!@#$% Tube!

[Dogma]

So. I got my front wheel back from Octane Outlet in Middletown with the new tire mounted. This wheel was converted to tubeless over 4 decades ago and this idiot organization took it upon themselves to put a tube in it anyway, without consulting me or even telling me about it. I happened to see it on the receipt. This is the 2nd time they've done it. The first time, they did it to the rear, which is clearly marked on the casting "Tubeless tire applicable". I caught it before I left the store last time, and they said the parts diagram shows a tube ,so they put a tube in it. incompetent. I'm done with them. Hopefully, this isn't some stupid liability nonsense all the dealers will be doing from now on.

Since I actually venture more than 30 miles from home, I like to carry tire repair stuff. I don't want to have to carry a patch kit and spoons, and I certainly don't want to have to use them on the side of the road or in a parking lot. Advice on a reasonable source for such a kit? You know, I'm not sure I trust a tube in a wheel that's been drilled for a tubeless conversion.

I'm thinking I'd rather convert it back to tubeless, but my last attempt at seating a front was almost traumatic. That was a Chen-Shin Himax. I seem to remember someone telling me they were notoriously tight. Would I have an easier time with the Avon? What's a good source for a new valve stem, since Octane basically stole mine and threw it away?

Somebody please talk some sense to me. I'm so mad, I'm probably not thinking straight.

[rphillips]

I didn't drill my rims to convert, there are tubeless stems that fit the orig hole. If yours wasn't drilled to something out of wack, NAPA, and probably all others should have the size you need. Your wheel will be fine with a tube, it's just the insecurity of having a flat with a tube. I've found most places won't mount tubeless on a wheel not marked "Tubeless". Independent shops or somebody working out of his garage will be easier to deal with. I've not accepted the big shops charging $50 or more to mount & balance a bike tire,

[alke46]

If replacing the stems, you could do yourself a favor and get the 90 degree ones. Makes checking pressure and refilling a breeze.

[LAB3]

I've had blowouts with both tubes and tubeless tires. Tubeless allows you to fit a quick plug to get you where you want to go but in order to truly fix it you'll still need to take the tire off the rim and patch it from the inside for a safe long term fix.

Ride it the way it is for now!

[Dogma]

I'm planning to see if I can get the tire off the rim far enough to verify which stem I need. I have about 3000 miles scheduled for June, and I don't want to be thinking about a stupid tube.

[storm 64]

Dale, did you get your tire dilemma resolved?
I'm going to bring my tire levers just in case.

[bwringer]

Similar incompetence, more than cost, led me to start changing my own motorcycle tires long ago... if you want something done right, sometimes you have to do it yourself.

Dale, give me a call if you still need advice or assistance...


If a rim hasn't been drilled out, this is the motorcycle valve stem available from any Napa, part number: NTH 90426. I keep these on hand.

https://www.napaonline.com/en/p/NTH90426

This valve stem is the same diameter (about 5/16" or 8mm) all the way down.

If it has been drilled out, then a metal stem intended for car tires will work fine (you can find these anywhere). These are a larger diameter at the bottom. On a GS with a 17" rear, there's plenty of room and not really a need for a right angle valve stem. (Some folks have converted to rubber snap-in valve stems instead of metal.)

On tubeless conversions, you also want to make sure there's a flat area on the inside where the valve stem seal can seat. I have a counterbore and pilot in a drill to machine these quickly with a drill:



Here's Robin's video using my method for roadside bead breaking:

From this article:

https://tro.bike/motorcycle-maintenance/wheels/tire-bead/

I only use this method when I'm not in my garage where I have a bead-breaking lever arrangement; it can put a scar inside the wheel if you're not careful.

[cowboyup3371]

On a side note Dale I stopped using Octane for even filters about the time they moved into that building. Even before they were less than useful so yea, do what I do and make the drive to Iron Pony

[Rich82GS750TZ]

By the way, how is Dale? Anyone have an update on his condition they’d like to share?

[Baatfam]

By the way, how is Dale? Anyone have an update on his condition they’d like to share?

Really good question....I'd like to know his status....

[cowboyup3371]

Steve and I took his bike to him last Sunday after he got home from the hospital. He is able to move and walk around though obviously not super far right now or super long and is in great spirits. Standing, sitting, and laying down also requires very deliberate and slow effort.

All in all, he's in very good spirits and working through the next steps

[Baatfam]

Steve and I took his bike to him last Sunday after he got home from the hospital. He is able to move and walk around though obviously not super far right now or super long and is in great spirits. Standing, sitting, and laying down also requires very deliberate and slow effort.

All in all, he's in very good spirits and working through the next steps

Thanks Scott! I was just thinking about how he was doing...

[alke46]

Yes Scott, thanks for the report. Please let Dale know we are all thinking about him and hoping for the best in his recovery.

[schneider]

Thanks guys, for the encouragement, advice and video, I have removed an old tire and successfully mounted a new one. First motorcycle tire change for me and it felt good. Dogma I am close to octane myself, Austin landing exit is where I'm at so I appreciate yours and others experience with this shop. Have any of you from the area used Williams vintage cycle? They seem like a good choice and rebuild lots of cool old cycles.

[cowboyup3371]

Where at off of Austin as I'm in the Oakwood Village mobile home park?

Honestly, Williams is extremely overpriced and do a very crappy job. I took a 550 wheel to them to mount the tires when I first moved here in 2012 and they screwed it up. Ultimately had to take it to Iron Pony to get fixed. I would never recommend them to anyone