Author Topic: Tubeless Conversion-- A Different Approach  (Read 32135 times)

Offline greer

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Tubeless Conversion-- A Different Approach
« on: December 27, 2019, 06:34:02 AM »
We had a bad experience with the tube in a front tire a few years back, enough to convince me I'd just as soon avoid tubes in my road bike.  So I've been pondering the methods for going tubeless on the Nevada, googling like crazy.  This is a new one on me, here's a copy&paste slightly condensed version of the post:

"Sealing wire wheels to run with tubeless tires is not new and I’ve read of a lot of people who have done this, and it’s worked for them. In every instance that I’ve seen though it has involved laying a thick layer of sealant like marine grade silicone, or something similar, in the rim well or dollops of sealant on the individual nipples inside the well. This works but the thick layer of sealant makes it difficult to install the tire and one has to be very careful not to disturb the sealant during the tire mounting. The other problem that I encountered was what sealant to use. In most instances the material used was some “exotic” stuff only available in the US and unknown in my neck of the woods.
A little more research and discussion with our local sealant and adhesive distributors/manufacturers and the local Loctite guys suggested I try (no guarantees) their Loctite 290 Green product. For the equivalent of US$20.00 I bought a little 50ml bottle of the stuff.
I took the wheels and tires off and cleaned the rim wells with paint thinners. The valve holes were drilled out to 11.5mm and regular short rubber automotive tubeless valves inserted. Then I applied one drop of the Loctite 290 to each nipple thread and one drop around each nipple. This was the amount they told me to use. It was a little disconcerting at first also because you can hardly see where it’s been applied and instinctively I wanted to add more. I must admit I did but all that happened is that the sealant just ran out of the well and into the next! After that I just stuck with the one drop rule – less wastage!
After about 30 minutes I refitted the tires and checked for leaks. Nothing! Put the wheels back on the bikes and over the next week did daily pressure checks. The one kept losing front tire pressure until I realised that I hadn’t tightened the valve core enough. Did that and it was okay, whew! I have ridden both since, at least 200km each and everything looks just fine. So now my tire irons have been replaced with a tubeless repair kit (lots lighter!)"

Here's the thread, in case you want to check it out:

https://www.triumphrat.net/threads/how-i-sealed-my-wire-wheels.394594/

This is an 8 page thread and things get a little confusing with so many folks clamoring this and that, so to be clear, he applies the Loctite from the hub side.  He posts follow ups in other threads and I can post some of those if anybody's interested.

Sarah 

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Offline ozarquebus

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Re: Tubeless Conversion-- A Different Approach
« Reply #1 on: December 27, 2019, 07:43:42 AM »
Sounds good,I like your creative thinking, not to mention the weight savings.
 To borrow an old bicycle racing meme:  In terms of performance:  "an ounce on the wheel is a pound on the frame".
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Offline wirespokes

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Re: Tubeless Conversion-- A Different Approach
« Reply #2 on: December 27, 2019, 08:02:23 AM »
Very interesting. I don't see why it would necessarily have to be applied from the hub side. An up-side of this method is that if a spoke needs to be replaced or adjusted, another drop could be applied and you're done.

Loctite 290 is Green wicking permanent thread locker. It requires the same heat as Red Loctite to break the bond. If a spoke needs adjusting it could get tricky. Perhaps using Blue Loctite on the threads would be a better option.

Another thought in relation to weight and space - take into consideration the weight of the missing tube. If only the spoke wells are filled with sealant, my guess is you'd still be ahead on weight savings. Also, if only the wells are filled, tire installation wouldn't be impacted. I'd also feel much better with a secondary system retaining air than just the loctite. Back it up with silicone sealer.

When I've converted to tubeless I've converted a valve stem from an old tube. It's alread the right size. I think NAPA possibly sells the correct size to avoid reaming the hole larger.
« Last Edit: December 27, 2019, 08:14:48 AM by wirespokes »

Offline SIR REAL ED

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Re: Tubeless Conversion-- A Different Approach
« Reply #3 on: December 27, 2019, 08:04:16 AM »
Sarah,

Thanks for posting!  Interesting approach I would not have considered.  Any follow up threads you want to post will be greatly appreciated.

At first thought it seems unworkable, but if it is working for others, that is "the proof in the pudding."

I would still be temped to follow up with some tape over the nipples on the tire side.

Downside would be if any spokes needs adjusting, after adjustment, you may need to remove the tire to re-seal any spokes that were adjusted.

It would be any interesting experiment to loosen up a few spokes, seal, inflate tire, then adjust spokes to see it tire holds.  I can see the seal between the male and female threads being air tight, but between the nipple and the rim seems unlikely to hold air after turning the nipple.

Looking forward to researching this more.
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Offline Moto Vita

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Re: Tubeless Conversion-- A Different Approach
« Reply #4 on: December 27, 2019, 08:42:32 AM »
 Why not use a layer of tape as well?

Online Huzo

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Re: Tubeless Conversion-- A Different Approach
« Reply #5 on: December 27, 2019, 10:23:52 AM »
Why not use a layer of tape as well?
I did that and the centrifugal (sic) force dislodged the tape, it rolled into a ball and rendered the tyre out of balance.

Offline Kiwi_Roy

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Re: Tubeless Conversion-- A Different Approach
« Reply #6 on: December 27, 2019, 10:49:56 AM »
I did the wheels of my 72 Eldorado with good results, its been well over two years now. My first attempt I applied a circle of Duct tape cut out with a hollow punch over each nipple but I scrapped that idea and now use just the GE General purpose silicone that comes in a small squeeze tube. However I have a friend who has spent his working life as an Auto Glazer, he tells me that I should have used the stuff they use to hold the glass in, apparently some silicones especially the ones that smell of vinegar are very corrosive for metal.
He told me to use Urethane by Sika a Swiss product OR Primerless Dow Corning  The nice thing about going this route even if you get a few leaks first time the tire doesn't go down quickly, you have time to pump it up and get home.
I use one of those long narrow plastic flower pots to check for a leak, jack up the bike and work it under the wheel then fill with water to cover the nipples, even a slow leak shows up as a stream of bubbles.
« Last Edit: December 27, 2019, 12:01:31 PM by Kiwi_Roy »
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Offline Chuck in Indiana

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Re: Tubeless Conversion-- A Different Approach
« Reply #7 on: December 27, 2019, 11:14:38 AM »
You'll not be "adjusting" a spoke that has green locktte in the threads.  :grin: You'll be cutting it out and putting in a new one.
When I did the silicone thing on the G5, I really doubt that I could have gotten the wells clean enough for a good thread locker job. Of course, it had 100000 miles, and the rims were pretty grungy.

That said, if it works.. go for it. The upside looks good.
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Offline bigbikerrick

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Re: Tubeless Conversion-- A Different Approach
« Reply #8 on: December 27, 2019, 04:55:35 PM »
I have used both the fast dry  3m 5200 marine urethane caulk,and permatex grey rtv silicone gasket maker to seal the  spoke wheels on 3 different Guzzis with excellent results. Its been 7 years now,many tire changes,and not a single leak.
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Offline 80CX100

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Re: Tubeless Conversion-- A Different Approach
« Reply #9 on: December 27, 2019, 05:39:06 PM »
Hey Sarah,    Tks very much for the info and link, I'll be ripping through that Triumph site info.

     I regret not doing the tubeless conversion the last couple of tire changes, but I will be going down that road with some method for future tire changes.

     I agree with others, I'd like the insurance or peace of mind with a 2 layer/sealer, but I'd be very cautious of compatibility.

     I don't know what the active ingredients are, but I'm sure I've read that just the off gassing from Loc-Tite can destroy plastic, it would be nice to confirm that if a combination of different sealants/tape etc was used that they wouldn't destroy each other.

     I've been digesting all this tubeless conversion info for a while and had pretty well come to the conclusion the new tape kit that 3M has apparently brought out was going to be the preferred method; Huzo's experience with the centrifugal force and the tape failure is concerning.

     There are many ways to skin a cat, hopefully at some point there will be an overwhelming consensus on the best method. Apologies to cat lovers.

      Tks for sharing the info

     Kelly

     
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Offline tommy2cyl

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Re: Tubeless Conversion-- A Different Approach
« Reply #10 on: December 27, 2019, 06:52:45 PM »
I see where Alpina makes the wheels for the V 85 tt.  In anodized black the cost to get them imported from England is $1460.00.  So, the question is, is it worth it to actually have a wheel that is designed to be tubeless justify the cost verses using tape and goo to convert a tube wheel?  For me, and I stress the words, FOR ME, it is an unequivocable yes.  I have read the various threads and testimonials on the various conversions and success stories.  If you have confidence in it, your choice, your call.   I just can't fully buy in.  I honestly don't think, based on the participants of this forum and the multiple bikes that people own, that $1460.00 will be a deal breaker for the vast majority of folks here.  I would put forth that there isn't another component on a motorcycle more important than the tiny rubber contact patch front and rear, and viable brakes to stop the bike.  Maybe it is my racing background, or a healthy dose of respect for the designers and engineers, but some components should not be tampered with.  Having said that, I think the design of the BMW wheels where the spokes route to the edge, or the Suzuki (and Tenere I think) where the spokes mount to a center ridge, are probably a better design than the Alpina wheels. 

Offline SIR REAL ED

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Re: Tubeless Conversion-- A Different Approach
« Reply #11 on: December 27, 2019, 07:02:48 PM »
I did that and the centrifugal (sic) force dislodged the tape, it rolled into a ball and rendered the tyre out of balance.

Since the tape has so little mass, I would attribute the tape coming dislodged to something other than centrifugal force.  Easier for me to believe it came loose due to improper cleaning, wrong choice of tape, water, etc.  Especially if the wheel was wrapped more than a single layer.

You may very well be right, just defies my experience.  When it happens to me, I'll agree with you.   :wink:  People ripping a rim band and replacing it with tape is as old as tube tires.
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Offline SIR REAL ED

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Re: Tubeless Conversion-- A Different Approach
« Reply #12 on: December 27, 2019, 07:07:28 PM »
I have used both the fast dry  3m 5200 marine urethane caulk,and permatex grey rtv silicone gasket maker to seal the  spoke wheels on 3 different Guzzis with excellent results. Its been 7 years now,many tire changes,and not a single leak.
Rick.

On the face, I'd have more confidence in 3m 5200 marine urethane caulk,and permatex grey rtv silicone gasket maker than in one drop of Loctite sealing between the spoke nipple and the rim. 

The only green Loctite I have used is 409 (IIRC).  Never used a wicking thread locker, but even a little sealant or thread lock would seal threads.
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Offline SIR REAL ED

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Re: Tubeless Conversion-- A Different Approach
« Reply #13 on: December 27, 2019, 07:09:10 PM »
I see where Alpina makes the wheels for the V 85 tt.  In anodized black the cost to get them imported from England is $1460.00.  So, the question is, is it worth it to actually have a wheel that is designed to be tubeless justify the cost verses using tape and goo to convert a tube wheel?  For me, and I stress the words, FOR ME, it is an unequivocable yes.  I have read the various threads and testimonials on the various conversions and success stories.  If you have confidence in it, your choice, your call.   I just can't fully buy in.  I honestly don't think, based on the participants of this forum and the multiple bikes that people own, that $1460.00 will be a deal breaker for the vast majority of folks here.  I would put forth that there isn't another component on a motorcycle more important than the tiny rubber contact patch front and rear, and viable brakes to stop the bike.  Maybe it is my racing background, or a healthy dose of respect for the designers and engineers, but some components should not be tampered with.  Having said that, I think the design of the BMW wheels where the spokes route to the edge, or the Suzuki (and Tenere I think) where the spokes mount to a center ridge, are probably a better design than the Alpina wheels.

True enuff, but, modifying what the engineers and designers did, is what makes tinkering fun.
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Offline Kiwi_Roy

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Re: Tubeless Conversion-- A Different Approach
« Reply #14 on: December 27, 2019, 07:45:34 PM »
Tommy2cycle
You don't seem to be very familiar with Guzzis otherwise you would know that many of those also have rims designed for tubeless also.
Probably if all I was doing was running around a nice clean track where there is little chance of picking up some debris I would be quite happy with a tube also, trouble is the roads I ride have all sorts of sharp objects that can cause a puncture, It's difficult to change a tube on the road and besides a tubed wheel will normally deflate far quicker than a tubeless. On the other hand a tubeless tire can be plugged and re-inflated in minutes without having to carry tire irons, a jack to raise the bike and all the other tools required to remove a wheel.
You quote $1,460 for a pair of wheels, that's a pretty significant chunk of change if you have multiple bikes and do they have them for an antique?
Cheers
Roy
« Last Edit: December 27, 2019, 07:49:00 PM by Kiwi_Roy »
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Offline tommy2cyl

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Re: Tubeless Conversion-- A Different Approach
« Reply #15 on: December 27, 2019, 08:54:40 PM »
Kiwi-Roy:
1. The V 85 is my first MG.  Not sure the relevance of not knowing/or owning multiple MG's.
2. I am not against tubeless, that is what I want/I know all the negatives of tubed tires. I want a tubeless wheel on my bike.  That is my point.  What I am in favor, FOR ME,  of is a properly designed  way to achieve that.  My reference to racing has nothing to do with riding in a controlled environment and a clean track, it has everything to do with proper design and execution to minimize risk.
3. $1460.00 is not a small amount of money. Agreed.   However, in the event of a tire fail as a result of tape & goo, subsequent crash, and resultant medical costs associated with an event and bike damage, possible other parties involved, $1460 then becomes chump change. 
4. Many on this forum prior to the arrival of the V 85 bemoaned the fact that it has a tubed wheel.  Many said it was a deal breaker and moved on.  Others said they would gladly pay for the upgrade to have the convenience and confidence of a tubeless wheel.

Sir Ed:  Nothing against farkeling and personalizing your bike to suit one's needs.  Seats, handlebars, pipes, windshields, suspension, have at it.   As much as you want. Tinker away, it is part of the fun.   People spend $1000 and up on a pipe  & can to make a bike "sound better,"  so it should be reasonable to spend $1460 on tubeless wheels that provide, in my opinion and many others,  a significant margin of safety and dramatically  impacts the roadside repair of a puncture. 


 

Offline SIR REAL ED

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Re: Tubeless Conversion-- A Different Approach
« Reply #16 on: December 27, 2019, 10:01:51 PM »


Sir Ed:  Nothing against farkeling and personalizing your bike to suit one's needs.  Seats, handlebars, pipes, windshields, suspension, have at it.   As much as you want. Tinker away, it is part of the fun.   People spend $1000 and up on a pipe  & can to make a bike "sound better,"  so it should be reasonable to spend $1460 on tubeless wheels that provide, in my opinion and many others,  a significant margin of safety and dramatically  impacts the roadside repair of a puncture. 


True enough,  but how one spends one's money is up to the person who has the money.  Priorities are subjective. 

As one who was a machine/tool design engineer for about 30 years, your original statement in true.  Above and beyond that, engineers also design for unskilled assembly people, unskilled owners, unskilled motorcycle shop mechanics, manufacturing cost goals, and the considerations of "This is how it's been done for 20 years!" and potential lawsuits.

Many factors weigh in to what is the best way to do something.  As you pointed out, the handlebars MG picked out for a model might not be optimum for a specific owner.

Also personal safety is subjective, converting a tube type rim to run a tubeless tire is ok for some, while "motorcycles are too dangerous and should be outlawed!" is fine for others.  I would have considerably more peace of mind, converting my own tube rims to tubeless than I would paying a motorcycle shop to do the same when I don't know the caliber of the person doing the work.

I saw a lot of people working on the assembly lines at General Motors that I would not let within 50 feet of my motorcycle or my car with a tool in their hand!!!  Yet many people have no problem buying a brand new or used GM vehicle.

All that said, at my current level of research, I would probably go the route of a dollop of 3M sealant on each nipple, covered by two or three layers of Gorilla Tape and ride with confidence.
« Last Edit: December 27, 2019, 10:05:58 PM by SIR REAL ED »
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Offline tommy2cyl

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Re: Tubeless Conversion-- A Different Approach
« Reply #17 on: December 27, 2019, 10:30:04 PM »
Sir Real Ed:
 With your background of a machine/tool design engineer I would be very interested in your appraisal of the Alpina wheel design.  If I remember correctly, I think this wheel was on the Stelvio's.  While I am very interested in a tubeless design wheel, it still seems like there is some limitations and potential for leakage with the O ring design.  Like I mentioned earlier, I wish we had an option on an edge or center ridge design, but to my knowledge none exist for the V 85 tt.  Any feedback, opinion, or intuition on the Alpina wheels would be welcomed.  Thanks.

Offline redhawk47

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Re: Tubeless Conversion-- A Different Approach
« Reply #18 on: December 27, 2019, 11:08:51 PM »
Green wicking 290 Loctite is a medium/high strength thread locker. Another use is sealing porous castings. Sounds like it should work.
If you need to adjust the spoke and it will not turn, just heat it a bit with a propane torch and the loctite will "fail". Don't do that if you have powder coat rims.
Spec for full cure 24 hours. I recommend waiting that long before you air up the tire.
Do not use a tube type rim tubeless! A tubeless rim has ribs to hold the tire in place is case of a flat. a tube type rim does not have them. Photo of a tubeless type rim:



A couple of detailed articles about tube vs tubeless:
https://bestrestproducts.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/Tube-Tires-VS-Tubeless-Tires.pdf
https://bmwmotorcycletech.info/section6.htm

Dan
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Offline SIR REAL ED

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Re: Tubeless Conversion-- A Different Approach
« Reply #19 on: December 27, 2019, 11:28:15 PM »
Sir Real Ed:
 With your background of a machine/tool design engineer I would be very interested in your appraisal of the Alpina wheel design.  If I remember correctly, I think this wheel was on the Stelvio's.  While I am very interested in a tubeless design wheel, it still seems like there is some limitations and potential for leakage with the O ring design.  Like I mentioned earlier, I wish we had an option on an edge or center ridge design, but to my knowledge none exist for the V 85 tt.  Any feedback, opinion, or intuition on the Alpina wheels would be welcomed.  Thanks.

Can you post a link to the wheel you are referring to?  Are you talking about o-rings on each spoke nipple?  thanks.
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Offline Kiwi_Roy

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Re: Tubeless Conversion-- A Different Approach
« Reply #20 on: December 27, 2019, 11:32:31 PM »
Tommy2cyl,
                 When I bought a 98 EV with tubeless rims I was delighted, these have spoke heads outside the rim, Im not a fan of the Stelvio wheels with all those "O" rings but I would much prefer them than to be stuck with a tube.
When I bought a new V7iii I could have chosen one with cast tubeless wheels but i really like the look of a spoked wheel so when it comes time to replace the rubber I plan on making them tubeless. I am confident I can do it safely otherwise I wouldn't attempt it.
Sure I could have a catastrophic failure but i don't believe there's any more chance than I have with a tube, my experience with tubes has been they can go flat very quickly.

Anyway, you have a V85, congratulations, I look forward to your report on the properly engineered conversion.
Cheers
Roy
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Offline moto-uno

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Re: Tubeless Conversion-- A Different Approach
« Reply #21 on: December 28, 2019, 12:16:59 AM »
Redhawk47 , which HD rim is that ?  And thanks for remarking about not using tubeless tires on tube type rims  :thumb:, Peter

Offline wirespokes

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Re: Tubeless Conversion-- A Different Approach
« Reply #22 on: December 28, 2019, 12:25:16 AM »
Tommy - if the spokes can be permanently sealed and the rim not leak, what could be the downside? Would you still run a tube?

If you could seal up a set of wheels you already have for $20, why spend $1400?

You mentioned the BMW cross spoked tubeless wire wheels. They've very heavy. When they're damaged there's only one place in the country I know of (Woody's in Colorado) to have them fixed (Expensive!). I know nothing of the others - except the EV tubeless I've heard some negatives - don't recall what right not.

redhawk - I agree, the safety bead is a desirable item. I think you can buy new rims that have it and lace them to your old hubs. However, a lot of us have been riding bikes since the 50s or 60s with tubed wire wheels. I've never had serious difficulties, but know there can be when a tire quickly deflates at speed. I've had plenty of flats, but normally I can tell what's happening soon enough to avoid serious trouble.

It sounds like you object to running a wheel tubeless when it originally was set up for tubes. Let me ask you this:

If you have a blowout - what is the difference if there's a tube inside or not? How will it make ANY difference on a rim that doesn't have a safety bead???

Bottom line - it's safer running tubeless, if the rim can be permanently sealed, than running a tube. Tubeless tires tend to not lose air quickly when punctured, rather you'll find it in the garage the next morning when the pressure is low. Tubes when punctured tend to deflate rapidly.

So, yes, I'd love to have rims with a safety bead. But I'm not going to spend $1400 for a new set of wheels. I'm not even going to spend $300 (or however much they cost) for a tubeless rim with a safety bead and lace it to my hub. There are people these days who won't do anything unless it's completely safe, and then do something stupid and wind up dead. There's no way you're going to be completely safe - it's our awareness and fast reaction times that keeps us alive. If it's totally safe you want, best not ride a motorcycle.

Offline SIR REAL ED

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Re: Tubeless Conversion-- A Different Approach
« Reply #23 on: December 28, 2019, 12:29:10 AM »
Sir Real Ed:
 With your background of a machine/tool design engineer I would be very interested in your appraisal of the Alpina wheel design.  If I remember correctly, I think this wheel was on the Stelvio's.  While I am very interested in a tubeless design wheel, it still seems like there is some limitations and potential for leakage with the O ring design.  Like I mentioned earlier, I wish we had an option on an edge or center ridge design, but to my knowledge none exist for the V 85 tt.  Any feedback, opinion, or intuition on the Alpina wheels would be welcomed.  Thanks.

found it!   https://www.king-wheels.com/tubeless-spoked-aluminium/. scroll down about 2/3 of the page

I like it.  Looks like a very solid design!  Easy to see why the cost is so high.  Sometimes you really do get what you pay for!

If I went this route, I'd lube the hell out of all the o-rings prior to assembly.  Maybe even then install o-rings on nipples and drop them into a container of rubber lube prior to installing on rim and spoke.



« Last Edit: December 28, 2019, 12:34:44 AM by SIR REAL ED »
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Offline SIR REAL ED

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Offline greer

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Re: Tubeless Conversion-- A Different Approach
« Reply #25 on: December 28, 2019, 05:54:27 AM »
Here's a copy&paste from the Loctite 290 Data Sheet:

Directions for use:
For Pre-assembled Threaded Parts with Thru Holes
1. Prior to assembly, clean all threads (bolt and hole) with a
LOCTITE®
 cleaning solvent and allow to dry.
2. For Thru Holes, apply several drops of product at screw
and body juncture.
3. Avoid touching the bottle tip to the metal surface.
For Assembly
1. For Blind Holes, apply several drops of the product
down the internal threads to the bottom of the hole
For Porosity Sealing
1. Clean area and apply localized heat to the area to
approximately 121°C.
2. Allow to cool to approximately 85°C and apply the
product.
For Disassembly
1. Remove with standard hand tools.
2. In rare instances where hand tools do not work because
of excessive engagement length, apply localized heat to
nut or bolt to approximately 250 °C. Disassemble while
hot.

You can download it here:

https://www.henkel-adhesives.com/us/en/product/threadlockers/loctite_290.html

Sarah
Sarah '21 V7 Special, '17 XT250, '17 V9 Roamer sold August 2021, '16 V7 II Stone sold September 2021, '08 Nevada Classic sold August 2020 
Doug '21 V85TT, '05 Sportster Roadster, '13 XT250

Offline greer

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Re: Tubeless Conversion-- A Different Approach
« Reply #26 on: December 28, 2019, 06:10:54 AM »
Another thread from triumphrat, scroll down a bit to see Caromba's post, and be sure to scroll a bit further to see the comment from rweb:

https://www.triumphrat.net/threads/t120-wire-wheel-tubeless-conversion.833321/page-2#post-9080402

Let me be clear in saying I'm not pushing this method one way or the other, I'm just trying to gather all the info I can before I tackle this job.

Sarah
Sarah '21 V7 Special, '17 XT250, '17 V9 Roamer sold August 2021, '16 V7 II Stone sold September 2021, '08 Nevada Classic sold August 2020 
Doug '21 V85TT, '05 Sportster Roadster, '13 XT250

Offline tommy2cyl

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Re: Tubeless Conversion-- A Different Approach
« Reply #27 on: December 28, 2019, 06:18:09 AM »
Wirespokes:  Thanks for the feedback on the BMW cross spoke wheels and how heavy they are.  One of the advantages of tubeless is reducing rotating mass of the tube, so getting a heavier spoked wheel in some regard negates that.

Sir Real Ed:  Yup, that's the site on the Alpina wheels.   I had watched the video by Dave on Best Products a while back, and agree it is an excellent tutorial
on how to do the conversion.  I have read that some have concerns that if you need to adjust the spoke, that it would break the seal and wrinkle the tape.

I am aware of Outex.  Seems they have been around for quite awhile.  I might consider their product just so I could say Pre Cut Nipple Tape.  (that one is for you Huzo  :boozing:)

Thanks to all for your feedback.  Always a learning process from intelligent people.

Offline SIR REAL ED

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Re: Tubeless Conversion-- A Different Approach
« Reply #28 on: December 28, 2019, 08:25:05 AM »
Wirespokes:  Thanks for the feedback on the BMW cross spoke wheels and how heavy they are.  One of the advantages of tubeless is reducing rotating mass of the tube, so getting a heavier spoked wheel in some regard negates that.

Sir Real Ed:  Yup, that's the site on the Alpina wheels.   I had watched the video by Dave on Best Products a while back, and agree it is an excellent tutorial
on how to do the conversion.  I have read that some have concerns that if you need to adjust the spoke, that it would break the seal and wrinkle the tape.

I am aware of Outex.  Seems they have been around for quite awhile.  I might consider their product just so I could say Pre Cut Nipple Tape.  (that one is for you Huzo  :boozing:)

Thanks to all for your feedback.  Always a learning process from intelligent people.

Not sure how much heavier the BMW tubeless wheels are, such weight gain might be due classic German over design.  Spokes are a little longer, rim obviously has thicker "sidewalls."  Hub really does not need to change much.

Alpina wheels are an excellent design, IMSMO.  Only downside is high cost.  Only things that could screw it up is dirty assembly, or poorly machined surfaces.

I looked into this a couple years back, but never went forward due to lack of time and the fact that I've only had one flat tire in 50 years of riding (probably jinxed that!).  If anyone wants a word file of the information I collected, shoot me a PM with your email address.  No brilliant insights included, the info I have is very similar to the posts I listed above.

As Sarah says, this is a personal choice, just iike getting on a motorcycle in the first place.  Not very risky IMSMO, but if you take the time to be thorough and meticulous about it, and it will probably work out well.

Sounds like lots of people have been doing this and having it work fine.  Then again, most of us don't post our f-ups on the internet.
2019 Beta EVO 250
1999 Suzuki DR 650 w/790cc kit
1994, 2001, & 2002 MZ Skorpions

Offline s1120

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Re: Tubeless Conversion-- A Different Approach
« Reply #29 on: December 28, 2019, 08:51:41 AM »
Good read here on this subject!   Im replacing my tires over the winter, and Ive been on the fence about doing this. I have a 02 California stone, and I plan to do some longer rides with it. I dont have a center stand, so flats on the road with tube tires could be a major issue.  I would never have a shop do it for me..  ill be doing it myself. I have used the 5200 sealant before in marine applications, and know what it can do, so Im really thinking that is the way Im going myself, but im still open to others ideas. Maybe this wicking thread locker works..But I dont know.. seems the slightest mess up in prep would cause a failure. Maybe its just I cant get past so little amount of product being able to seal..  Personally I would worry about it all the time but thats just how im wired. But really...  I think all of these ways will be fully able to work, and seal..  I think it just comes down to what YOU feel comfortable with
Paul B

 


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