TIRES: Going Tubeless

My kz650 is in painful need of a new rear tire, but the one that is on it has an inner tube (yuck). How easy is it to convert to a tubeless setup? Can i just buy a tubeless tire and pump it full of SLIME or Stan's? Do i use the valve from the old inner tube somehow?

You absolutely cannot go tubless unless your wheel is specifically designed for tubless tires. Tubeless wheels have a lip that holds the bead in place that will not be present on a tube type rim. IIRC all tubless rims will have the word "tubless" cast, stamped etc somewhere on the rim to eliminate confusion.

Please do not attempt to convert a tube type wheel for a tubeless tire. You must get a tubeless wheel to make the conversion.

First take a look at your rims and verify that they are stamped "TUBELESS" on them. This is probably somewhere along one of the spokes on mag wheels or along the edge of the rim. If they are marked rimless then just take them to the dealer and have them mount the tire of your choice. They will add a new valve stem on to the rim where the innertube valve was sticking out. Or you can get your own valve stem and fight the tire on yourself. Personally I let the dealer do it, If your rims are not marked tubeless, then you need an inner tube with those rims even if the tires are tubless tires.

Do yourself and your wallet a HUGE favor and read both pages of the following KZR posting. Pay special attention to the photos on the second page.

kzrider.com/forum/13-bike-related/442786...-while-riding#442786

My 81 550 has "tubeless" cast into both rims, but the front doesnt have the extra lip. Is that common among other Kaws? I noticed the lack of the inner lip after dismounting the old tires, so I checked for the letters in the casting and both of them had it.

mjg15 wrote: My 81 550 has "tubeless" cast into both rims, but the front doesnt have the extra lip. Is that common among other Kaws? I noticed the lack of the inner lip after dismounting the old tires, so I checked for the letters in the casting and both of them had it.

Got a picture of the inside of your rims?

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I put tires back on, but I'm pretty sure that the front had no extra lip, which surprised me and prompted me to check for the "tubeless" lettering in the casting. I think that I have a spare wheel kicking around the garage, I'll take a look later and see if it's the same.

Pic for reference:

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Same with mine. The older castings tend to seep so you have to keep your eyes on the tire pressure every once in awhile if not not a good idea.

mjg15 wrote: My 81 550 has "tubeless" cast into both rims, but the front doesnt have the extra lip. Is that common among other Kaws? I noticed the lack of the inner lip after dismounting the old tires, so I checked for the letters in the casting and both of them had it.

Heres the pics of an '81 GPz550 front wheel with no "tubeless" ridges. Maybe the angle of the bead seat area is different than the tube-type rims? I have a tube-type Z1R front wheel somewhere, when I get a chance I'll compare them.