Tubed/tubeless (2b or not 2b)

grahamd1 · Trackday Trickster Joined: 04 Aug 2011 Karma :

My recent rebuild (cb450dx) has cast wheels and features tubeless tyres.
the existing tyre (about 10yrs old) had cracks along the wall, so I ordered a new replacement tubeless tyre (King). Being tubeless I didnt fancy my chances of remving and rebeading the new tyre back on the wheel (I've done lots of tubed ones), so I took it to a local motorbike garage.

When collected the wheel I was informed there was a tube inside (it must be about 10yrs + old), and as they didnt have any tubeless valves in stock (and the guy told me the CB450DX was a tubed bike, which I know to be crap, even the manuals state "TUBELESS") he had put the new tubeless tyre back on using the old tube.

Dont even ask what he charged me !!!! but it was almost the cost of the tyre. My normal garage (closed for vacation) charges a tenner, another charges £15 (inc vat), this guy charged me pennies short of £30 !!!! couldnt have been for the new valve (he didnt have any) or a replacement tube (no he used my OLD one), or maybe the balancing (looks like the same lead weight to me, as it has bits of paint on it) ?

My questions are

1/ I guess using a tube on a tubeless wheel is ok, but is this something I should be nervouse about ?

2/ As the existing 10+yr old tyre had cracks all over it, I'm worried the tube is probably not a lot better, should I take it somewhere else to either get a new tube fitted or better still a tubeless valve ?

3/ Should I compalin (I've already sent an email (unanswered), but without knowing if what I've paid for a quick bodge is either legal or ethicall, I dont know what to say/quote?

Feel very peed over the whole experience, feel like adding some comments to his FB page, but I'm holding back till I get your feedback (please).
____________________
XV1100, XV750
CD175 (Rebuild)
CF70 (Chaly - Rebuild),

doggone · World Chat Champion Joined: 20 May 2004 Karma :

I've seen some comment that a tubeless tyre is not designed to have a tube in, and in extreme conditions can get too warm.
The inside surface is probably less smooth than a tube type tyre so may be something in it.
You're unlikely to have any problems in normal riding for sure.
It doesn't sound like the type of bike you'd be doing 150mph on the Autobabhn.

pdg · World Chat Champion Joined: 15 Sep 2012 Karma :

Next time, change the tyre yourself...

Just make sure the rim and tyre bead are clean, put it on and pump it up (fit the valve first....) Job done.

Did you get a price for the job before they started? If not, sounds like they just charged you an hour's labour.

Reusing a tube regardless of age is probably fine - it's mainly UV that causes the rubber to crack - but it's not something I'd expect any reputable garage to do, at least without discussing it with you first. But then, I'd expect a reputable garage to have a handfull of valves 'in stock'.

Honestly it sounds like the guy was speaking balls.

But,

I haven't heard his side of the story.

pdg · World Chat Champion Joined: 15 Sep 2012 Karma :

c-m · World Chat Champion Joined: 12 May 2006 Karma :

I'd be less concerned about using a tube in a tubless tyre (most tubeless tyres are fine with tubes), and more concerned about using a 10 year old tube.

I usually you talc up a new tube, who knows if this guy did. Then there is the fact that the tube rubs slightly against the tyre particularly when going over bumps. After 10 years I imagine that this tube has worn very thin indeed.

Was that price ride in ride out?

I'm getting a tubed tyre changed today, and was quoted £60 from BMW, and £25 from my local tyre fitters.

Walloper · Super Spammer Joined: 24 Feb 2005 Karma :

Islander · World Chat Champion Joined: 05 Aug 2012 Karma :

Tubes in tubeless tyres are alright as an emergency measure (or, as Walloper points out, where the rim is no longer capable of providing a suitable seal) but a tubed tyre will always be susceptible to sudden deflation whereas a tubeless, in theory should deflate in a controlled manner.

But seriously? No tubeless valves? Refit the old tube? He's not a mechanic/fitter, he's a lazy arsed neanderthal. At the very least he should have contacted you for permission to do this. Take it back and tell the lazy bastard to do the job properly.

matto · Crazy Courier Joined: 18 Apr 2012 Karma :

I would not be happy, tyres have got to be the most safety critical part of a motorcycle, or would that be brakes? Any way Dunlop says no!

https://www.dunlop.eu/dunlop_euen/mc/tyres/tyre_care.jsp

From the above:

matto · Crazy Courier Joined: 18 Apr 2012 Karma :

oh also fro Dunlop:

Robby · Dirty Old Man Joined: 16 May 2002 Karma :

Some tubeless tyres can also be used with a tube, it will say on the edge of the tyre. I know the Avon AM26 range can.

The old tube will probably be ok - if it survived removal, refitting and inflation and the first few miles then the hard bit is done.

When I have had old tube fail it has been at the valve stem, which is the only part seeing much strain in daily use. The tube is pressed up hard against the tyre, it isn't moving around inside so it isn't rubbing against the tyre or rim.

All that said, I personally would put a new tube in. An easy saturday afternoon job, and I would want to clean up the rim while I'm at it. 10 years is enough time for a bit of alloy corrosion to happen and I like my rims to be clean.