Author Topic: Quick Tire Question (Read 3654 times)

robdrobd · « **on:** January 10, 2010, 06:03:51 PM »

Can I use my old tubes in new tires?

MötleyRöx · « **Reply #1 on:** January 10, 2010, 06:08:04 PM »

Yes, inflate them and submerse them in a bucket of water to make sure there are no punctures.

But, yes... please reuse them if possible!

robdrobd · « **Reply #2 on:** January 10, 2010, 06:12:03 PM »

My PO has a 140/70/18 on the back, but I am switching to a 120/90/18. Will that one need a new tube?

BobbyR · « **Reply #3 on:** January 10, 2010, 06:13:47 PM »

The answer is yes, but why would you want to. If you need a new tire, the tube has been through the same rough roads, high heat and potholes, not to mention loss of flexibility. The tube keeps the tire round, and when it fails to do that, you are sitting on the side of the road wondering what to do now at very best. At worst, you get a rapid loss of air at speed that either wrecks you or wrecks your new tire. Fairly cheap investment.

MötleyRöx · « **Reply #4 on:** January 10, 2010, 06:22:48 PM »

Quote from: BobbyR on January 10, 2010, 06:13:47 PM

The answer is yes, but why would you want to.

To not waste resources. Are you aware of what the plastics and rubber manufacturing plants contribute to our usage, here on Earth? Not arguing, but I've been using tubes since I've been riding BMX (a long time ago), and I have never had to patch a tube from wear. Only puncture.
If it ain't broke don't fix it.

But, if you would like to exchange your working tube for a working tube, so be it... please send your working tubes that you no longer want to me!

mystic_1 · « **Reply #5 on:** January 10, 2010, 06:40:33 PM »

I keep some old tubes around for when I need pieces of thin rubber. I even bought a bike once (400 Hawk) that had a seat recovered with an old inner tube

Reduce-Reuse-Recycle

mystic_1

BobbyR · « **Reply #6 on:** January 10, 2010, 07:40:56 PM »

The real question is how old is the tube. Rubber used in safety critical applications have a lifespan of 10years on the outside. They talk about 5-7 years, bit that seems a bit unrealistic. Are you sure the PO did not reuse the tube. So, your life or health is worth $10-$20.

mystic_1 · « **Reply #7 on:** January 10, 2010, 08:56:17 PM »

Yup, tubes are so cheap, and so critical to safety, that they're one of those things you should replace if you have the slightest doubt as to their condition. I replace mine when I replace my tires.

mystic_1

HavocTurbo · « **Reply #8 on:** January 10, 2010, 09:31:10 PM »

Quote from: mystic_1 on January 10, 2010, 08:56:17 PM

Yup, tubes are so cheap, and so critical to safety, that they're one of those things you should replace if you have the slightest doubt as to their condition. I replace mine when I replace my tires.

mystic_1

BINGO!!!

It has nothing to do with being environemtally conscious. It has everything to do with being health conscious. They are so cheap that replacing them when you replace tires is almost a must. Consider it an extra bit of insurance.

If you want to save them.... great. But there are tons of recycling centers across the USA. So no problems about them being in a landfill.

YogiBear · « **Reply #9 on:** January 11, 2010, 12:17:54 AM »

Quote from: BobbyR on January 10, 2010, 06:13:47 PM

The answer is yes, but why would you want to. If you need a new tire, the tube has been through the same rough roads, high heat and potholes, not to mention loss of flexibility. The tube keeps the tire round, and when it fails to do that, you are sitting on the side of the road wondering what to do now at very best. At worst, you get a rapid loss of air at speed that either wrecks you or wrecks your new tire. Fairly cheap investment.

I have to agree with Bobby on this. On my 81 CB750 (daily rider), I swapped the tires at the beggining of last summer. I re-used the front tube, and from being wrestled in to the new front tire, it weakened the tube. The tube had been in the previous tire for a while btw. About a month after the tire swap, I was riding home and there is a small bump at the entry of my driveway. I hit it as usual and went up the driveway and the tire quickly went flat on the spot. I thought I picked up a nail, but the guy who put in a new tube for me said there wasnt one in there or anything else. Long story short, I had to pay for mount and dismount again and my bike was outta comission for a few days. A few summer days none the less! I would rather just pay the extra $20 or $22 to have new tubes put in, and not get stuck on the side of the road, because, well, we all know that sucks.

Just my 2 cents worth.

TwoTired · « **Reply #10 on:** January 11, 2010, 01:04:57 AM »

Quote from: BobbyR on January 10, 2010, 06:13:47 PM

The answer is yes, but why would you want to. If you need a new tire, the tube has been through the same rough roads, high heat and potholes, not to mention loss of flexibility. The tube keeps the tire round, and when it fails to do that, you are sitting on the side of the road wondering what to do now at very best. At worst, you get a rapid loss of air at speed that either wrecks you or wrecks your new tire. Fairly cheap investment.

+ 1

Can't really compare these to bicycle tubes. Bicycles don't routinely run at 70 MPH or have 500 lbs of weight on them while doing so. Tires/tubes squirm under those conditions and heat up. And heat ages rubber.
New tire gets new tube.

Then again, think about how much better off the environment would be if the old tube helps kill off the owner? Less humans, less pollution problem, right? (not that I really believe that. But, certainly some would enjoy the world better with less peasants mucking things up.)

MötleyRöx · « **Reply #11 on:** January 11, 2010, 09:36:59 AM »

Show me where I compared bicycle tubes to motorcycle tubes.
I made no comparison.
I simply said I've been using tubes since the dawn of this particular man and how I got started with that was through BMX.
Point was, that I have reused many, many tubes, and have only needed to replace them due to puncture, not because of rubbing or wear or heat from the inside of the tire.
Potholes would produce a pinching type of puncture. That is an outside force just as a nail would be.

When I have a tube go without the tire, as well... I'll change my stance. The key word in his question was Can I reuse tubes? So, I gave a correct answer.
You guys can fight over it if you want, I have my reasons and you have yours. But, don't put words in my mouth about comparisons or what not.

BobbyR · « **Reply #12 on:** January 11, 2010, 09:54:46 AM »

Quote from: MötleyRöx on January 11, 2010, 09:36:59 AM

Show me where I compared bicycle tubes to motorcycle tubes.
I made no comparison.
I simply said I've been using tubes since the dawn of this particular man and how I got started with that was through BMX.
Point was, that I have reused many, many tubes, and have only needed to replace them due to puncture, not because of rubbing or wear or heat from the inside of the tire.
Potholes would produce a pinching type of puncture. That is an outside force just as a nail would be.

When I have a tube go without the tire, as well... I'll change my stance. The key word in his question was Can I reuse tubes? So, I gave a correct answer.
You guys can fight over it if you want, I have my reasons and you have yours. But, don't put words in my mouth about comparisons or what not.

I will not give an uninformed opinion to a person that puts their life and well being at risk. As TT said this is not a bicycle and you cannot compare the two. He has no way of knowing what was done to the tire and tube prior to this, or how old it is.

MötleyRöx · « **Reply #13 on:** January 11, 2010, 09:56:50 AM »

Cheese and effing rice!
I did not compare bicycle tubes to motorcycle tubes!
I simply said I have been using tubes since I have been a wee tyke.
Would you rather hear me say that I've been using tubes in motorcycle tires for over 20 years? Ok, then, there you go.

HavocTurbo · « **Reply #14 on:** January 11, 2010, 10:47:22 AM »

Calm down Rox.

No one was calling you out.

At least not how I saw it anyway.

Can you reuse old tubes?.... yes you can.

Is it wise for your safety?.... Maybe, but for the cheap additional investment, why not just replace them anyway?

Let's just leave it at that.

Damfino · « **Reply #15 on:** January 11, 2010, 11:27:15 AM »

Quote from: MötleyRöx on January 10, 2010, 06:22:48 PM

Not arguing, but I've been using tubes since I've been riding BMX (a long time ago), and I have never had to patch a tube from wear. Only puncture.

BMX= Bicycle Moto Cross

I think this is where the confusion of comparing bicycle tubes to motorcycle tubes begins...

Duke McDukiedook · « **Reply #16 on:** January 11, 2010, 11:57:50 AM »

Can you reuse them? YES

Is it advisable? NO

robdrobd · « **Reply #17 on:** January 11, 2010, 05:29:40 PM »

I already bought new ones after the third post.

BobbyR · « **Reply #18 on:** January 11, 2010, 06:43:03 PM »

Quote from: robdrobd on January 11, 2010, 05:29:40 PM

I already bought new ones after the third post.

Good move.

MötleyRöx · « **Reply #19 on:** January 12, 2010, 08:54:46 AM »

Thanks Schmthaus, I know exactly where they got it. They only read though, and did not comprehend.

I think its funny that when all these guys get a flat out on the road, they'll be walking if they only have a used tube for a spare because god forbid they put THAT in their bike to get them up and running again... it could kill them!

And the most hilarious part about all of this is I've never bought a new tube type tire for a motorcycle without putting a new tube in.

Budump Ching!

No, I'm not the debil, just his advocate. I believe we all gave good answers, in their own right. Aside from people mis-reading and then going on and on about it.

BobbyR · « **Reply #20 on:** January 12, 2010, 03:29:41 PM »

Quote from: MötleyRöx on January 12, 2010, 08:54:46 AM

Thanks Schmthaus, I know exactly where they got it. They only read though, and did not comprehend.

I think its funny that when all these guys get a flat out on the road, they'll be walking if they only have a used tube for a spare because god forbid they put THAT in their bike to get them up and running again... it could kill them!

And the most hilarious part about all of this is I've never bought a new tube type tire for a motorcycle without putting a new tube in.
Budump Ching!

No, I'm not the debil, just his advocate. I believe we all gave good answers, in their own right. Aside from people mis-reading and then going on and on about it.

Nope. I had a flat 100miles from home. Took off the wheel, and patched it. Rode home, and rode the bike until a new tire and tube arrived in the mail. The tire was almost worn out so I just did both. Changed the rear brakes too since I had to take the wheel off to mount the new tire and saved myself some time. Now I am good for 5 years or so.

ofreen · « **Reply #21 on:** January 12, 2010, 05:14:34 PM »

All you have to do is compare a tube that has gone the distance to a new one. I am talking about a tube that was installed in a new tire and stayed in there until the tire was worn out. The old tube is a pathetic, drooling flaccid shell of its former self, while the new tube is firm and confident, gleaming with its new coat of talc, exuding the air of something that can prevail over anything the road can throw at it. I know which one I want inside my new tire.

All seriousness aside, as always, it depends on the circumstances. Are you putting the tube in a new ME88 that will go 15-20,000 miles before it is worn out? Better put a new tube in there. Is the bike going to be ridden 500 miles a year only on bluebird days for the forseeable future? Then by all means, cheap out, put the limp old one back in there and pat yourself on the back for being so green. I'll still pull over to see if you need any help with your flat tire if I see you out on the road.

HavocTurbo · « **Reply #22 on:** January 13, 2010, 11:53:46 AM »

Quote from: ofreen on January 12, 2010, 05:14:34 PM

while the new tube is firm and confident, gleaming with its new coat of talc, exuding the air of something that can prevail over anything the road can throw at it.

Lol I about fell over when I read that.

Get it.... a tube exudes air... gahahahahah I'm so funny.

Or maybe ofreen is?

Either way.

I love sarcastic threads don't you Bobby?

Now all we need is Ed.

camelman · « **Reply #23 on:** January 14, 2010, 09:14:20 AM »

Who are we to pass judgement? Check with the tire shop that is putting the new tires on. If they think the tubes are okay, then they are probably right. I'm sure they see more in a week than we see in years.

By the way, i re-use the tubes on my bicycle tires. I ride/race road bicycles, and I probably load the tires/tubes on my road bike more than most people do on their motorcycles (considering their construction). The tires do get heated in hard races, and the rubber changes composition with the thermal cycling. However, I re-use the tubes until they get punctured or I tear the valve stem off. I have never had an issue with them failing due to "over use". Granted I never hit 75MPH, but I do see 50mph routinely... often whilst passing cars/motorcycles. ;-)

Camelman

BobbyR · « **Reply #24 on:** January 14, 2010, 09:39:04 AM »

Quote from: HavocTurbo on January 13, 2010, 11:53:46 AM

Quote from: ofreen on January 12, 2010, 05:14:34 PM
while the new tube is firm and confident, gleaming with its new coat of talc, exuding the air of something that can prevail over anything the road can throw at it.

Lol I about fell over when I read that.

Get it.... a tube exudes air... gahahahahah I'm so funny.

Or maybe ofreen is?

Either way.

I love sarcastic threads don't you Bobby? Now all we need is Ed.

Yeah that was a classic. Ofreen has a way with words.

I would guess the Ed would be a tube changer advocate.

Camel, I am sure you had good luck with your bicycle tubes. One thing to consider when you get one of these bikes is that you are not likely to be the first owner. You do not know the history of the tube, so you err on the side of caution. I only use natural rubber tubes, cost a bit more but that is my choice and in five - six years I change the tire and tube.

We tell our clients to throw away all nuts and bolts on safety related parts and use new. Nylock says you can use a Nylock nut 5 times. The question I askl my students where is the counter on the nut to tell you how many others have removed that nut. So, they throw them away.

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Author Topic: Quick Tire Question (Read 3654 times)

MötleyRöx

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