VOL. 55 ISSUE 21 MAY 30, 2018 P101
Tire
This tubeless design doesn't
mean that the tire can't get punc-
tured, it can. But the object punc-
turing the tire usually stays stuck
on the thick tread of the tire. This
makes the tire deflate slowly at
high speeds and gives the rider an
opportunity to slow down. It also
allows for a spokeless wheel to be
fitted, allowing more freedom for a
cast wheel design.
Although both types of tires are
still produced, tube tires are most
commonly found on small city and
dual-sport motorcycles (as well as
most off-road motorcycles). These
kinds of motorcycles often require
a high-profile tire and therefore
can work best using a tube. If
you plan on fitting a tube inside a
tubeless tire, be aware that it will
add additional weight to the total
wheel assembly. This can lead
to more heat generation, which
ultimately means faster tire wear.
Simply put, if a tire is identified
as a "tube type" tire, it won't have
an embedded rubber liner on the
inside of the carcass. Therefore,
it will need an inner tube to work
properly.
Can you run a tube in a
tubeless tire?
The answer to this common
question is, yes. Just be sure to
check there is nothing obstructing
the smooth surface of the carcass.
Something like a loose label on
the inside of the tire could cause a
problem with the tube.
Does running a tube reduce
your tire's speed rating?
Yes and no. Up to a maximum
of 130 mph (H speed index), the
addition of a tube has no effect to
the speed rating. When surpass-
ing the speed mentioned, the tire
would typically be rated at the
next speed down.
Now you can differentiate a
tube from a tubeless tire, when
to use each type, and its pros and
cons.
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effect on the performance of
the tire. The biggest flaw with
this design happened when a
puncture occurred. In that case,
the deflation of the tube would
cause a sudden loss of air
which would escape through
the spoke heads on the wheel,
something very dangerous at
high speeds.
With that in mind, manufac-
turers tried finding a better way
to address the problem. Since
safety at high speeds became
a big concern, the tubeless tire
was created. This design was
made possible by taking tube
rubber mix material and mak-
ing a single continuous layer
on the inside of the tire carcass.
The embedment of this tube
rubber was not only safer but
made the tire lighter. A tube-
less tire also forms a better seal
onto the wheel.
