Tire fitment issue

carwash wrote: They're tubeless tires.

It doesn't matter that they are tubeless tires; they still MUST have tubes in them for them to work on the 1980 KZ550-A1 wheels. A tubeless tire does NOT make the wheel a tubeless type wheel. If your shop did not put new tubes in them (as I pointed out in my first reply) go to another shop because they have no clue as to what they are doing, and they may land you in the hospital. Keep in mind that you will be the one riding the bike, not the guy mounting the tire. Seriously, check to see if they installed new tubes. If not go get your wheel and tire back from them and take it to a competent shop. Ed

Yep, I supplied them with new tubes. They got the rear tire to set, no problem. Looking deeper into this, the rims aren't stamped "tubeless", so i assume they are tube-only set up. However, the tires I got are tubeless tires which I was going to run with tubes. I was under the impression this was ok to do. Maybe it's not and is what's causing the problem. I'll be speaking with the retailer today, where I got the tires. I may end up pulling both off and going with another, tube-type model.

650ed wrote:

carwash wrote: They're tubeless tires.

It doesn't matter that they are tubeless tires; they still MUST have tubes in them for them to work on the 1980 KZ550-A1 wheels. A tubeless tire does NOT make the wheel a tubeless type wheel. If your shop did not put new tubes in them (as I pointed out in my first reply) go to another shop because they have no clue as to what they are doing, and they may land you in the hospital. Keep in mind that you will be the one riding the bike, not the guy mounting the tire. Seriously, check to see if they installed new tubes. If not go get your wheel and tire back from them and take it to a competent shop. Ed

Running tubeless tire with tubes in them is perfectly normal. It will not cause any problem. Ed

I would like to see the markings on the tire and rim.
Steve

what markings?

swest wrote: I would like to see the markings on the tire and rim.
Steve

The ones on the sidewall of the tire and the markings on the rim.
Steve

Does it say TUBELESS on the spoke or rim ?

Look for something like this below


This is my rear wheel. Front is the same.
I dont have any experience with a 550 but others have posted that tubes should be used on the 550 unless a PO has made changes

EDIT Just noticed carwash's post from 9 hours ago so disregard mine above

If the powder coat guy really laid on the coating thickness that could be keeping the bead from seating. Powder coat is quite thick.

What kind of lubrication was used on the tire and wheel? Real tire lube or soap?

The rims are not stamped tubeless, I knew this going in, I was under the impression it was ok to use tubes with tubeless tires on non-tubeless rims. i believe most of the time it is. After talking with customer support today, it seems the bead on these tires is simply not compatible with my rims. I ordered a new set of Bridgestones tube-type tires. Hopefully get them mounted by the end of the week.

What brand tires had the problem? Maybe we should avoid them. Ed

Avons. I've seen them used on choppers, Hd's and the like. Never liked them.
Steve

650ed wrote: What brand tires had the problem? Maybe we should avoid them. Ed

Avon Distanzia