mkII rear inner tube

The rear wheel on my mkII has a two studs that I assume mount the tube to the rim to keep from slipping. This is the same 18 in. wheel as a Z1R. Where can I get a tube like this or do I just run a standard tube? Any info?

You are probably seeing the studs from the rim locks (see picture below). These pinch the bead of the tire to the rim to prevent the rim from slipping inside the tire upon hard acceleration. If the rim slips even a tiny bit from time to time it will eventually move far enough to shear off the valve stem resulting in an instant flat tire. I had this happen on my BSA and I can assure you it is not a fun ride!

Thank You. Thats what I got going on.

Were can I get two rim locks? Can I safely run without?

The exact rim locks were only used on 1979-80 KZ1000A3 and A4 and 1977-79 KZ650C1-C3. These were cast wheels 2.15" width. Older spoke wheels use a different part # for a 2.15" wheel, but I would wager any of them would work. They used the spoke wheel type clear back to 1969 on lots of models. Neither is available new anymore, but any salvage yard should have hundreds of them. It's possible, but highly doubtful your tire will ever spin on the wheel if you fail to use them. I had some Akront aluminum rims laced up to one of my KZ650s way back in around 1990 and they don't use the locks and I have had no problem.

jvette65 wrote:

Were can I get two rim locks? Can I safely run without?

I would buy them and use them, because having expeienced a severed valve stem once I never want to have it happen again. Look at the 24th item down in the link. They're only $4.95 each.
Ed

Rim Locks