After watching several of these conversion videos, I was wondering why people silicone sealed the spoke nipples, because I thought "what a mess if you need to ever adjust spoken tension". And they had me wondering if it was needed to keep air from escaping. So I appreciate you demonstrating that the silicone is not required. Thank you very much. Nice details and suggestions. We all have problems with our bikes, but it's how you deal with them that also teaches us self reliance, so great job there too.

@gsd32i

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks 👍 This is one of those subjects regarding the 3M thing , where you are either happy to do it , or not ! For me. I’m glad I did it . If you don’t mind wrecking your wheels with tyre levers then it’s more of an inconvenience and you can get a tube in fairly quickly ! I have seen KZread videos of people doing the silicone nipple thing and one chap coated the whole of the inside with a liquid tar kind of material , which didn’t work ! So far the 3M take with no silicone has been fine . 😁

@christilt4660

3 жыл бұрын

@@gsd32i Being a cyclist and having converted all my bikes to tubeless, I thought it would also be great to convert my Afica Twin to tubeless. I ordered the WTB rim tape since those guys have been supplying the mountain bike community with tubeless tires and tape for a long time. I chose 30mm for the front and 45mm for the back (couldn't find 50mm) and hopefully the 30mm is not too wide for the front. I saw your post-video scroll message that suggested 25mm to avoid trimming. I'll see how it goes. I'm going to put the original rubber spoke guards back over the tape in hopes of protecting the fragile rim tape while I tire-lever the tires on. If it holds up, I'll reply back here again. This is still an evolving art I think!

@IAmYourReflection

3 жыл бұрын

@@christilt4660 how did it go? Any advice?

@samhill3496

2 жыл бұрын

no silicon heat value is too low 3M 5200 marine sealant poly

@christilt4660

2 жыл бұрын

@@IAmYourReflection Sorry to reply so late, JonE. I met with mediocre success using the rim tape. The spoke nipples are too tall. On a bike rim, the are recessed and it's easy to seal the wheel. On the motorcycle rim, the spoke nipples protrude quite high and I wasn't able to seal it well. I removed the tape and used the silicone sealant method. And on top of that, I used tubless tire sealant in the tire to ensure I wouldn't have any slow leaks after doing the water test and discovering a few spokes were not totally sealed. I got very good at removing/mounting tires, but it's a lot of work. In the future, I'd just invest in a set of external spoked wheels and mount tubless tires on them (for a big bike like the AT). They have held perfectly now for a year.

great video mate, good job. i am going to do the same to my wheels on 2016 Africa twin :) i go camping in bush but am not a crazy adventure rider, and i dont want to be fixing tube at night in rain lol i almost bought different wheels $1000. then i bought slime liquid tube puncher fix no good and messy. thennnnnn i saw your video!! thats the answer .. thank you my friend.

@gsd32i

Жыл бұрын

Thanks , just take your time. I never had any issues with it. but obviously the powers that be don't recommend this tubeless method, but loads of folk have done it. ride safe 🤪

Nice video, thankyou.

@gsd32i

4 жыл бұрын

Thanks 👍

Absolutely perfect work

@2:40 You are supposed to start the tape 3 spoke nipples BEFORE the valve hole, not after Then you are to stop the tape 3 spokes holes after the valve. The idea is to have the tape doubled over the valve. These are the instructions provided by the rim tape manufacturers.

@gsd32i

7 ай бұрын

Thanks for the comments. Either way had no issues with mine .

There is a 38mm wide version of the 4412n 3M tape which would probably be a better choice for rim well spec and thickness is 2mm so no need for a second layer.... I am going to do this myself in the next couple of days so will update you n how it goes - might even video it

@gsd32i

2 жыл бұрын

just take your time, its' all in the preparation . Mines still going strong. 😀

@ArthurAT28

Жыл бұрын

Hey Chris, did your conversion work? I’m getting my AT this spring and it’s a mod i want to do after I get it!

@janaharajanrajan4652

Жыл бұрын

Hi bro any updates

Great video - I'm going to use this method for my Desert Sled tubeless conversion. Quick question - once the conversion is done and you're touring away from home and need a new tyre . . . can the swap be done by a tyre shop with a tyre changing machine - without damaging the rim tape?

@gsd32i

Жыл бұрын

Hi Tori . There’s no reason why not as if you look at tyre changing videos , I don’t recall any machines going down into where the tape would sit …. I would stand next to tyre technician and politely point out your concerns . Shouldn’t be an issue in my opinion but you could take a photo on your phone of the tape on the rim with no tyre and point out to them why they need to be super careful . Ride safe 👍

LOL.....I bought a set of $3,000 Kineo wheels so that I don't have to do this. Excellent work, though, you're a far more patient person than me.

@gsd32i

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks 😊. They’re still going strong .

@Jd_Wright

2 ай бұрын

Think I’d rather save the 3000 and use the tape.

Hello. Did you consider put some silicon on the head spokes, before rim tape?

@gsd32i

3 жыл бұрын

Some people have done this on other videos ......I briefly thought about it but having seen how sticky the tape is I thought no need. I did put 2 layers of tape on just to be sure though !

Great video how have you found the str tyre on uk roads. M

@gsd32i

4 жыл бұрын

Hi Martin . When I purchased the bike used from the dealer it had Pirelli trail II’s and they were a great tyre for the road . They looked a bit skinny on the AT so I went for the beefier looking tyre , the STR, a vanity thing I guess .... how sad ! They are a fabulous tyre and to be fair I only ride mostly on the tarmac . No noticeable noise / rumble etc . Personally I wouldn’t go back to trail II’s . As always though when pushed with the 21 inch front tyre at the limit it does let you know that enough is enough !! But sometimes it’s not all about shear power it’s about riding the bike to its limits , which to be honest some of the more powerful ADV’s will see you in jail before u get to the limit of the bike .... that’s what I like about the AT you have to work at it to get the best out of it . Done many track days going flat out and now it’s just great to enjoy the scenery to be truthful ( an age thing lol 😂)

Hello sir , thanks for the vedio , my question is , after you finished this project do you use again same stock original tire comes with bike from the factory, or you change it with another type of tire , waiting for your answer.

@gsd32i

4 жыл бұрын

Hi . I believe that SOME tyres can ONLY be used with an inner tube. However please check your tyres to see if you can run them tubeless . I am currently running Pirelli scorpion rally str’s which I fitted after the tubeless conversion . I purchased the bike secondhand and it came with Pirelli scorpion II’s . I don’t know what the standard tyre is . I am sure that it would be fine but please ask on one of the Africa twin forums or just check the tyre manufacturers website to see if the tyre can run tubeless .

@hussienabukhalil2012

4 жыл бұрын

@@gsd32i thanks alot for the answer, I have a brand new africa twin 2019 , and I am afraid of tire puncture happen with current tube tire , as you know its a nightmare thing to happen , in the same time I don't want Get rid of existing tires while they are still new . Thanks again

@samhill3496

2 жыл бұрын

@@gsd32i tubeless tires sidewall is diffferent

I'm a little concerned about the front tire. I heard that there may be possibility of a catastrophic failure, quick loss of air because it is not properly beaded. I'm also curious on why you went with the tape and not using a caulking sealant? Some online have to the caulking followed by the tape.

@gsd32i

Жыл бұрын

Hi . I didn’t have any issues with the tape and just did what others have done, you can by the “proper”tape kit online or simply do it yourself . You just have to weigh advantages up with a tube or no tube even thought there is little or no bead on the front . Any doubt don’t do it and then good luck on changing a tube in the rain at night . For me the calculated “risk” was acceptable. The caulking thing wasn’t something I looked at .

Nice content this is what i m looking for using 3M tape, at 03:55 why dont you over lap it?

@gsd32i

Жыл бұрын

Hi, I had to watch it myself.....the tape started to go off centre so I had to cut it, otherwise there would have been creases in the tape if I had continued with it. 👍

Wouldn't this work with a single layer of tape and some tire sealant or maybe just some rim tape and some sealant?

@gsd32i

4 жыл бұрын

Chris Raynor hi Chris. There are numerous videos on the variations of how to go tubeless. So if a different one works then great. One chap put the rim tape on and it moved and covered the valve hole causing him problems when he had to put air into the tyre at some point later on . A single layer would work but I did 2 to give some extra protection, whether it was needed, who knows . If you try a different approach post a video of how you got on. Ride safe. 👍

I wonder if people stop to think why a tube so successfully stops the air from pissing out through the nipples and valve hole when the tape method involves all this cleaning, sticking and smoothing tape down (and sometimes having to add another layer or patch) and then trim it all - then valves have to be bought and fitted. The 3M tape is not free and the Outex type kits come at a cost with no guarantee Just stick a tube on the wheel (it even comes with a free valve already fitted!) and run a pair of scissors round it’s outer circumference. Then spread it out like a filleted kipper and refit your tyre over the top. A quick dip in the bath to check for leaks and trim off the excess frill of tube and away you ride It’s often referred to as the “ghetto” or “split tube” conversion and should take no more than 45mins per wheel. I did it two years ago and it is still going just fine Watch it here:- kzread.info/dash/bejne/aGSWy5OrYrvcktI.html

@gsd32i

3 ай бұрын

It's always good to see what else is available out there. Tape method worked for me.😁

How’s your tubeless conversion holding out? The front tubeless rim…how is it doing?

@gsd32i

Жыл бұрын

hi . I sold the bike 7 months ago to get a GS . But I had no issues with the tyres /pressure . I would do it again if I had another AT with tube tyres .

How many km have you done with this system? Changing tires must be aware for some damage to the tape.

@gsd32i

3 жыл бұрын

Hi done about 2000km . Haven’t changed tyres yet !

Is its still holding air and what kind of 3m tape did you use?

@gsd32i

3 жыл бұрын

hi , ive put a little bit of air in both front and rear but its what you would do every now and again with normal tyres, no leaks.

How this tape holding up so far?. Have you try it off road?. Looking forward for your feedack.

@gsd32i

4 жыл бұрын

Fine so far, checked tyre pressures today and no problems. Not really an off road expert! I have ridden on some gravel roads, a few power slides and wheelies and all good so far🤞

@christilt4660

3 жыл бұрын

@@gsd32i Holy crap! A wheelie on an Africa Twin! Impressive!

Ur not supposed to cut so close to spock heads as will give u slow air loss , and yes did this myself done right its grate

@gsd32i

3 жыл бұрын

Just copied what I had seen on other videos ! All information greatly received for others to take note of, but no issues so far 🤞

Ahhh, been stocking up on the Amazon toilet roll too I see.

So, how is it holding? i'm about to do the same.

@gsd32i

2 жыл бұрын

Absolutely fine 👍

Hi, is the “system” still working in this times? Thanks a lot!

@gsd32i

2 жыл бұрын

Hi . Yes it is . Has been absolutely fine , looses a few psi over time a few months but no more than my other motorbike. 😎

@andresrendondederle4162

2 жыл бұрын

Thank you, in this moment I am working to convert the rear rim in tubeless.

do you need to use a tubeless tire now?

@gsd32i

2 жыл бұрын

Hi. Yup I use tubeless tyres, currently running Scorpion Rally STR, look great and brilliant on the tarmac. Don't do off road . When i purchased the bike, used, it came with scorpion trail II, which are tubeless BUT had inner tubes fitted, good tyre but didn't look right on the bike!!!!! lol!!!. Just couldn't be bothered with the hassle of a roadside tyre repair, so went tubeless. No issues whatsoever so far. If i was a hardcore off road guy i would probably stick with a tubed tyre for the rim damage possibility .

@vanislerider7311

2 жыл бұрын

@@gsd32i thanks. I think I will try it with my present tube tire which still has some wear left and then go to tubeless.

Some put slime and tape ,reason why slime wasnt your choice?

@gsd32i

Жыл бұрын

Didn't know people used slime.

My question is how will this tape last in the long run

@gsd32i

3 жыл бұрын

Hi Don . Honestly I don’t know . Had mine for a year with no real issues . In reality, if you use the bike loads , then you can check when you change the tyre which may be very 12 months . Have a look on the forums for whatever bike you have and ask them . If it’s an Africa Twin then loads have done it when I had a look .

Please and about lifetime of this tubeless?

@gsd32i

3 жыл бұрын

hello. Its been 1 year since 1 did the conversion and have put several thousand miles on the bike with no problem . Yes i have put some air in the tyres but no more than a normal tyre. I have done some fire tracks but nothing off road!! Motorway riding and higher speeds have all been fine. ride safe.

@tuco10

3 жыл бұрын

@@gsd32i great!! Thanks!! I will do the same.

What is the 3m tap number

@gsd32i

8 ай бұрын

3m tape 5.5m 4411N purchased from Amazon

First

Seems a lot of faffing I’ve been motorcycling for 40 years only had one puncture and I called the Breakdown service.

@gsd32i

4 жыл бұрын

Each to their own . Was riding with my brother in law 2 days ago , he has an crf250 with tubes and he got a puncture in rear tyre . Had he been tubeless , could have plugged it and away in 10 minutes .... as it was we rode home slowly!!! Took us about 45 minutes for the 2 of us to change inner tube . Definitely not faffing in my opinion, especially when u are unlucky with nails in tyres ! Safe riding 👍

@tonywalker8250

4 жыл бұрын

Been riding for 56 years and had a few in mainly tubeless tyres and on a few occassions have got myself back home by just putting a self tapping screw in the hole. Other times a quick plug and go. Try that on a tubed tyre!. And, by the way, some of us travel where there is no vehicle recovery to be had.

@christilt4660

3 жыл бұрын

I have spent a miserable couple of days trying to keep a tire in my little tow-behind trailer inflated after a pinched tube. This was on a trail far from service; and I would have loved to have a tubeless tire instead! Changing the tire on a big bike in the woods/desert far from service would be an ordeal. Not faffing in my opinion. I think it depends on where you ride and your access to service.

dude what you did is not reliable!

@gsd32i

4 жыл бұрын

This has been used by thousands of motorcyclists around the world and there are many variations on this but the principle is the same. It’s all in the preparation . Yes not taking proper time and not being methodical will cause it to be not reliable. Please feel free to make a video showing what is reliable. For now, I’ll take this conversion to give me a 5 minute road side repair, as opposed to 1 hour in the rain at night. Safe riding 😀

Piss poor job, this will leak very quickly.

@gsd32i

2 жыл бұрын

Actually, never had an issue with it. Best thing I ever did with the AT. It was a pretty good job I hasten to add, never let me down. Have a great weekend 👍

seems mickey mouse process to me.....i wouldn't trust it at anything over 10 mph...!!!

@gsd32i

4 жыл бұрын

I guess it does seem a bit like that but hey it works great even over 10mph 👍

@windinthewillows6248

4 жыл бұрын

I did the Outex convertion, essentially the same process on an ATAS, it worked perfectly. It’s all in the preparation and when you change tyres, you need to be a bit more careful. As GSD321 said, fixing a puncture on the side of the road (which Ive been very unlucky to have had 2 in the last month), is a doddle to fix with a Dyna plug kit. 👍