Rear tire security boot

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nortonisthebest

nortonisthebest

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How important is the security boot on the rear tire of a Norton Commando?
Is it necessary or can I mount the tire without it?
 
I assume that you are talking about the rubber rim strip. If you don't have one, you can use duct tape.
 
nortonisthebest said:
How important is the security boot on the rear tire of a Norton Commando?
Is it necessary or can I mount the tire without it?
Click to expand...

It's not needed unless you plan on running sub 20 psi tire pressures. Of course they do help keep the tire on the rim in case of a flat but I have never run one on any of my street bikes. jim
 
comnoz said:
It's not needed unless you plan on running sub 20 psi tire pressures. Of course they do help keep the tire on the rim in case of a flat but I have never run one on any of my street bikes. jim
Click to expand...

I have found that if the rim lock is not used the remaining hole must be securely covered.
If not covered the inflated tube will press the rim strip into the open hole and chafe the tube and cause a flat tire.
 
the rubber strip is called rim strips, the funny rubber/plastic thing with a bolt through the middle is a rim lock.. definately make sure your rim strips are installed.

the rim lock has several purported functions... most of which are personnel or as noted by comnoz above.
 
I use a bolt with a conical shaped head to fill the hole. You also don't want water coming in there and rusting the inside of the rim. I use some rtv sealant on the bolt.
 
nortonisthebest said:
OK, as stated above, I can use duct tape to cover the hole in the rim.
Click to expand...

I would suggest using Gorilla tape in place of a rubber rim strip. It will stay in place and last much longer than either standard duct tape or a rubber strip. I wrap it three times and it does serve to seal the rimlock hole also. Jim
 
Rim or bead locks are widely used these days on dirt bikes which tend to run much lower air pressures for better loose dirt traction. Very nearly never seen on street bikes.
Modern rims, even aftermarket ones for our Nortons, typically have knurls/serrations along the bead seats next to the rim strip where the tire bead contacts the surface...this helps keep tire located, not slipping around rim under high loads like hard braking/acceleeating.
 
I agree with the comments re covering the hole. I had a puncture last year relying on the rim tape.
 
Now that I know what it is that you are referring to I will say + 1 to comnoz.
 
Interesting, I checked an Atlas front wheel and found 1 rim lock, a couple 1968 Triumph/BSA singles and an 1970s OIF BSA 250 had 2 rear rim locks.
All needed a 1/4" Whitworth wrench on the securing nut.
 
Pretty much unnecessary weight. And pain-in-the ass to fettle during tire swaps. It has to be under the tube completely to prevent pinching and is supposed to lap over the tire bead on either side.
 
Danno said:
Pretty much unnecessary weight. And pain-in-the ass to fettle during tire swaps. It has to be under the tube completely to prevent pinching and is supposed to lap over the tire bead on either side.
Click to expand...

gave up on it the first time it came up on a tire swap, luckily i wasn't on a trip, also didn't see them on jap bikes
 
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