961 Tyres

[albional]

As previously posted my 961 is now stuck in the garage with a flat rear tyre. It seems the dealer cannot presently obtain the fitted Dunlop Sportmax GPR- 300 and mentioned an 8 week supply period! I've contacted a local tyre supplier and they can't obtain them either, but suggest a Dunlop Roadsmart ll instead which is readily available.
As it seems that the GPR-300 is a budget tyre (on a premium bike, really?) I'm thinking that the Roadsmart ll might be a good option. Has anyone got any experience/opinions of these? Would they be ok with the GPR-300 front tyre?

 

[kev]

Go for Pilot Roads. Replace front and rear. Easily the best tyres available

 

[Fast Eddie]

As previously posted my 961 is now stuck in the garage with a flat rear tyre. It seems the dealer cannot presently obtain the fitted Dunlop Sportmax GPR- 300 and mentioned an 8 week supply period! I've contacted a local tyre supplier and they can't obtain them either, but suggest a Dunlop Roadsmart ll instead which is readily available.
As it seems that the GPR-300 is a budget tyre (on a premium bike, really?) I'm thinking that the Roadsmart ll might be a good option. Has anyone got any experience/opinions of these? Would they be ok with the GPR-300 front tyre?

Why does the tyre need replacing ?

You had a puncture… and it’s a tubed tyre… a new tube should be all that’s required…?

 

[Clive]

Personally I would find a mobile MC tyre fitter and, if absolutely necessary, get the inner tube yourself if they don't have or can't source one to come and fix.

 

[albional]

Why does the tyre need replacing ?

You had a puncture… and it’s a tubed tyre… a new tube should be all that’s required…?

It seem to be the opinion of the dealer, although they haven't seen the tyre. It's possible they are thinking of possible unseen sidewall damage, being as the tyre had been run almost flat for several miles.

 

[albional]

Personally I would find a mobile MC tyre fitter and, if absolutely necessary, get the inner tube yourself if they don't have or can't source one to come and fix.

It seems that Dunlop have no GPR-300's at their wharehouse, so I've just rang the dealer to ask them to fit Roadsmart ll (which happily I gather are actually a grippier tyre with better roadholding).
I find out now that the dealer has also had problems sourcing an inner tube. The reason they say being due to it being required for a tubeless tyre which would be an unusual size if it were a tubed tyre.
Anyway they have just rang to say they have now found an inner tube and will be picking the bike up shortly (phew!) The scarcity of these tubes has apparently prompted them to order in more in case of further need.
With regard to the mobile MC tyre fitter, I'm wondering as to how they would remove the wheel?

 

[Clive]

It seems that Dunlop have no GPR-300's at their wharehouse, so I've just rang the dealer to ask them to fit Roadsmart ll (which happily I gather are actually a grippier tyre with better roadholding).
I find out now that the dealer has also had problems sourcing an inner tube. The reason they say being due to it being required for a tubeless tyre which would be an unusual size if it were a tubed tyre.
Anyway they have just rang to say they have now found an inner tube and will be picking the bike up shortly (phew!) The scarcity of these tubes has apparently prompted them to order in more in case of further need.
With regard to the mobile MC tyre fitter, I'm wondering as to how they would remove the wheel?

Good - sounds like progress - keep us posted and mobile fitter? Well that's their job and their problem...... Looks like you will be getting some good weather to enjoy it. Looking forward to pics but keep a look out for those screws and nails...

 

[lfoggy]

I had my wheels converted to tubeless compatible. Punctures can be fixed with a simple plug at the roadside.
The conversion was done by Central Wheel Services in Birmingham who actually build the wheels for Norton. Might be an option worth considering.

 

[Clive]

I had my wheels converted to tubeless compatible. Punctures can be fixed with a simple plug at the roadside.
The conversion was done by Central Wheel Services in Birmingham who actually build the wheels for Norton. Might be an option worth considering.

How many miles have you done on them? Central Wheels Components I assume? They have .... ermmmm..... a bit of a mixed reputation but do a lot of fine work for the Motorcycle Museum

 

[StuartSF2015]

As previously posted my 961 is now stuck in the garage with a flat rear tyre. It seems the dealer cannot presently obtain the fitted Dunlop Sportmax GPR- 300 and mentioned an 8 week supply period! I've contacted a local tyre supplier and they can't obtain them either, but suggest a Dunlop Roadsmart ll instead which is readily available.
As it seems that the GPR-300 is a budget tyre (on a premium bike, really?) I'm thinking that the Roadsmart ll might be a good option. Has anyone got any experience/opinions of these? Would they be ok with the GPR-300 front tyre?

I’ve used Roadsmart 11s and 111s and loved em. Just had the latest Roadsmart 1Vs fitted. Benefit being the rear is duel compound giving good ‘upright’ wear rate whilst sides and front tyre are softer for that all round sports touring solution.

 

[Fast Eddie]

How many miles have you done on them? Central Wheels Components I assume? They have .... ermmmm..... a bit of a mixed reputation but do a lot of fine work for the Motorcycle Museum

It’s not too important for museum pieces to have wheels that are round… or in line… or other such ‘minor details’ !

 

[AndyDMC]

I had my wheels converted to tubeless compatible. Punctures can be fixed with a simple plug at the roadside.
The conversion was done by Central Wheel Services in Birmingham who actually build the wheels for Norton. Might be an option worth considering.

I've had this done as well (non-Norton, but modern spoked wheels application). CWC take the rim, and basically fill the central well with silicone, to seal it and allow fitment of tubeless tyres. I was quite happy with their work.

Andy

 

[lfoggy]

H

How many miles have you done on them? Central Wheels Components I assume? They have .... ermmmm..... a bit of a mixed reputation but do a lot of fine work for the Motorcycle Museum

I had the conversion done when the bike was new. Have now done 4400 miles. No problem with the wheels and no air leak. Have had two rear tyre punctures, both plugged at the roadside.

 

[TonyA]

H

I had the conversion done when the bike was new. Have now done 4400 miles. No problem with the wheels and no air leak. Have had two rear tyre punctures, both plugged at the roadside.

If I lived over there , I would certainly give Central Wheel tubeless conversion a try.

 

[Clive]

This sounds promising thanks for the info- I am fortunate to live/work a few miles from them. Already converted my spoked classic car to tubeless; as pointed out it can make roadside/ tyre garage repairs so much easier.

 

[cliffa]

Japanese company Outex lists a DIY tubeless conversion for the 961. https://outex.jp/?mode=cate&cbid=128273&csid=29

They are available in the U.K. e.g. here... https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/291969841857

 

[peebee]

This DIY is all good and well but what happens if you get a sudden deflation leading to an accident and your insurers say "Sorry sir your getting f**k all as you have modified the bike" Even TVS won't stand by you . On the other hand will Central wheels stand by you and guarantee their work when push comes to shove , and have any insurers even heard about this being done before anywhere. Another scenario if you tell your insurers, and after they have stopped laughing how much do think your premium will shoot up?. I really wish that I knew the answer to these questions as I would feel a lot more secure riding on tubeless wheels, or do you just say bollocks and go for it .?

 

[cliffa]

This DIY is all good and well but what happens if you get a sudden deflation leading to an accident and your insurers say "Sorry sir your getting f**k all as you have modified the bike" Even TVS won't stand by you . On the other hand will Central wheels stand by you and guarantee their work when push comes to shove , and have any insurers even heard about this being done before anywhere. Another scenario if you tell your insurers, and after they have stopped laughing how much do think your premium will shoot up?. I really wish that I knew the answer to these questions as I would feel a lot more secure riding on tubeless wheels, or do you just say bollocks and go for it .?

Well, to be honest a sudden deflation is far more likely with a tube don’t you think? I do agree though that there should be some approval method, however when you think about it, you are not mechanically modifying anything on the bike, just sealing potential leaks.

I suppose you could go belt & braces and seal the spokes and still run a tube. Then if the tube pops, the air will evacuate into the tyre, and keep it somewhat inflated?

 

[peebee]

Well, to be honest a sudden deflation is far more likely with a tube don’t you think? I do agree though that there should be some approval method, however when you think about it, you are not mechanically modifying anything on the bike, just sealing potential leaks.

I suppose you could go belt & braces and seal the spokes and still run a tube. Then if the tube pops, the air will evacuate into the tyre, and keep it somewhat inflated?

Don't forget we are talking about insurance companies here and the onus would be on us to prove them wrong with all the costs and time that entails. [Wikklydoodo (Insurance) ************ "The white mans burden".... . The term, "Insurance the white mans burden" was penned by Spike Milligan for a Goons episode where Neddie Seagoon tried to set fire to the English Channel ; just in case you were wondering.

 

[TonyA]

Well, to be honest a sudden deflation is far more likely with a tube don’t you think? I do agree though that there should be some approval method, however when you think about it, you are not mechanically modifying anything on the bike, just sealing potential leaks.

I suppose you could go belt & braces and seal the spokes and still run a tube. Then if the tube pops, the air will evacuate into the tyre, and keep it somewhat inflated?

Not really. Don’t forget with a tube you’re not using a tubeless valve stem.
I would just go for it !