V7 Wheels Conversion

[T Peterson]

I would like to convert my 2021 V7 spoked, tubed wheels to tubeless. I have read, here and other places, about sealing the spoke holes using 3M 5200, or Goop, or other thick adhesive. I'm interested in feedback on that topic.

Next is a mention from another forum about whether or not the inside sealing surface and edge contour on these wheels is different for tubed vs tubeless tires. I'm sure someone out there knows that answer to that one.

I had some replies on this topic under Swaps and I guess the moderator removed them, so I am moving the discussion here, where I agree it belongs.

[Kiwi_Roy]

I converted my V7III at the first tire change using Sikaflex Marine sealant about 2 years back.
I need to re-visit the rear wheel as its developed a slow leak, goes flat over about 10 days.
I have a planter box I can work under the wheel and fill with water to find the leak then I wrap a short length of solder around the spoke to mark where its leaking.

[skippy]

I had the wheels on my V85TT converted two years ago using this, https://woodyswheelworks.com/products/outex-tubeless-kit

Woody's Wheel Works did the work for me and it has been wonderful. The benefit being found in the comfort knowing that I can do a road side plug repair if need be. No more need to carry extra tools and tubes for doing a road side tube repair. In fact, if you were to add up all the weight of all the stuff I am not lugging around it really becomes an obvious choice. I think the stock tubes were about 5 lbs. plus an other 5 lbs for the spare set I would carry, plus the breaker bars and wrenches I would carry to get the wheels off. It was not only a bunch of heavy things but it all took up a bunch of space. Going tubeless was a no brainer.

If your original wheels were fitted with radial tires then they have the safety bead required to go full tubeless. All you need to do is get the kit and go. I recommend the kit as it is a well thought solution that has been proven effective for over twenty years now. I found that after my conversion my tires were really air tight. I think I went for nearly six months before I lost enough air (2 psi) to fill them back up. Truthfully I probably lost that 2 lbs checking so dang much (once a week or every ride).

I say go for it.

Skippy

[egschade]

I intend to use one of these kits on my V85TT wheels at some point this winter. Good reviews and results IF you follow the instructions. Have also read multiple threads and looked at Youtube videos on using marine grade sealant and tape.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08L3C9T1P/ref=ox_sc_saved_title_4?smid=A226SUVVOWAXBZ&psc=1

[Jack Straw]

I successfully converted the spoke wheels on my Royal Enfield 650 using a popular home brew method.  Nipples were sealed with a silicone caulk then the sealed nipples were covered with 3M closed cell foam tape.   Many riders have used this or a similar method with fine results.  Some have had trouble with it.

You HAVE TO BE METICULOUS with this job.  It's a tedious endeavor but not really difficult.  Cost for supplies was less than 40 bucks and both wheels took me about 4 hours over a couple of days.

I considered Woodys in Denver but by the time I shipped my bare wheels to them the job would have cost nearly $600.  When I bought my V7 III I purposely chose a model with cast alloys so I didn't need to do another spoke wheel sealing job.

[greer]

I'm all about this too, T Peterson.  This video by BestRest is well worth the time:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JPzoqi_4X7o

Be sure to read the comments for more insights, the pool noodle trick was a new one on me.

Sarah

[Brand X]

I am happy with my Stronello change over. Not complete yet, because I have to do the rear wheel next. In the mean time, found some wheels on Ebay. I bid last time, and got outbid..($401 total) I am guessing that deal fell through, because they ended back up on Ebay.. This turned out well so far, but they are not here yet either. Now I can do what I want and not really care of the outcome.. 

I always thought my bike might look better with standard Alloy non-painted rims.. I am going to run my Conti R3 on these with tubes.Then do the back wheel goop treatment.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/133966367531?nma=true&si=9Y63VG%252Bh7TyTUl03S%252BXFftf81kg%253D&orig_cvip=true&nordt=true&rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.l2557

[Roebling3]

I planned on swopping the wire spoke wheels on the `17 racer because I hate surprises. Sold the wires for $400, had the cast wheels powder coated a color that goes well w/the new paint.  R3~

[Brand X]

I planned on swopping the wire spoke wheels on the `17 racer because I hate surprises. Sold the wires for $400, had the cast wheels powder coated a color that goes well w/the new paint.  R3~

I bought the first commercial Motorcycle made with cast wheels in 1976. (RD-400) Figured I have earned  the right to run wire wheels. Went to spokes on that one.. Lost 11 pounds on the rear, and 2.5 pounds off the front with a extra disk added. I like  surprises.. Here is a pic from 1978..



Took my cured piece of 5200, and did a removal process. Heat gun,and any brake clean/carb cleaner strips it right off. Not going to 4200 for that reason. If you can remove 5200 easy enough, no reason to use the lower spec stuff. I am getting ready to do the back wheel now. Still have the other non-painted rims being shipped here.

Oh yea, this gave me a reason to buy a air jack. (warehouse deals)It will be handy around my shop for many things,,Had to make a V-7 adapter out of a truck suspension stop/bushing..