re-use tubes?

I find myself changing tires often, and always using new tubes. I use good Michelin tubes, sometimes only 3-4k. I ride interstate, back roads, dirt, and gravel. Any thoughts?

I use these tubes http://www.motorcycle-superstore.co...Michelin-TR-6-Inner-Tube.aspx?WT.ac=SLIsearch

I run a tube for 6 months max on road and 1 year off road. I do not run patched tubes just patch to get home, but I usually have a spare with me.

I have spare tubes to carry, but don't want to spend time on the side of the road patching tubes or replacing them with spares. I hate to just toss the old ones that look fine when I could use them, especially if I'm not very far from home. Just curious about reliability.

I have patched hundreds of tubes and had tubes with several patches even. Reliability is not a problem.

What type of patch do you prefer?

Inspect the tube. If good, reuse. The biggest failure point (non-puncture) is around the valve stem. If where the valve stem meets the tube is in good shape and no other tramatic events to the tube, keep using. If the tube is starting to crack and split anywhere, most common at the point the valve stem joins the tube, time to toss it and get a new one.

I generally go 2-3 tires before I get a new tube. Providing the tire didn't spin on the rim shreading the tube.

I'll use an undamaged tube for 2 sets of tires. For the third set, I rotate in the unused tubes that I carry as spares, and buy new ones to pack as spares.

I keep my spares wrapped up in ziplock bags so they don't get worn spots or chemical/oil contact.


.........shu

A patched tube stays on for the life of the tyre, unless it leaks.

A good tube stays for at least 2 tyres. Maybe 4! If there is no visible ware then it is good to go.

Patches? The type with separate glue.

I like hot patches .

I thought that those were outlawed by the EPA, DOT, and WTFG (Works Too eFfen Good)?

I consider of the tube age also. I pulled 2 original heavy duty tubes out of a 2000 Softail which looked perfect, but I replaced them. But if they look good and are less than 5 years old, I'll re-use them.

I had a box of 200 I bought years ago. Down to a couple left. I heard they're available overseas.

What are hot patches?

Sounds like the answer I was looking for, thanks!

I run my tubes until they have a massive injury, this one just got retired because the hole in it was so big it kept ripping larger under the patch.

I want your old tubes.

Rema makes excellent patches, you can get a small kit at a bicycle shop but they make bigger ones for motorcycles, cars, trucks, etc...

If you ever find yourself in South Carolina.............

Has anyone else noticed the price of tubes has went through the roof ? Almost $40 for a HD Bridgestone .WTF

WTF indeed !!! I've had good look with Michelins at $20. The local dealership I use for my bike needs now charge $30 to mount a tire, that's after I take it off the bike :eek1. Needless to say I will be learning to do it myself. These are the ones I use, but I buy them locally.
http://www.motorcycle-superstore.co...Michelin-TR-6-Inner-Tube.aspx?WT.ac=SLIsearch

It's a patch attached to the bottom of a little metal pan. It's clamped to the tube , then you light a fuel that's supplied in the pan already. It heat vulcanizes the patch to the tube. Never , ever had one leak.