Triumphrat

sodapop · 01-11-2009, 08:52 PM

In my quest to decide which Bonnie or Thruxton to purchase, I hadn't realized till I started reading more posts that the spoked rims are tubed??? Hadn't even considered that. So the choice of the 2009 T-100's and Thruxtons are spoked or the Bonnie SE with the casted rims (which would be tubeless?) are in order. Can someone clarify my ingorance? The spoked rims are tubeless right? Sheesh. Sounds like a negative thing.

TCL · 01-11-2009, 08:55 PM

The spoked rims have tubes.

JCMoTo · 01-11-2009, 09:24 PM

Not a negative thing but
to every downside there is a upside.

propforward · 01-11-2009, 10:20 PM

The stock spoked wheels require tubes - it's not a big deal really, they work perfectly well, no downside except that you can't just stick a plug in the tyre if you get a puncture.

The SE bonneville with cast wheels does not require tubes.

Xchoppers · 01-11-2009, 11:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sodapop

In my quest to decide which Bonnie or Thruxton to purchase, I hadn't realized till I started reading more posts that the spoked rims are tubed??? Hadn't even considered that. So the choice of the 2009 T-100's and Thruxtons are spoked or the Bonnie SE with the casted rims (which would be tubeless?) are in order. Can someone clarify my ingorance? The spoked rims are tubeless right? Sheesh. Sounds like a negative thing.

Tubes can be a big problem if you get a flat out in the middle of nowhere. Once, a long time ago, I picked up a small (short) nail while riding at speed and by the time I got the bike stopped I had about 200 holes in the tube. Every time it rotated it put a new hole in the tube. There was no repairing that tube and it was a Sunday so no bike shops were open. I had to call my dad and have him pick me up with a truck...
Tubes are the biggest concern I have with my Bonneville.
I considered waiting and buying a new SE but when I got an opportunity to buy a 50th anniversary model, I went for it. I hope I never regret it

Beemie · 01-12-2009, 12:31 AM

I've only had tubeless once in 40 years and the damned things leaked air through the porosity of the wheels, so I never missed them after I sold the bike.

And I really get annoyed when I go to use the tubeless wheelbarrow every spring and the tires are flopping around because they lost enough air to let loose the seal of the bead. Then it's a wrestling match to get them to seal again.

I like tubes.

Joe S. · 01-12-2009, 02:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by propforward

The stock spoked wheels require tubes - it's not a big deal really, they work perfectly well, no downside except that you can't just stick a plug in the tyre if you get a puncture.

The SE bonneville with cast wheels does not require tubes.

Wait until you have a flat with tubed tires at higher speeds and you'll get to discover another downside to them.
Tube=sudden deflation and likely blowout
tubeless=runs cooler at least a chance of slow deflation

Phild28 · 01-12-2009, 07:43 AM

Have had tubed rims on my BMW for years -and now on my T100 - just have to learn how to fix punctures by the roadside (although very very rare). On long trips always carry a couple of tubes.

Ultraseal also claim that their tyre sealant works with tubed tyres - so you install it as a preventative measure and it prevents sudden deflation. BMW riders have been using it for years and its recommended by the BMW club here in the UK - hope this crossover info helps.

I use ultraseal in all my bikes and my wifes spoked wheel Guzzi and have yet to have any problems.

propforward · 01-12-2009, 08:38 AM

You run the risk of a blowout whether you have tubes or not - the metzs I'm using are actually tubeless, with an inner tube fitted.

I know folks who ran that combination and had complete loss of air in the rear tyre with no problem (well, obviously it was a problem, but they didn't get a sudden blow out).

By using that combo you at least get the benefit of the extra strength of the tubeless tyre.

A lot of bikes have been around for a lot of years with spoked wheels and tubed tyres, so I don't see it as a big issue at this point in time.

I carry an emergency get you home solution for simple punctures, and the cell phone and AAA coverage for more complex stuff. Works for me.

UJMrider · 01-12-2009, 12:29 PM

I ran tubes in tubeless tires on my Thunderbird (usual tire was a Dunlop D404) and never had a problem.

Nice thing about tubes is that it's easier to carry a spare tube than a spare tire!