While refinishing my rear wheel, I started to wonder if I could run my new tire sans inner tube. It had the inner beads like a modern rim, but it does not have "Tubeless" cast into the spoke like newer KZ's. Only a "TL" at the end of the DOT code.
Attachment IMG_0979.JPG not found
Attachment IMG_0980.JPG not found
I know that Kawasaki used a tube back in the day, and no dealer would accept the liability of telling me I didn't need one, so I did some research.
I found little information by searching through forums (this one and others dedicated to older bikes). The general consensus was that tubeless rims needed an inner bead to retain the tire to the rim in the event of a loss of pressure. This did not apply to all, as some bikes had no inner ridges on front wheels marked "Tubeless".
A few said that "TL" stood for tubeless. Hmm. That's what I first thought when I examined my rims, but I wanted to find that in writing before trusting my life to it.
Some had the opinion that regardless of the rim's design, if it had used a tube from the factory it needed on now. Well I know that my KZ used ignition points, but seems to work just fine with newer electronic technology. Could it be the same for tires?