[MDairheads] Dangerous Advice re Sealing Tube Type Rims

[Brian Kirchhoff]

Thanks Mac. I think that's a smart reminder and what you say is in line
with the consensus of opinions I received when I heard this was an option
some years back.

I'm fine with a retrofit of new technology in some instances on my Airhead.
Converting from our old bulbs to LED, for example, is a great incorporation
of new tech into our older machines with little-to-no new risk associated
with the conversion (I mean, you always have to make sure you do electrical
work correctly, but that's true regardless). However, when it comes to
something like wheels and tires, I was concerned with any conversion that
utilized the original rims which were not designed to work this way and
that concern was confirmed by several Airheads (and a shop) with whom I
discussed this.

Bottom line is: I have one Airhead, she needs her tires changes every so
often and I'm perfectly happy to keep using tubes and paying someone to do
install them I don't rip the damned things during installation. This way I
know my tires and rims are set up as those German engineers intended. To
each their own; I just feel safer this way. Same reason I just feel more
comfortable having my tires balanced and weighted traditionally rather than
using any number of self-balancing hacks available out there. They may work
just fine -- but why take a risk when a simple, proven solution exists
right in front of me?

YMMV

brian m. kirchhoff
402.617.2222 mobile


On Sun, Sep 9, 2018 at 8:59 PM Mac Kirkpatrick via MDAirheads <
mdairheads at casano.com> wrote:

> IF anyone is inclined to follow Mike Cecchini's advice, below, re sealing
> tube type rims, please DO your own homework FIRST as to whether this
> procedure is safe or not. Only then can you make an INFORMED decision.
>
> Mike has repeated this same advice on the airhead list about a bazillion
> times, in spite of Bob Fleischer (Snowbum), Tom Cutter and others advising
> in the strongest possible words that this is very bad advice. Tube type
> rims are NOT shaped to accept tubeless tires plus there are other reasons
> to NOT do this. It is DANGEROUS advice.
>
> Woody's Wheel Works, see
> https://woodyswheelworks.com/
> a highly respected wheel builder, WILL NOT perform this procedure and
> specifically strongly advises AGAINST it.
>
> My concern is that Mike repeating this over and over will entice someone
> new to airheads to do this to their rims against advice they may not be
> aware of.
>
> More here, but long:
> http://bmwmotorcycletech.info/section6.htm
>
> Caveat emptor indeed.
>
>
> Mac Kirkpatrick
> Glenmoore, PA
>
> "After all, what is adventure, but inconvenience, properly regarded?"
> C. Donahue
>
>
> On Sun, Sep 9, 2018 at 8:53 AM Mike Cecchini via MDAirheads <
> mdairheads at casano.com> wrote:
>
> > Just one of many reasons to seal your spoke wheels and run tubeless
> tires.
> > Not hard to do and the best part.........no more tubes to pinch or deal
> > with
> > when you pick up a nail/screw......just plug it on the bike and done.
> > 10--15
> > mins.
> >
> > ----- Original Message -----
> > From: "Brian Kirchhoff
> >
> > I used to use Cycles of Silver Spring when I lived down there. I have had
> > nothing but good experiences with them.
> >
> > For those of you who were with us during Techno-Barn a few years ago when
> > we installed new Heidenaus on my /6 — that experience and the (2?) ripped
> > tubes while trying to install them was when I decided that tire changes,
> > especially with tubes, are best left to someone who is not me. :-)
> Several
> > of us fought those tires for hours!
> >
> >
> >
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