Question about replacing tubes with new tires

[burkbuilds]

Sometime in the next few months I'll be installing new tires on my 09 Vulcan. Right now I've gone about 12,000 miles and it looks like I'll probably be replacing both front and rear tires about the same time probably within the next 3,000 miles or so. I bought tubes to go into the new tires, but since the ones now in service are less than a year old, do I really need to replace them when I put the new tires on or can I use the existing ones again. One reason I ask is that I put a product called Ride-On in the tubes when I first got them that's supposedly able to seal punctures in tubes up to 1/8" and also helps automatically balance the tires. It's almost $30 to buy enough product to do both tires, and if I don't have to replace the tubes right now, then I don't have to spend another $30 on the ride-on product. I have heard people say that you should replace the tubes when you replace the tires, but I'm also assuming most people don't go through tires once a year so maybe they are assuming tire replacement every 4-5 years on average and another 4-5 years before it happens again and it's not likely that tubes will last 8-10 years so you should replace them with the tires. Is that the general assumption, or do tubes have a mileage life like a tread and even if they are just a year old they should be replaced?

[dhgeyer]

I always replaced tubes with new tires, even when I had Rideon TPS in them (excellent product!). But, I don't honestly know if it was necessary or not. A year does seem like a short service life. On the other hand, ask whoever does the installation if having goop in the tubes will complicate getting them in straight and located properly without pinching them. That's the only downside I can think of. Mostly I've had bikes with tubeless tires, as they are more easily roadside repairable and less prone to blowouts.

[JWR]

I would not replace the tubes.

As far as pinching the tube, always have a little air in the tube during the install.

There are a lot of 5 to 10 year old tubes and tires on bikes that are ridden very seldom.

[blaine]

Does this product keep you from having a flat? I have never heard of this product before.I have looked for this for a long time.

[Water Warrior 2]

I doubt the tubes need to be replaced as often. They are protected from the environment by the tire and I would think they will go 4 or 5 years in your situation.

[bonehead]

BB, I look at and inspect the tubes for possible problems. I have found that the most prone area for problems is at the valve stem-tube junction. If there's no rust or hard spots on the tube, then I would'nt replace it. It all really boils down to a personal preference call, IMHO. Tires are the most expensive wear item on the bike, and I'm sure eveyone wants to save a few bucks when they can.

[dannylightning]

well i was always told to replace the tubes when you replace the tires, why not spend a few extra bucks on tubes and take care of it now. it could possibly save you time and hassle a ways down the road or the tubes might last till the next tire change. you never know what is going to happen so i feel its best to replace them.

[burkbuilds]

Thanks for the input! I think, after reading everyone's advice, I'll inspect the tubes and see if there is any corrosion or problems around the valve stems and if they look good, I'll probably put them back in the new tires and save the new tubes as spares or for the next set of new tires.

The Ride-On TPS (Tire Protection System) seems to work well. It claims to seal punctures up to 1/4" in tubeless tires and 1/8" in tubes, of course this isn't a permanent fix, it's just designed to keep you from being stranded on the roadside somewhere until you can get new tubes and have the tire fixed or replaced but I felt like it was good "insurance" for me since I travel between two big cities each week and I'm often in pretty remote areas where it would be difficult to find motorcycle tires and cell phones aren't always in range of a tower. Since I put the Ride-On in my tubes they almost never need any air added to them. I still check them regularly but I haven't had to add any air since back before Christmas. It also took a noticeable amount of vibration out of my ride, supposedly this stuff helps fine tune the balance on your tires, nothing like those "beads" they sell but the bike is noticeably smoother after I put this stuff in and rode a few miles. It's not cheap though, almost $30 for enough to do two motorcycle tires.

[blaine]

Thanks for the info.

[Easy Rider]

Originally Posted by burkbuilds

I'll probably put them back in the new tires and save the new tubes as spares or for the next set of new tires.

Does this mean that you will be changing the tires yourself ??
If not, be sure to tell the shop about the stuff you have in there and ask them what they think about IT and whether or not to change tubes.

The only problem I have with leaving the old ones in there (since they really aren't "old") is that your new ones are more prone to "age" when they are NOT in use.......because of the folds and exposure to air and maybe sunlight......than they would be IN the tire. I would be reluctant to use a tube that has been sitting on the shelf much more than a year......and you don't know how old it is NOW.

Just another perspective...........