going tubeless

[RS Thornton]

I found threads that mentioned this but my specific question was not answered, so let me throw this out to the forum.

The tires on the 78E are tubeless, I beleive the specials and the G and H models were tubeless. What is and is not a straight up replacement, meaning could I pull the axle on and take the tire off, put it on the 78E and bolt it up?

TIA,
Scott


Thanks,
Scott

[randy]

Yamaha changed the rims in mid-'79. Unless your rims are stamped "suitable for tubless tires", I wouldn't mount tubeless tires on 'em JMHO, you will see other opposing opinions.

[motoman]

Wheels are the same, tubeless or tube type, for fit. Standard is 17in., Special is 16in.

[dbeardslee]

If you're going to run tubeless tires on a tube type rim use an inner tube. The geometry of the wheels is slightly different where the bead seals, and a tubeless tire on a tube type rim can break the bead and lose air pressure if you hit a suitable obstacle - like a big pothole. There are a bunch of threads on tube/tubeless tires if you want to do some searching.

[Pat Kelly]

To answer the question, yes the rims are direct swap. The only modification I know of is when swaping a standard rear wheel and a special rear wheel. Different spacers required.
I replaced m original 78 wheels (tube-type) with 79 (tubeless) wheels, straight swap.
I'll leave the tubeless on tubed rim debate for others (though I wouldn't do it).

[RS Thornton]

Fricken typo!

the 78 rims need tubes!

Pat,
It sounds like you did exactly what I was planning, putting a later version tubeless rim/wheel on my 78. Is the spacer you mention the one that goes between the rim and the brake support arm?
I had thought the special speedo connection was different than the standards. I will drag my lazy self out to the toy box and take a look at front wheel on my 79SF.

Randy,
I have the same preference. Are you suggesting that some of the 78's might have the tubeless rims? I have 2 78 projects that I have never pulled the rubber or even looked very close at so I guess they could be tubeless.

[randy]

Scott,

What I'm suggesting is that some 78 owners may have swapped to a later rim. Th tubeless rim was not available 'till mid-'79. I know, my '79 came with tube rims and I did the swap to go to tubeless rims.