Do I have to use tubes?

[ggreenfield]

81 GS750E stock wheels. The old tires have tubes. New tires are tubeless type but I wonder...is it required that I use tubes still? I was under the impression that wheel type AND tire type determined whether or not you needed tubes not just tire type.

[scottp8113]

should say on the rim i believe (could be wrong if someone more experienced wants to chime in)

[Nessism]

This topic comes up all the time, the search function will turn up tons of information.

Bottom line, many members have gone tubeless on their tube type mag wheels; you need to install a tubeless valve stem. Sometimes the wheel leaks air through pores in the metal, luck of the draw (you can also seal the metal with epoxy).

FYI: the rim profile was modified when Suzuki went tubeless; there is a raised area just inboard of where the tire sits on the bead - the bead keeps the tire from seperating from the bead if you get a flat. Whether or not the bead is necessary in order to go tubeless is debatable; the bead is a nice safety feature but whether or not a tube is in there isn't going to make much difference if you get a flat.

[rphillips]

Try the search feature, this has been discussed a bunch of times. I wish someone could count it up & see what most gsr folks thought. I'd guess appx. 50% to 50%. A lot of people here don't recommend it, a few have had or know someone who has actually a problem with it. I've done it forever, without a problems, & never knew anyone personally who had a problem. Only way to know for sure is give it a try & keep a check for a week or so, to see if any air is being lost. Just my opinion

[ggreenfield]

Busted! I did not use the search. Sorry....
Usually I would - I was just on my way out the door and my tire guy is mounting the tires in the AM so I wanted something in a hurry. Guess the search would've been faster. Think I'll just put the tubes in and not worry about it since I don't really have the ability to change the tires myself is something goes awry.

[rphillips]

You have removed all doubt. Couldn't hurt a thing, as long as you don't have a flat.