78 comstars -

[Pony Ruiz]

I put tubes and tires on the last 78.

The one I have now has some really old Metzlers. says tubeless on the sidewall. I am assuming there are no tubes.

Can I still go tubeless on my next set?

[joedrum]

yes i always used tubeless on my 79 ...the only difference is in the opening of the valve stem hole there are stems made for this ...seems like yours has one already

[roncar]

I imagine tube only tires can be found, if you look hard enough, but most tires you buy will be rated and say tubeless on the sidewall. That is no firm indication that there isn't a tube in them.

Lots of people have reported success in running comstars (tube type on 78 and 79 Goldwings) tubeless. Your call but I can't in good conscious recommend it.

It has been suggested that they use tubes because tubeless tires on motorcycles were rare at the time and Honda ran them with tubes for liability reasons, not because they weren't capable of being tubeless. I have seen nothing to support this claim. If the rims aren't marked for tubeless.......
http://ngwclub.com/forum/viewtopic.php?p=257534#p257534

[IndianaJohn]

The difference is in the design of the bead areas of the rim. A rim designed for tubeless use is made to "capture" the bead of the tire. A tubeless rim does not have that. The idea is to hold the bead in place in case of a lower than normal air pressure situation. If you use a tubeless tire on a rim that is not designed this way, the tire can come off the rim or at least break the seal which could be catastrophic at speed. It really comes down to how important your safety is to you. Personally, I'd stick with the tube............

[Pony Ruiz]

thanks

i got/get it!

[rcmatt007]

it is a "your call" thing.... I have had the rear on mine tubless for a long long time... but it is my butt on the bike, so you have to make your own choice