Home Page, Home Page News, Homepage 4 Block, NewsInner tubes are a mix of natural and synthetic rubber. Natural rubber is more pliable and offers better resistance to punctures, but synthetic rubber is cheaper. Expensive racing tubes generally have a higher percentage of natural rubber to better form to the tire and to prevent flats. There are also solid foam inserts (called mousse tubes) that simulate air pressure from a foam tube. (2) Thin versus thick. For a motorcycle manufacturer, the inner tubes are an easy place to save weight and money. Most bikes come stock with thinner and cheaper tubes. Since the entire mass of an inner tube is rotating mass and unsprung weight, it is a prime place to save weight. Conversely, almost every factory racer runs heavy-duty tubes (or mousses) to prevent flats.Having the proper size inner tube for the tire is important for performance and preventing pinches. If you install a 110 inner tube in a 100 tire, the excess rubber will render it susceptible to being pinched with the tire irons.

An inner tube that is too small for a given tire will have to be overinflated to make up the difference in size. Overinflation weakens the ability of the inner tube to resist damage. It is possible to run a smaller tube to save weight, but it isn’t recommended.Inner tubes play a large role in the feel and performance of the tire. Inner tubes must be the correct shape and size to sit flush against the sidewall to give a good, consistent feel. motorcycle dealer redwood cityIf there are places where the inner tube isn’t in contact, the tire will feel mushy.motorcycles for sale shrewsburyInflating an inner tube to the proper pressure not only ensures more sidewall strength, but also prevents pinch flats. honda motorcycle dealership tyler tx

As a rule of thumb, 12 to 14 pounds per square inch (psi) is the standard recommended pressure. Keep in mind that as the tire heats up during operation, internal pressures can increase by as much as four psi. This can be lessened by using nitrogen in the tubes to avoid the water content and heat expansion.Inner tubes are available in a variety of thicknesses to provide the appropriate amount of protection against flats. motorbikes for sale 100ccThe best known heavy-duty trubes are made by STI. motorcycle store daniaA thin inner tube is approximately 1.5mm to 1.75mm thick. motorcycle tires in surrey bcA heavy-duty tube is around 2mm to 3mm thick. motorcycle disc locks effective

And a super-heavy-duty tube is 3.5mm to 5mm thick. The weight of a thin 110-90-19 inner tube is about 1230 grams (2.71 pounds), while a 3.5mm super-heavy-duty 110-90-19 weighs 1720 grams (3.79 pounds). For comparison purposes, a mousse tube tips the scales at 1950 grams (4.29 pounds).If an inner tube isn’t installed properly, it can fail. Using corn starch or baby powder on the inner tube during installation will reduce friction between the inner tube and the tire’s carcass to help the tube last longer. Adding a little air to shape the inner tube before mounting the tire can help prevent pinches during tire installation.The valve stem is the weak point of a tube. It is vulnerable to damage and leaks. The valve stem is vulcanized to the tube and can be torn off if the tire spins on the rim, so be sure the rim lock is properly installed. Never tighten the nut on the valve stem down to the rim. If you leave it loose, the tire can spin a little without ripping the valve stem off the tire.

You can tell when the tire has spun on the rim because the valve stem will be cocked at an angle. Make sure to re-center the valve stem any time you see it angled.An inner tube is made to handle the abuse of a tire carcass, but not the outside elements. If water or dirt gets between the tire and tube, it will grate against the inner tube. Be sure that contaminants can’t get in through the rim lock or valve stem holes. The rubber grommet that comes stock on Hondas is a good idea. Replacing the standard rubber rim strip with duct tape makes it more difficult for water to get past the spoke nipples.Even if your inner tube hasn’t gone flat, it can wear out. Dunlop recommends changing tubes every six months. To know when to replace a tube, look for chaffing, strings of rubber, discoloring (an old tube gets darker) or fading of any writing on the tube. Amazingly, patched tubes will work as well as a new tube, but the patch is a weak point and ideally should only be used in a pinch (pun intended).

Motorcycle Tubes & Rim Strips A flat tire can derail any road trip, which is why it is important to have the right tubes and rim strips for your motorcycle. J&P Cycles can help you find the right tubes for whatever size wheel you have for both front and rear tires. Finding the right rim strips is also important, as it can help prevent punctures and contact with the spoke nipples. Make sure your next flat isn’t right around the corner. Order your spare tire parts today. As the world's largest supplier of aftermarket parts and accessories, J&P Cycles can help you get back on the road with new tubes for your motorcycle tires, as well as the proper rim strips. Browse our great selection of other motorcycle parts and accessories to make sure you have everything you need. Sign up or log in to customize your list. Here's how it works: Anybody can ask a question The best answers are voted up and rise to the top I had a flat tire and replaced the air chamber.

While doing that the rubber stripe that stands between the wheel and the air chamber ripped and it's no longer a ring. It´s hard to put it correctly and I don't have a replacement. What is the purpose of this stripe? leaving there (badly fitted) is worse than not having the stripe at all? wheels puncture terminology rim-tape I believe what you're describing is the "Rim Tape". The rim tape covers up the holes in the rim (wheel) that the spokes attach through. Without that tape covering the holes, the innertube (air chamber) will be exposed to holes and sharp surfaces that are likely to cause another flat tire. If the rim tape is torn in one spot, but still covering all of those holes, it should probably be fine. Maybe feel around that area with your fingers for any edges to be sure? Can you see the holes in the rim when the tire and tube are not on it? If it looks like the tube could press into the rim tape holes, you can always patch it. A few layers of electrical tape should do the trick.

See also: rim-tape and innertube. Yep, it's "rim tape" or a "rim strip". The "tape" version is a bit like medical adhesive tape, while the "strip" version is generally a circular strip of rubber or stretchy plastic. The purpose of the strip is to separate the "inner tube" (your "air chamber") from the spoke ends and the holes where they reside. The spoke ends are sharp and will cut through the inner tube in short order, and if the holes are deep then the air pressure in the inner tube will force a portion of the tube into the hole, stressing it to failure. I've tried running without a rim strip and have never gotten more than about 10 miles before the tube punctures. Replacements are available from any cycle shop for a nominal cost, or you can use any sort of reasonably robust tape. Do be aware that there are different widths, and a wide strip in a narrow wheel will interfere with proper tire mounting, while a narrow strip in a wide wheel may not adequately cover the spoke holes.

You can use fairly cheap substitutes: My preferred one is the very same old inner tube, cut to fit. Cut a stripe a bit wider than the rim, and it's length should allow to go completely around the rim. Use patching glue to close the loop. the loop should be tight enough so it keeps in place by it's own tension. To properly glue the ends of the rubber, use sand paper to buff the ends of the stripe and use more glue than normally used for patching. Apply glue to both ends, allow to touch-dry then press ends together and let sit 10 or 20 minutes before installing. Do not forget to cut a small hole for the valve stem. The stripe should have one side completely facing out (no twisting!). These expensive "Inner Tube Protectors" have served me way more years than the tires in all my mountain bikes, which I ride at 45psi approx. Medical adhesive tape (the cloth-like variety) is also very suitable and affordable and easy to use, but I have never used it personally (Friends of mine use and recommend it too).

Vinyl used in advertising banners can be used too, but some varieties (most, actually) are not stretchy so the ends of the stripe must be glued while already in the rim. Vinyl can be glued with rubber cement. Many kinds of cloth can be used, they must be like painter's canvas, soft denim, the kind of nylon used in back-packs. These can be also glued with rubber cement. Stretchy cloth can also be sewn with a soft thread. For emergencies many kinds of tape can be used, like electrical tape, masking tape, etc. As long as it is soft enough to adapt to the rim's well and not have a sharp edge or wire reinforcement, etc... However, these solutions often are not long lasting as for example Masking tape is paper-like so it practically dissolves on water, electrical tape adhesive sooner or later degrades to a messy, sticky useless substance that will make a hassle every time you have to patch or replace tube/tire. Moneywise anecdote: On a local store inner tube cost the equivalent to $7.5 and the rim tape $40.00 (they only had fancy stuff).