Mags to Spokes

[tkent02]

I have no axe to grind, the OP wants spokes, and asked a question about finding wheels.

Spoked wheels and tubes are fine 99,99% of the time, just like alloy wheels and tubeless tires...

And both can go flat slowly or instantly.

[Badooka]

huh, 6 second drag cars use tubes.

Very true- they operate almost opposite of what we want- where they need weight and the tube to absorb the heat as they rip off the line-

Street car "slicks" are typically designed as tube-type tires. There are a number of reasons for this, but safety is a primary concern. In addition, a tube helps to maintain air pressure. It's not uncommon for a tubeless fastest street car tire to deflate quickly (that even includes several of the more streetable types with a full complement of tread). Tubes will enhance the reaction time, increase the stiffness of the tire, and reduce sidewall shock and deflection when launching the car. Finally, the manufacturers polled claim that a tube helps with consistency, since the tube actually absorbs some of the heat from the tire. In a bike, absorbing heat into a tubless/tube tire actually reduces your heat range and the life of the tire- so it's counter productive. Granted there are a multitude of custom applications out there but in more times than not the new technology in tubeless, is better. This is off topic from the spoke rims but this happens sometimes

In general, tubeless tires do not need tubes, and you do yourself a dis-service by using tubes with tubeless tires. Tubes reduce the flexibility of tubeless tires, thereby increasing rolling resistance. This then consumes a bit more energy to make it go, which will consume a bit more fuel. The worse part is that this extra energy is turned into heat in the tire, and tires don't like extra internal heat. This could shorten the life of the tire rather dramatically if you run it anywhere near it's maximum load or speed rating.

As a rule of thumb, if you put tubes in tubeless tires you should de-rate the tire by one letter grade, or about 18 mph (30 kph) off of the rated 10-minute top speed. If you're talking about installing an "H"(auto) (rated tire (130 mph) , you hardly have much to worry about if it gets de-rated by 18 mph to 112 mph 10-minute top speed capability.

If you want spokes by all means use them, I just don't get it- other than aesthetics.

[sedelen]

I use tubes in both my bikes with tubeless tires on non tubeless type mag rims. I put tubes in them because the mags are not rated for tubeless, doesn't have that extra lip or whatever, and the parts fiche shows tubes.
Item 16,

http://www.boulevardsuzuki.com/fiche_section_detail.asp?section=95446&category=Motorcycles&make=SUZUKI&year=1978&fveh=2146

I once had a rear tire blow-out on a Honda with spoke rims and tube. Tire pressure went to zero immediately at 70mph, that was fun, I'm sure the passenger enjoyed it too.

[Badooka]

I use tubes in both my bikes with tubeless tires on non tubeless type mag rims. I put tubes in them because the mags are not rated for tubeless, doesn't have that extra lip or whatever, and the parts fiche shows tubes.
Item 16,

http://www.boulevardsuzuki.com/fiche_section_detail.asp?section=95446&category=Motorcycles&make=SUZUKI&year=1978&fveh=2146

I once had a rear tire blow-out on a Honda with spoke rims and tube. Tire pressure went to zero immediately at 70mph, that was fun, I'm sure the passenger enjoyed it too.

My point exactly-

[limeex2]

With spoked wheels you can lace up wider rims. I have 2 sets. 1 with a 18'' front. Turns a little quicker, no clearance issues.

[hjfisk]

Or you can just spend the extra money and buy TUBLESS SPOKED WHEELS

http://alpinawheelsusa.com/products/motorbike-tubeless-spoked-wheels/

[Joe Nardy]

thanks overboostin...... I just think spokes look better

Me too! Especially when they're kept nice & clean, so they gleam a bit as the wheel rotates.

How about a real life example? See and decide for yourselves:

Mags:



Spokes:



I know which I like better.........

Thanks,
Joe

[tkent02]

There is also this tubliss system...

http://tubliss.com

Tis one isn't ready for the road quite yet but I definitly like the looks better, these wheels are a lot lighter than thee cast clunkers that were on it.

[rayban]

wire spokes look soooo much better

[salty_monk]

You have to like Cleaning though...

[rayban]

Joe Nardy.... beautiful bike....MUCH better with spokes. Pics say it all !!!

So early 750 wheels (say 1977) will bolt right on, front and rear ? Also, can I put duel disc on the front spoke wheel?

[tkent02]

Yes and yes. There are holes drilled and tapped in most spoked wheels for the second disc, there is probably a plastic plug screwed into the holes. You need both forks from the dual brake model too.

[bsward423]

Hi Guys,

I'm new to the forum. I have a 1980 GS1000E that I am updating a bit. Not a full restore, just freshening it up. I would really like to convert to spoked wheels. I'm not sure what all will be involved in this, but I'd like to get going on it. Is it going to be as simple as buying wheels off of an earlier model, or do I need to do some modification? Any help would be great!

[tkent02]

The wheels from an earlier 1000 bolt right on, with the 750 wheels I think you need to change bearings for the thicker axle, not 100% sure.

[bsward423]

Awesome. Thanks a lot for the response! I appreciate it!