Hi all,

Time for new tires....9 years....on year 2007 spoked rims.

What is the consensus, change tubes and/or rim band at same time as tires or every other tire change?

Plus wheel balancing...I like to keep everything OEM.

Those Harley clip-on spoke wheel weights vs stick-on rim weights.

Other than a dealer doing the balancing... how do you all deal with keeping those clip on weights and retaining the balance (if I am writing my question clear enough) after a new tire is installed?

 

The weights on the spokes stay on by the wheel spinning.

Here's a better idea...RIDE ON. it balances the tires with no ugly weights and helps stop tire "mishaps". Go to their website. I've used them in my bikes and won't run one without it.

 

After 9 years your bike deserves a new tube and rim ring.


Why would you wait for every second change "18 years" to do that?

 

New tube--new rim ring--Ride-on

 

My wife's 2005 Deluxe is in for an oil change & inspection now for an upcoming vacation. Dealer called to tell me that the tires wouldn't pass inspection. They recommended that the rim bands and tubes be changed also.
To me, it's a safety thing with a bike that age. The front tire is original equipment as far as I know. We bought the bike in 2008 or 2009 with 2500 miles on it. The rear has been replaced a time or two but I have no idea about tube or band condition. So the green light was given to replace it all. It's not worth it to me to save a few bucks and have something let go when she's out at highway speed somewhere.

 

Absolutely replace the tubes and the rim liner ... What's to be gained? Peace of mind. Safety. Satisfaction knowing the job is COMPLETELY done. What's to be lost? $30.00 ??

 

The shop I use won't change my tires without new tubes and rim strips.

 

New tube and rim ring every tire change, or a better idea is a new rim that will allow you to run tubeless!!

 

I'd never re-use a tube, and rim strips are so cheap, why not? I got a heavy duty Harley tube with metal stem from the nearest dealer for $15, couldn't match that on the internet (although there were cheaper ones, as in lower quality). Usually you can get quality brand tubes under $30. I would never use a rubber valve stem tube on a motorcycle, either, have seen them break off. Every time you accelerate or slow down, it flexes rubber stems, and it's only a matter of time until they start stress cracking. I do my own tire changes, and carefully inspect inside the rim. I've found some rust more often than not, and always clean that off. The original wheel on my '04 Sportster had nearly an inch long crack in the welded seam inside the rim, doubt most shop mechanics would have caught that. I suppose it could have been welded again, but preferred getting a new wheel. I wouldn't necessarily replace bearings every tire change, but I do pop the outer seals off and check them every time the wheel comes off.

 

Any tire that's 9 years old was probably due to be changed long before now, whether it's worn out or not. That's pushing it for any tire.