[DonDar]

I have a V-Star 1100 Silverado with spoked wheels. I'm in need of a tire replacement, and I'm assuming that the bike has tubes due to the spokes. Is it necessary to replace the tube when you replace the tire? I've never had a bike with tubes before, so I don't know. Just looking to save some $, no sense replacing something I don't need to.

Don

 

[bluesjr]

What did you end up doing? I'm about to change tires and am wondering about the tubes also. I'm a little shocked at the price of tubes after buying them for bicycles for $5 for years.

Btw, I have run many old bicycle tubes without problem, but occasionally an old one (20-30 years) fails. I don't know if I need to be worried about 8 yo tubes. Plus, a lot of my failures are around the base of the rubber valve stem. I noticed the V Star has metal stems, securely anchored to the rim.

 

[DonDar]

When I took the bike to the shop I asked them. They said it's not normally necessary if the tube appears to be in good shape, but if it shows some sign of wear/damage/etc. they'd recommend replacing it. I left it up to them and they did replace it, as the old one was showing some signs of rust (they saved it for me to verify so I didn't think they were just trying to make a buck). They charged me 11.95 for the tube.

 

[bluesjr]

DonDar,

That all sounds reasonable. I'll ask the shop for advice. $12/tube is not bad. I was seeing ~$30 the first place I looked.

 

[oldbanjo]

There is no way that I would replace a tire without replacing the tube. I've had a blow out on a Motorcycle I had no control over the bike, and was lucky to have survived it.

 

[subbiker]

Considering the cost of motorcycle tire mounting, I feel that replacing the tube when replacing the tire is just plain extra insurance. Knowing that your tube is just as recent as your tire can save you a lot of worry and money in the long run. You can retain your old tube (if in decent condition) for emergencies, as if you get a flat and your size tube is unavailable at the shop you take the tire to. Just my 2 cents!

 

[oldbanjo]

Tubes can and often get damaged while changing tires. When I replaced my tires I replaced a tube that was around two months old. Don't take a chance, it's not worth it.

 

[Captaink]

Had a rear tire replaced today and they installed a new tube. Cost me an extra $19.