Tire bead question

[1978GS750E]

For what it's worth, I converted my '82 1100E to tubeless and have not had any issues.

[wilsonsandy07]

The rim size code will give you a clue (e.g. 17xMT2.50). The bead profile is identified by the bead code. MT is 'Motorcycle Tubeless' and as noted above early MT rims often don't have the 'safety lip' -which some say is more about providing an easier seal to pop the the bead on, rather than a run flat feature, but I think it probably does both.

Anything else, unmarked, WM (wide measure) or most likely J on a GS can't be run tubeless as rim profile doesn't match the tire bead.

Often in the early 80s tube type tyres and tubeless tires were run on MT rims with a tube. And I might add without problem. Some times as 'insurance' against these new fangled tubeless tires, of because folk wanted to keep running their favourite rubber.

This is new to me info about the rim codes, and if i remember correctly mine do have MT printed on them. ill have to double check when i get home though but great info.

Truthfully im not super concerned about losing the seal during a ride, (unknowingly) i just put about 750 mi. on 20 year old tubeless tires with no sealing issues. The valve core was already converted as well so presumably the PO didnt have any issues as well.

The main issue for me is right now if i were to get a flat it seems like i would lose the bead anyways so it sort of defeats the purpose of not having a tube, because i may not just be able to patch it and get it home if i cant reseat the bead with the wheel still on the bike.

my plan of action is to get both mounted up and if all goes well ride it a bit, if theres no obvious signs of issues ill try and deflate the tired with the weight of the bike and see if the bead holds after theres been some pressure and mileage added. if the bead doesnt hold i will probably throw in tubes just to be safe, if it holds then air and go

appreciate everyones input, alot of knowledge in this forum super helpful stuff and please continue to put up with the new guys

[Baatfam]

For what it's worth, I converted my '82 1100E to tubeless and have not had any issues.

Same here with my '83.

[rphillips]

Somebody had a picture on here a few yrs back of cutting that surface flat for a tubeless valve stem. It really looks good & makes perfect sense. But never knowing about that tool, all the GS's I've had I just bolt the proper size tubeless valve stem in. those faaat rubber washers have always sealed fine for me. I've been around these wheels from the start, back in "78" and always read & listen to the possible problems, but so far I've not, and Ed said earlier he'd not heard of a problem running tubeless on these old rims. Also have found most bike dealerships and city shops won't put a tubeless tire on a rim not marked "TUBELESS". So far the private, country, & garage shops won't care.

[wilsonsandy07]

yeah the little country auto shop down the street from me didnt say a word about it they just seated it for me and sent me on my way

[KiwiAlfa156]

Somebody had a picture on here a few yrs back of cutting that surface flat for a tubeless valve stem. It really looks good & makes perfect sense. But never knowing about that tool, all the GS's I've had I just bolt the proper size tubeless valve stem in.

Like this tool...?

[rphillips]

Yup, that's the picture I'm remembering. That big fat washer on the valve stem squshes pretty good around the contour of the rim without the flat part cut in, but the flat sure would make it fit perfect.

[dgates1]

My 1980 GS850GL had tubeless on the bike when I bought it. Replaced with the same. Have had no issues until I left it sit in my garage for several years and it did go flat and break the bead. Had to use a ratchet strap to get it to fill with air again.

The parts drawing do show a tube for mine.

[rphillips]

The parts dia. at Suzuki Parts Monster shows the "80" GS850GL(T) had tubes in both F & R. The "81" GS850GL (X) has Tubeless on both F&R. ..

[dgates1]

I fairly certain have the "T" model according to the way everything else looks.

[Nessism]

The parts dia. at Suzuki Parts Monster shows the "80" GS850GL(T) had tubes in both F & R. The "81" GS850GL (X) has Tubeless on both F&R. ..

1980 and 1981 front wheels were the same PN.

[bwringer]

For what it's worth, I converted my '82 1100E to tubeless and have not had any issues.

I haven't owned one, but I've done other work on at least three or four other examples of '82 and '83 GS1100E. None had tubes by the time I saw them, and none had any issues.

[rphillips]

"80" & "81" front have same part # except color code at end, 80 grey, 81 black. All 850GL front wheel description says (N19xMT 1,85), even when part # changed for "82" & "83" the description stayed the same, all have the MT. "80" diagram shows an inner tube, part #17 on list says inner tube (3.50x19). The "81" diagram shows no inner tube and in the parts list there is no inner tube nor valve stem mentioned. After the part # changed in "82" none show an inner tube, but all show a valve stem... This all from Suzuki Parts Monster diagrams.

[KiwiAlfa156]

"80" & "81" front have same part # except color code at end, 80 grey, 81 black. All 850GL front wheel description says (N19xMT 1,85), even when part # changed for "82" & "83" the description stayed the same, all have the MT. "80" diagram shows an inner tube, part #17 on list says inner tube (3.50x19). The "81" diagram shows no inner tube and in the parts list there is no inner tube nor valve stem mentioned. After the part # changed in "82" none show an inner tube, but all show a valve stem... This all from Suzuki Parts Monster diagrams.

Interesting to note that the 80 and 81 OEM tyres listed in the parts diagrams for 850GL have different part numbers. 55100-45155 for the 80 (T) and 55100-45350 for the 81 (T).

It may be that the 80 bikes were delivered with a tube-type tyre and tube on early tubeless (MT) rims.

[wilsonsandy07]

awesome info from everyone, should be getting the new rubber mounted today so well see how she does tubeless! fingers crossed