[Kchaka]

Should I care that all of the beginner cruisers I seem to be targeting have tube tires? Seems that all of the beginner cruisers (<750 cc) have spoke tires and tubes. Some of the reading I have done suggests that tubeless is more durable/safer. True/False? Am I worrying about nothing?

thanks

[Matt]

The usual reason for tubed tires is that you can’t have tubless tires on spoked wheels. Spoked wheels add an additional layer of suspension which makes them desirable to some people. Other like them because the look pretty.

(side note, a few very high end motorcycles, such as the BMW R1200 have spoked wheels that allow tubless tires, these are REALLY expensive wheels)

The extra suspension provided is one reason so many off road bikes still use tubes. So my question to you is this: Will you be riding your cruiser harder than these people ride their off-road and dual sport bikes?

Some performance bikes (Ducati 1100GT) come with spoked (and thus tube) wheels. Several owners have commented that swapping the wheels for lighter cast rims (which also allows the removal fo the tube from the tire, futher saving weight) makes the bike much more sporting. However, the fact remain that Ducati feels confident in the wheels and tubes abilities to stand up to the rigors of riding.

So yes, I think it is pointless to worry about this.

—
The problem with the internet: Everyone gets the same font size.

[BoOZe P-ti Motard]

whatever you ride, go for tubeless and of couse cast wheel coz you’ll be on the safer side.i admit spoked wheels are lighter and that’s all..okay rather cute but that’s all..finally! cast add stability during lean effects, shitty road and even during rain..

BoOZe
Solomolo Rider

[Anonymous]

Tubeless tires can be temporarily repaired by the side of the road with tire plugs (without taking the wheel off); wire-spoked wheels can’t.

That said, if you puncture a tubeless tire, many shops won’t repair them, advising you instead, to buy a new tire. Tubed tires on the other hand can be repaired by having the inexpensive tube replaced.

Alloy wheels are easier to clean, wire-spoked wheels are very labor intensive to clean.

[Author]

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