Tire tube in a mid 80s GS?

[Kudagra]

I was dis-heartened this 4th of July weekend when I finally got my 86 GS550ES running pretty close to perfect and realized that my rear tire was flat. After rolling it around and spraying with soapy water I found a hole dead center of the tread. This tire has all of MAYBE 400 miles. Its a $100 Pirelli Sport demon.

I was thinking today..is it safe to use a tube in this wheel/tire? A tube is only $25.

It wont really matter since I already ordered a new tire. But Im wondering if I should get the tube and when this new one is worn out I could use the tube/old tire as a back up?

Any thoughts or just save my $25?

[Nessism]

Tube it...but be sure to have a tubeless patch installed too. That's what I would do anyway.

[SqDancerLynn1]

I would patch it inside and go riding !!

[Nessism]

I would patch it inside and go riding !!

...or do this.

[BassCliff]

Greetings and Salutations!!

Hi Mr. Kudagra,

I've even plugged my tubeless rear tire and rode it that way for a couple of months. It's probably not the best option but it worked out. I took it easy until I could afford another tire.

Anyway, let me dump a TON if information on you and share some GS lovin'.

I just stopped by to welcome you to the forum in my own, special way.

If there's anything you'd like to know about the Suzuki GS model bikes, and most others actually, you've come to the right place. There's a lot of knowledge and experience here in the community. Come on in and let me say "HOoooowwwDY!"....

Here is your very own magical, mystical, mythical, mind-expanding "mega-welcome". Please take notice of the "Top 10 Common Issues", "Top 15 Tips For GS Happiness", the Carb Cleanup Series, and the Stator Papers. All of these tasks must be addressed in order to have a safe, reliable machine. Now let me roll out the welcome mat for you...



Please click here for your mega-welcome, chock full of tips, suggestions, links to vendors, and other information. Then feel free to visit my little BikeCliff website where I've been collecting the wisdom of this generous community. Don't forget, we like pictures! Not you, your bike!

Thanks for joining us. Keep us informed.

Thank you for your indulgence,

BassCliff

[Kudagra]

Cool...my second mega welcome. I actually was signed in long ago but didnt log in for too long and I had to start over. No biggie.

Ive been dealing with personal issues and working on some old Yamaha enduros.

Thanks to all.

I might buy the tube and just hold onto all of it for when I HOPEFULLY wear this new one out.

http://www.thegsresources.com/_forum/showthread.php?t=152175

Thats me...and I never got my money back. I couldnt ever contact them again.