Going tubeless with spoked wheels

[breakwellmz]

Is it possible to get rid of the inner tubes on the spoked wheels of my Mastif?It already has tubeless type tyres fitted.

If the spoke holes can be sealed and an appropriate valve fitted to the rim,is that it,or are tubeless rims otherwise different?

I already have a tubeless repair kit and CO2 inflaters,which are a`get you home`for tubeless car tyres.

I certainly couldn`t change a Mastif inner-tube at the side of the road!

Cheers

[pmorris4562]

I'm no expert, but I would think it almost impossible to seal the spoke holes, and I would imagine there will be a difference in the 'lip' on the rim which in on a tubeless rim not only has to locate the tyre, but also seal it too.

Bicycle riders use stuff called 'slime' in the inner tubes. It is supposed to seal small holes in the tube 'as they happen'. I have had mixed results with the stuff, but it's probably better than nothing.

[Srinath]

Tubeless with spoked wheels are of 2 kinds that I have seen ...
Honda rebel style was where the center had a lip. If I remember the rim was aluminum.
The second style is the BMW R 1100 GS style. Those had a set of spokes that went to the outer wall. It almost was visible right next to the tire where the bead seats.
If I remember those wheels were steel ... (could be mistaken on both accounts of what the wheels are made of)

Cool.
Srinath.

[MZCountryRider]

A few Moto Guzzi guys have gone tubeless on their spoked Borrani rims. Here's a write-up of how it's done:
http://thisoldtractor.com/gtbender/moto ... conversion

I don't like the idea for a number of reasons. If you ever need to replace a spoke or even true the wheel the RTV will be a bear to deal with. Also, the rim doesn't have the correct profile to hold the bead in place. IIRC, the most common spoke rim for tubed applications is designated "WM" and rims meant for tubeless use are "MT".

[breakwellmz]

Hi

Thanks chaps.There does seem to be a surprising amount`ont net about people doing this themselves.These amongst them-

http://www.supermotojunkie.com/showthre ... h-pictures

http://www.intruderalert.com/cafe/index ... cID=132731

If i have tubeless type tyres on there already,won`t the rims be of the correct profile?

The idea does appeal.

Cheers

[handsomejackuk]

yup it can be done i did toy with the idea loads of videos on youtube basically fill the spoke nipple holes with silicone sealant, and use gaffer tape as well as the rubber band around the rim... I had a tube already and have never had any problems so didnt bother, i may do though next time i get a puncture...

I was quite shocked the other day when i saw a KTM running tubeless but it is a common thing nowadays.

Al..

[MZCountryRider]

Here's an article worth a read: http://bmwmotorcycletech.info/section6.htm

And here's a comparison of the WM and MT rim profiles: http://www.conti-bike.co.uk/default.asp?pid=27

My advice would be to look at the rims and see what type they are. I'd guess they are WM, but I don't know for sure.

[DAVID THOMPSON]

just be careful what you do..!
the story i got
when i bought my saxon tour was yes it has alloy rims and no spokes
but the bead edge is designed for tube type tires
that's the 500cc rotax powered bike from mid 90's
dave

[breakwellmz]

"Next, the MT rim (without illustration) was developed for tubeless tyres then the humped MT H2 rim (fig 2). The hump prevents the tyre from slipping down to the well due to air loss."

-Continental Tyres

Thanks MZCountryRider

Checked my rims earlier and i have MT H2 front and back.

I`ve also found 8mm bolt-in tubeless valves-

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/281111033324? ... 1438.l2649

This is looking good chaps

[bikeseamus]

While taking a long test ride and thorough examination of a new Yamaha Super Tenere I was impressed with the design.
Easy spoke repair/change on the road. Looks like a guy could replace a spoke in 5 minutes, maybe less.Centerstand to allow it without a fight, and of course a wide variety of tubeless tires available. Plug a hole while touring, which is maybe the best thing about tubeless tires for touring. I hope some intelligent rim maker copies Yamaha's rim design and makes it available for vintage and modern bikes. I would buy a set immediately for my 2003 Bonnie, and I know quite a few riders of vintage British and Japanese and Italian bikes who would jump on it like a dog on a bone.
I am speaking of those who actually put miles on their vintage and retro/vintage style bikes, of course. The market seems to be growing for bikes from the 60s onward, because not everyone is interested in a street legal track weapon with lights... for quite a few reasons.

I do hope some insightful rim maker makes these available, especially in traditional sizes like 19" front and 18" rear tires, with a design that can be used with bias ply traditional tires. We shall see.

[breakwellmz]

Hi

Just the other day i was looking at the BMW version of tubeless spoked rims on a big GS.
I feel the BMW way looks neater and stronger than the Yamaha one.

The next time i puncture or wear out a tyre,i`ll definitely be converting my rims to tubeless.

Cheers

[DAVID THOMPSON]

the bmw rim is nice but do not even think about a total re-lace...its a pain
when you bend one up dig way deeeeeep into you cash reserves
and buy a new one (as IN A NEW WHEEL OUCH)
dave

[Beaz]

I have a 2005 Sherco trials bike with spokes and it runs a tubeless rear tire. This is desirable because I run 4 psi in the rear tire and you don't have to worry about pinching the tube. BUT after it sets up for a day or two it will be flat. I just bought a new rear wheel off of a 2013 Sherco because it has the same design as the Yamaha Tenere (a true tubeless design for a spooked wheel). Montesa has had the same solid rim design with spokes since 2003.