79 XS1100 special - tire replacement - are these tube or tubeless type wheels?

[OldGreyBeast]

Hi all,

I'm finally replacing the 80s tires on my XS1100 with some new ones. The front tire that was on it had a tube in there. These wheels don't /look/ like tube type wheels but googling it I get mixed results. Are these meant to have a tube?

[jetmechmarty]

I tried to get a picture for you, but I cannot get one you can see. Inside one of the spokes you’ll find “SUITABLE FOR TUBELESS TIRES” cast or stamped into the metal in large print. Yamaha XS bikes started getting the tubeless wheels in 1979 as I recall. Not marked? They came with tubes. Somewhere in this forum the subject has been discussed in depth and detail.

[Radioguylogs]

The original tires on a '79 Special were tubeless.

If the rims are original, you can see the word "tubeless" cast into the wheel.

[OldGreyBeast]

Ok it does say tubeless on the wheel. The valve stem hole seems to be much thicker/deeper than the modern ones. Is there a special valve stem for these?

[cajun31]

Valve Stem - Tubeless - Mag Wheels - Yamaha | Yamaha Motorcycle Parts | Mikes XS

[cajun31]

Have you had any luck with fabricating those rubber parts we asked about a while back?

[LAB3]

Hah, now it makes sense! Down in the specs it clearly says Is universal fit: No It's no wonder I couldn't find one that worked!

[OldGreyBeast]

Valve Stem - Tubeless - Mag Wheels - Yamaha | Yamaha Motorcycle Parts | Mikes XS

Thanks! Ordered a set of those.

Shoot I totally forgot about that rubber part. Things have been kinda crazy, I actually opened my own vintage-focused bike shop in early 2025 and it's taken off a lot faster than I thought it would. My own bikes/projects have been getting neglected a bit.

[cajun31]

Why I was reminding you. Glad to hear that you are having success with your new business. Those rubber parts we asked about would be a big seller if you could fabricate them.

[OldGreyBeast]

I'll definitely work on getting that piece ready to produce.

My valve stems came in today, I'm guessing the rubber piece on the valve stem goes inside the wheel?

[OldGreyBeast]

[removed - duplicate]

[cajun31]

Yes the rubber goes on the inside of the wheel to seal against it. You might want to visit the hardware store and pick up two more stainless nuts. You can then bolt the two nuts together so that you don't have to worry about it vibrating off. That or maybe a dab of blue loctite.

[OldGreyBeast]

Awesome. I was actually going to do both an extra nut and a bit of blue loctite

[cajun31]

I have a good part that I could send you if you think that would help in production of replacements. PM me with your particulars if you are interested.

[OldGreyBeast]

PM sent