Need Tire Help

[Anonymous]

Hello everyone.

I have some questions regarding replacing tires.

I have a 1978 GS 1000 E that originally came with the aluminum
wheels and tires with tubes in them.

I went to the local dealer to get new tires.
I decided on the Metzler Me33 laser for the front and Me 55A
Metronic for the rear.

The problem arose when I saw in the book that these tires as well as
many other new styles are labeled TUBELESS. He couldn't find any
that were made for tube applications.

I always thought you needed a rim with a special lip to run a tubeless tire.

Will my original aluminum wheels accept a tubeless design tire?
Also will these 24 year old rims hold air?
Were they ever designed to be airtight since they came from
the factory with tubes?

Can I put tubeless tires on with tubes in them?

Does anyone know if I can still get tires for tube use, not marked
TUBELESS?

I have had the last set of Metzler Me88 marathons on for a long time
and had no problem at that time. ( quite a few years ago)

With so many of you owning similar bikes, I am sure you will have the right advice.

Thank you, Rich I am in New Jersey.

 

[Anonymous]

I'd say, mount the tires tubeless, the lip on the tubeless and the tube type rims are the same. Will not be a problem unless you have a crack or some type hole or imperfection in the cast wheel.

 

[SqDancerLynn1]

It depends on the wheel. They are marked for tube less tires so check your rims If it is not marked you will have to run a tube. Should still be OK with the Metzler I have the 33 on the front of my GS850 GOOD tire and wears good 6K miles and it still has 70%+ of tread

 

[KEITH KRAUSE]

I have a '79 GS1000E.I bought the bike new.At the first tire change I was told to keep the tube in.The original tires were "IRC" and I don't remember if they said tubeless on them or not.I think every tire today says tubeless,but I keep running tubes.I think about trying no tube sometimes,but I never do.

 

[DJones]

Get the tires and put tubes in . the cast wheels on the GS bikes will not hold air without a tube unless the wheel is stamped tubeless.

 

[KGB]

hhhhhmmmmmm the cast wheels won't hold air?
I must have the magic wheels.....


My 1980 S with cast wheels holds air.
I run Dunlop GT501, no tubes. No air loss, ok minimal, normal loss.
I've run tubes and no tubes no problems either way.
What will make you feel "safe"? If you want to run a tube, go for it.


Keith

 

[Anonymous]

tires

tires

Thank you all for helping. I feel a lot better now.

I will get the tires and I think I will put tubes in just to be safe.

My real concern was that the tires fit the rims properly.

It looks like that is not going to be a problem.

I really like this bike and still want to keep it in top shape.

Rich