Best Tube for 120/90 17 Roadrider Tire

[sedelen]

Yesterday out riding I picked up a nail in my rear tire.
It's got the smallest amount of air leaking from it, so I'm shopping for
inner tubes.
I got a Avon Roadrider 120/90 17 size tire so I'm looking for a tube to match.
I'd like to get something heavy duty, this is for my '82 GS1100E.
So far I found the Michelin Air stop to be about the only one that has that size available. Saw on one web-site this was moderate duty.
Anyone got any better options?



You can see the little trail of dried up bubbles from the soap I used to detect the leak, oh so minor. Checked the tire this morning and no noticeable drop in tire pressure.

[bwringer]

That tire is almost done, but here's an example:

http://www.americanmototire.com/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=610_615&products_id=2346

Note that this tube fits several different sizes of 17" tires. AMT has a chart to help you find the right size range in inch sizes: http://www.americanmototire.com/cata....php?cPath=610

I swear, the biggest problem with buying tubes is how incredibly disorganized the tube listings are.

[sedelen]

That tire is almost done, but here's an example:

http://www.americanmototire.com/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=610_615&products_id=2346

Note that this tube fits several different sizes of 17" tires. AMT has a chart to help you find the right size range in inch sizes: http://www.americanmototire.com/cata....php?cPath=610

I swear, the biggest problem with buying tubes is how incredibly disorganized the tube listings are.

Thanks,
Didn't realize how worn that tire was until I started looking at my other tires. Really, I swear I haven't riden it all that much as compared to my 1000. No burn outs, etc. Weird. But the wear indicators say it all.
Manufacture date 1609.

I had already been on that site but missed the conversion chart.
I hate conversion charts. Converting alpha to metric and back and forth, for instance the same 120/90 17 coverts to two different size inch tires depending if it's for the front or rear. One thing I did get out of it on a footnote was tubes denoted as heavy duty, ultra heavy duty, etc. are not recommended for street use. I just want a tube that can easily handle the capabilities of the bike. Had one blow out in the past and don't ever want to repeat that again.

[Steve]

I just want a tube that can easily handle the capabilities of the bike.

The good news there is that the tube only needs to be able to hold air pressure.

It's the TIRE that needs to "handle the capabilites of the bike".

All of the stress and strain happens in the TIRE, not the tube.

.

[sedelen]

The good news there is that the tube only needs to be able to hold air pressure.

It's the TIRE that needs to "handle the capabilites of the bike".

All of the stress and strain happens in the TIRE, not the tube.

.

I do believe you're correct, however, forever ingrained into my mind is the experience I had on my '72 CB450 at 70 mph with passenger on the back when I had a blow-out on my rear tire. The tire was OK, it was the tube that had the 12 inch long hole in it.
I also had a flat on my GS1000, it had a new tube, but oversized (shops fault), it too had a gaping hole of a couple of inches. But the tire didn't blow, just went flat while I was riding it. Because of the strength of the sidewalls I was able to ride it a couple of miles to get it repaired. Updates in tire technology!

[salty_monk]

I like the Michelin airstop tubes. Hold pressure much better than any others I've used.

[sedelen]

I like the Michelin airstop tubes. Hold pressure much better than any others I've used.

Thanks,
Thats what I'm leaning towards.
In fact that is one of the very few I found that would fit.

[Steve]

... I had a blow-out on my rear tire. The tire was OK, it was the tube that had the 12 inch long hole in it.
I also had a flat on my GS1000, it had a new tube, but oversized (shops fault), it too had a gaping hole of a couple of inches. But the tire didn't blow, just went flat while I was riding it.

If you have a nail or other sharp object come through the tread of the tire, it can/will also put a hole in the tube. There is very little lateral strength in the tube, so it will try to pop like a balloon. Since it is contained by the tire, it will simply tear into shreds, instead.

.

[sedelen]

If you have a nail or other sharp object come through the tread of the tire, it can/will also put a hole in the tube. There is very little lateral strength in the tube, so it will try to pop like a balloon. Since it is contained by the tire, it will simply tear into shreds, instead.

.

The blow-outs I had were most likely caused by underinflation, at least the one on the 1000 was, tube leaked and when ridden generated so much heat from the chaffing of the tube inside, well it just couldn't take it. I don't know about CB450.
The hole I have now is very small, but deep. I'm think it damaged the tube, to what degree I don't and won't know until I remove it. Right now
I'm monitoring the pressure. I'll be coming up north for a week and I'll check it when I get back. If I don't see any noticeable drop in pressure I'll probably continue to ride it. I have already ridden it since pulling the nail out.