This is going to probably sound stupid, it does in my head, but can anyone explain?

[TattooedHead]

Can anyone explain why it is that they say a 5.10-16 tube can fit on a 150/80r16 tire? In not sure how this works. It seems like to me that it's not wide enough for the rim, and yet every salesperson I've talked to over the last week or two tells me that the 5.10 tube will work on the rear tire.

I'm perfectly accepting that it works on a 130/90r16, because rim size is the same

Is that what you're using in your rear wheel? I didn't actually notice what tubes they put in my tires (yeah I know, big oof) but I'd like to think cycle gear didn't screw me.

Also, should I be worried if they're HD tubes? From what I understand that's a nono when riding in the street.

If this has been answered before please link me the post. I couldn't find it searching.

Thanks in advance!

[roadiemort]

https://twotyres.co.uk/motorcycle-in...0that%20simple.

[roadiemort]

https://www.bmikarts.com/Motorcycle-Inner-Tube-Sizing-Cross-Reference-Guide

[TattooedHead]

See, there's where I get confused. I've looked at both of those. If I'm reading the first one right, it says that a 5.10 fits 130/90r16 AND a 150/80r16 but the second one says that the 150/80r16 is actually a 6.0.

I guess what I'm trying to figure out is, if I put a Bridgestone tube that's a 130/90r16 in my 150/80r16 ME88, is that going to be an issue? Or will that be the correct tube size for the tire?

Never mind that Metzeler says you have to specifically use their tube.

[davej]

Well Metzler is full of shit. That Metzler tire don't know what brand tube is inside of it . They just want you to "BUY" their tube. So what happens if you took a nail in the tire riding in the Rocky Mountains? Would you have to use a Metzler tube to get back home? Go blow up a tube that isn't mounted inside of a tire to see how big it will get. Then ask yourself what it will fit.

[TattooedHead]

That's what I thought too. I'm certainly not using Metzeler tubes.

[Father Pobasturd]

I'm assuming you have spoke rims, why else would you run tubes, right? Many folks have sealed their spoke wheels, eliminating the need for tubes. If you replace the front tube, get one with a 90 degree valve stem. It's a real bitch to air up the front tire with the straight valve stem.

[TattooedHead]

Telll me more about sealing my spoked rims? How does one go about doing that?

[Father Pobasturd]

Try searching this site. If that's no help, start a new thread asking how to do it. Many of our members have done it, there's a certain type of goop used to do it, some kind of marine shit I think. Other than that, I'm no help.

[roadiemort]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JPzoqi_4X7o&t=303s

[Shores]

Telll me more about sealing my spoked rims? How does one go about doing that?

I did it with my spoke wheels but would not do it again. I used 3m 5200 Marine sealant and did everything I could to rough up and prime the inside of the rim. After 12,000 mi in Podunk Oregon, I had a valve stem failure that was probably related to me tightening the stem too much. When I took the tire off to inspect and install a new tire I was able to easily peel the 5200 off. I had the dealer install a tube so that I could at least get home and then next tire change switched to mags. One member who hasn't been on recently, JD ace, used some sort of aircraft sealant which he swears by. From what I understand spoke rims have a very different bead seat than a tubeless rim. Now that I have mags I feel more comfortable with ride on sealant inside, a patch kit and a pump in one of my saddlebags.

[roadiemort]

[Dogbone]

Tubes have a tire size range they will fit. So a specific tube may work from a 130 to a 150 tire. It will definitely expand to fit whatever tire you have, it's just the more it expands the thinner it gets.
Now for converting spoke rims: I have bought fat spoke rims that came ready for tubeless and they worked great. I have not had any luck with converting my spoke rims to tubeless; including the method shown in the video above. Got close once and it would hold pressure for a while but slowly leak down over a few days.
I may try tubeless again but it will be with a new set of wheels.

[TattooedHead]

Thank you! That makes sense to me now about the tubes. I really appreciate it.

As for tubeless... I think I'll wait until I get another bike. Seems like a lot of work for maybe some benefit.

[Brad_G]

Generally speaking you can get a way with a bit smaller tube as it will stretch. But a tube that's too big will fold and crease and eventually leak/fail.

[Father Pobasturd]

Tube be or not tube be? That is the question.

[TattooedHead]

Lol. For real though. Staying tubed for the time being I suppose.