Wheel Type - Tube or Tubeless?

I have searched the archives and found quite a bit on the different rim types, but have found some conflicting information. Is a rim with a "TL" a tubeless type for sure? I want to go tubeless if possible but want to make sure I have the correct rim. The rim number is 18x2.15TL DOT. Is there a good reference out there for rim markings? Thanks again for your help! I'm confused as usual :huh:

My FT500 wheels say "tubeless" on them. I mention FT500 bcause I'm sitting next to it as I type. Don't know about tubeless wire spoked rims but if your tire installer knows his stuff, he can tell you. Call him on phone. Yep, I know it's more manly to get out the tire irons, but for 20 bucks including high speed balance, I go visit the tire shop. One thing I've learned messing with old non-runners is to get the old tire off and clean up the part of the wheel where the bead seals with some 80 grit followed by 120 grit emery cloth. Makes a huge difference. I can go for 6 months without having to add air on the wheels I've cleaned up really well. Takes about an hour/wheel and well worth the effort.

-Duck

Don't know about the TL thing but for sure 1979 KZ1000 MKII used a tube type wheel, not tubeless. You can tell when you attempt to remove a tire from a wheel. If after draining the air from the tire/tube if you can break the bead of the tire away from the wheel by any manual means (stepping on the tire, ect.), the wheel is 100% definately a tube type wheel. On a tubeless wheel no amount of prying, jumping on the sidewall ect will break it loose from the wheel. It takes a beadbreaker or a C-clamp at least.

On a tubeless wheel no amount of prying, jumping on the sidewall ect will break it loose from the wheel. It takes a beadbreaker or a C-clamp at least.

wimp
A dead blow hammer works just fine...

-Duck

No wheel experts out there?? Come on! I'm counting on you guys!! Does "TL" mean tubeless?? It will probably just confuse the issue even more, but the wheel in question is an original 18" front mag from a '78 Z1-R. The MKII wheels do not have the "TL" on them, and are definitely tube type.

I'll just say that every wheel that I have seen that had TL marked on it was tubeless

Easy way to tell is the center section on a tubeless wheel is noticably deeper than on a tube type.

Or if it don't have a tire mounted, look for the ridge that locks the bead in place on a tubeless rim.

I looked at the bead and it looks about the same. Is the extra ridge easily seen? Are they found on all tubeless wheels, even the older ones (1978)? I can't believe I can't find this information. I have searched the internet for hours. The "TL" on tires definitely means tubeless, but I haven't found any info on rim markings. I'd really like to know for sure...

On the inside of the rim, where the tire bead sits when installed, about a 1/2" from the edge of the rim, and it's about 1/8" tall. The bead of the tire fits between it and the edge of the rim. If it's smooth all the way from the edge of the rim to the drop center, then it's a tube type rim.

One of these days I'll take pictures and post them