My 06 is still running its original tubes - should I be concerned and think about putting in some new ones? They loose pressure during the weeks when it's not used but then they always have - is anyone else still running original tubes ?
a real 'Catch 22' this one - you probably know it's quite normal for inner tubes to slowly deflate even when new? If the tyres have not been constantly exposed to extreme contrast of temperature and/or constantly exposed to sunlight then they are probably fine. Depending how old the tyres are maybe an indicator to help here would be signs of serious splitting in the tyre sidewalls. I fitted a new tyre to a spoked wheel recently after around 5 years fitted and upon extreme flexing I could find no signs of aging or cracking whatsoever in the inner tube. Reinforcing around valve holder needs special attention and I always make sure there is plenty of chalk dust both inside and outside tube.
As Chris says, it's normal for inner tubes to lose some pressure over time. Inner tubes are more prone to this than tubeless tyres. I don't use inner tubes. I bought my 2007 GT1000 in 2009 & switched to Marchesini 5-spoke wheels within 12 months. This enabled me to use tubeless tyres, the lighter wheels reduced unsprung weight (and helped with quicker changes of direction), and the 5-spoke design is much easier to clean than spokes. Classical spoked wheels do look nice, but I prefer the Marchesinis. Each to their own...:wink: All of the bikes I rode in the 1970s had spoked wheels with inner tubes. I ran the same inner tubes on one bike for 6 years, I just tested for leaks by holding the inflated tube & valve under water every time I changed a tyre. Never had any problems.
I change mine at the same time I fit new tyres, they are cheap enough for it not to be an issue. I wouldn't change the spoked wheels personally, they are a big part of the look that made me want this bike in the first place.
A related point... Anyone find that a garage air pump nozzle (particularly the newer types where you set the pressure on the control box before inflating tyres) are impossible to use on the SC's thick rims and close spokes? This is due to the lack of a long flexible tube connector, the newer pumps seem to have shorter tubes and the body of the pump is too chunky to allow you to get access to the valve. Anybody got a solution to this ...ie some sort of valve extension that I can carry around?
Yes I've got an adapter that screws on to the valve and comes out at a right angle - got it off eBay a few years back. Quite small so easily pocket size.
Yep it's a 90 degree tyre valve adapter motorcycle loads on eBay for £3 might get another and leave them fitted to each wheel.
Not a problem with the 5-spoke Marchesinis on my bike, the valve on the front wheel has a 90 degree angle - same as found on wheels of other Ducatis e.g. Monster, Hypermotard. Mind you, I never use garage air lines. Always use a separate gauge & footpump at home.
