Motorcycle tires come in two types – tubed and tubeless tires – but what’s the difference between the two?
And why are tubed tires still around for motorcycles and scooters – even though cars stopped using them decades ago?
In this blog post, you’ll discover:
- The difference between tubed vs. tubeless tires
- Why tubed tires are still around for motorcycles
- The dangers of tubed tires
What’s a “tubed tire?”
Cars and passenger vehicles stopped using tubed tires in the 1990s – but remember, this is a motorcycle and two-wheeler blog.
And it might surprise you, but tubed tires are still common for motorcycles. More specifically, off-road motorcycles and classic cruisers.
Why are tubed tires still around for motorcycles?
Not only that, but spokes are strong, meaning that they hold up better in rougher off-road terrain.
As for classic cruisers, it’s mostly about looks. Some people prefer the look of a classic-styled cruiser, and tubed tires play a large part in that.
The dangers of tubed tires
If this happens, your tubed tire will tear itself out rapidly and sometimes violently – it’s not uncommon to experience a literal “blowout.”
What’s a tubeless tire?
There’s also a much tighter air seal between the wheel rim and the edge of the tire. If any part of a tubeless tire should rupture, this air seal grips that part and slows down the deflation rate.
Tubed vs. tubeless tires
Aside from that, a tubeless tire also weighs less and doesn’t wear out as quickly.
Therefore, it certainly pays to ride with tubeless tires if you’re riding on the street.
