OEM Metzlers on my 2K Adventurer weren't listed specifically as tubeless, nor are the Avon Venom-X tires that I'm currently running (and love!)

Your best bet is to go to the manufacturers website and use their "fitment" selectors for their recommendations, but since you've already bought them try calling or e-mailing the maker for verification.

Jim

Deuce · 05-21-2004

Gotta concur with what the others have said.

As a general rule of thumb, most non-radials will work with tubes while most radials will not.

Again, check with the manufacturer and get their input.

TTFN

05-21-2004

Thanx much to everyone for providing their expertise on this. My tires are Battleax 020's...have been on the horn a couple times with the tire dealer, and he was trying to get some info from his tech people. Haven't yet heard...but once I do, will let everyone know.

Really hope this works out, 'cause I don't want to have to wait yet ANOTHER 10 days before I can ride again.

GeoffE · 05-22-2004

Hi Mac,

I think this link may help stop some of your worry? (UK Fitment).

UK Bridgestone Legend Fitment.

Some tubeless tyre can have very rough inner casings, which are too "sharp" for a tube fitment. So it is good to double check with the manufacturer.

The BT020 has a very good reputation over here, and is similar in appeal to the Avon AV45/46 tyre that I have fitted. Aimed at Sport Touring, you should certainly enjoy yourself up in the hills.

Ciao, Geoff
:wink:

Footnote:
Here is the link to the US fitment index. It does not show the Legend, but the Thunderbird Sport uses the same rims/wheels (only the hub is different on the front to allow twin brake discs, I believe), and the BT020 is listed:
US 2003 Fitment Index

[ This message was edited by: GeoffE on 2004-05-22 02:15 ]