[dsn_klr650] slime

[Tom Myers]

> > There are certain benefits (and costs) to taking the conservative >> route, but replacing the tube each time is certainly not required. >> If the tube passes inspection, I use it in the new tire. I've been >> doing this for .......30 years. >> >> Developing the ability to *inspect a tube* is "good practice". >> > >What exactly do you inspect for (other than obvious cracking and damage) >How do you know if the tube rubber has been over-stressed? On my bicycle >tubes, I would blow them up and look for bulges, can you do that on a >motorcycle tube too? > >I used to re-use my tubes too, until I had one blow out on the road on a >street bike. Never had a problem in the dirt, but high speed highway >(re)use of tubes makes me a little nervous.

That's basically it. Cracking, rubbing thin, inspect valve juncture, and blow it up a little to see if there are dramatic bulges (I know, this is hard to quantify over email). The surface of the rubber also tells a story. If it's shiny like a new tube then it's probably "like a new tube". Tubes can last longer inside a tire than outside in some environments. Over time you get to know what's OK, which you will never learn if you always replace. I hear it all the time that you shouldn't ever use a patched tube. This depends entirely on who patched it and whether they knew what they are doing. You can also learn to patch leaks effectively (by practice). Folks who are unprepared for a flat on the road might opt for the more conservative route. And the heavier the motorcycle, the more important it is to NOT get flats. Blowouts are from improper installation, not a worn out tube (but maybe both). Besides, money saved on unnecessary stuff can go towards other toys! (ducking for cover) Tom -- +-------------------------------------------+ | CycoActive Products | 701 34th Ave | Seattle, WA 98122 USA | | Design/Manufacture of Motorcycling Accessories | website: http://www.cycoactive.com/mc | e-mail: moto@... | tel (206) 323-2349 fax (206) 325-6016 +-------------------------------------------+