tube in a motorcycle tire?


pillen140

pillen140

15+ Year Member

Joined
Jan 1, 2008
Messages
3,263
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Age
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winston-salem, NC
Vehicle Year
1995
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Manual
i just got my first motorcycle, the back tire is like brand new, but has a slow leak, i think around the bead.... so my question is, can you get a tube for the tire? or is that a bad idea? or do they even make them? i have no idea because this is my first bike. the tire says "tubless rated" or some crap like that. or should i just use bead sealer if its around the bead? thanks in advance!
 
Take the wheel and tire to you local shop and have them re bead the tire. They will clean the bead and wipe some seal on it and put the tire back on. If it still leaks it might have a bad rim or tire. They should be able to tell that when they check it.
 
Is it s street bike or off-road?

Some street bikes have tubes in them, some do not.

Off-road bikes do have tubes.

Even though it is tubeless, it may still have a tube in it (I've seen it before).
 
thanks, first thing though, i am pretty good with cars, but ive never taken the wheel off of a motorcycle.... i maybe retarded but:dntknw:. im sure i could get it off, but i dont know if you gotta set the chain to a certain tightness or what. i also want to paint the wheel black, because its a damn ugly wheel! so maybe i will just take it there, tell them to take it off, then later, tell them to put it back on after i paint it.;brownbag;
 
triumphrider-1 said:
Is it s street bike or off-road?

Some street bikes have tubes in them, some do not.

Off-road bikes do have tubes.

Even though it is tubeless, it may still have a tube in it (I've seen it before).
Click to expand...

its a street bike, and it doesnt have a tube in it now. its a sportier cruiser, old as dirt though('88). not what i would have bought new, but for the price!(free!) i'll take it!
 
The chain should have a certain amount of deflection, just like a timing chain. If its good now, pay attention to where it is, and put it back to where it is when you're done. I took my rear off to get the tire replaced and was surprised how simple it was.
 
taking a wheel off isn't that bad. And it has adjusters so you can tighten the chain properly. I suggest buying the proper service manual for your bike. Chain deflection should be 1/2" (pushing down and pushing up it should only move a half inch total)
 
Motorcycle tires can have either tube or tubeless tires. My KLX250s takes tubed tires and can easily be ridden on street or dirt. As for the dirve chain, it needs a certain amount of slack. If its too tight, you'll wear out the sprockets and chain quickly. Too loose, and you might throw the chain off the sprocket. Check for placid stickers on the bike that tell you the amount required.
 
does anyone know if autozone/walmart sells the haynes manuals for bikes? i know they exsist, but ive never look for one.
 
most bike manuals are made by Clymer those are damn good too, they are just like haynes
 
pillen140 said:
does anyone know if autozone/walmart sells the haynes manuals for bikes? i know they exsist, but ive never look for one.
Click to expand...

Your local motorcycle shop may have one, if not, they can order it. I prefer the factory service manuals, but the Clymer books are good too.

Also, there is always ebay.

Edit:
If you think an '88 is old, then my bikes must to ancient! (1967, 1975, 1976)
 
Make sure to check chain tension with the bike on the side sand or standing up straight. Most bikes chains will tighten when the rear suspension is compressed.
 
Jason said:
Make sure to check chain tension with the bike on the side sand or standing up straight. Most bikes chains will tighten when the rear suspension is compressed.
Click to expand...

most manuals suggest you check tension with it loaded, meaning sitting on it.
 
Do NOT put a tube in a tubeless tire. It can create excess heat and you will have to pull the valve stem out of the wheel. The only time I MIGHT consider it is to get me to the nearest shop. You shouldn't have to mess with the chain adjustment to pull the wheel. Just put it on a stand, pull the axle and everything falls out. Pay very close attention where the spacers go. When in doubt, color code them with a Sharpe or something. Getting tubeless tires off of the rim is a real bastard without the proper tools. Take it to a shop. Cheap and easy. Have them pull the tire, take your wheel home and paint it, then have them remount the tire. When you put it back together, everything should bolt back up just like it cam apart. Really easy. NOTE! If you adjust the chain. make sure you adjust both sided the same!!!

Oh, and PLEASE wear a helmet, eye protection, gloves and boots as minimum riding gear!:headbang:
 
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