My bike's TPMS saved my butt tonight...

BMW makes two types of spoked wheels. On the R1200R the spokes attach in the center of the rim like a regular spoke wheel. In this case tubes are mandatory and the TPMS is not possible.

The other type of spoked wheel they make has the spokes attach to the outside of the rim near the bead. These are tubeless. TPMS is possible in this case.

As to punctures - tube vs tubeless...

Tubeless punctures act like any tubeless tire in that you can safely drive to the side of the road and repair the puncture with a plug after removing the object. In many cases the puncture is self sealed by the object and you don't even know you have one for many miles.

Tubes OTOH go flat NOW!

Not interested in tube tires on a moto.
 
Snapping Twig said:
BMW makes two types of spoked wheels. On the R1200R the spokes attach in the center of the rim like a regular spoke wheel. In this case tubes are mandatory and the TPMS is not possible.

The other type of spoked wheel they make has the spokes attach to the outside of the rim near the bead. These are tubeless. TPMS is possible in this case.

As to punctures - tube vs tubeless...

Tubeless punctures act like any tubeless tire in that you can safely drive to the side of the road and repair the puncture with a plug after removing the object. In many cases the puncture is self sealed by the object and you don't even know you have one for many miles.

Tubes OTOH go flat NOW!

Not interested in tube tires on a moto.
Click to expand...

I have to take issue with you there. I have put close to half a million miles on tubed tires, and never had one deflate so quickly I couldn't ride it safely to the side of the road. In fact, they typically deflate gradually so the realization slowly dawns on you that something is wrong. Even then, on a rear tire at least, I can usually ride it some distance to pick a safe landing spot, even with a fully-laden tourer.

I have nothing against tubeless moto tires. If I ever get a bike that has them, I will have to set up the Harbor Freight tire changer my wife gave me a few years a go. With tubes, all I need is my trusty Motion Pro T6 spoons.

Anyway, thanks for answering my question about BMW spoked wheels.
 
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Marshwheeling said:
I have to take issue with you there. I have put close to half a million miles on tubed tires, and never had one deflate so quickly I couldn't ride it safely to the side of the road. In fact, they typically deflate gradually so the realization slowly dawns on you that something is wrong. Even then, on a rear tire at least, I can usually ride it some distance to pick a safe landing spot, even with a fully-laden tourer.

I have nothing against tubeless moto tires. If I ever get a bike that has them, I will have to set up the Harbor Freight tire changer my wife gave me a few years a go. With tubes, all I need is my trusty Motion Pro T6 spoons.

Anyway, thanks for answering my question about BMW spoked wheels.
Click to expand...

Our experiences are different.

Glad the explanation helped. :)
 
Wow, I didn't know modern tires used that much air. I don't mind tubes, because I've never have a bike with tubless type wheels. Modern tires are so stiff, you can take one unmounted, and sit on it. I've had a flat, on a drag slick, on the track, now that's not a good feeling. Those have no sidwall at all, and boy, will they vibrate and shake.
 
I'm not a bike guy so I can't offer anything from a bike-guy perspective.

I can, however, offer something from a plain-guy perspective.

I never knew that the initials PMS, seen together in any venue, could ever mean something positive for a guy! :D

I'm glad they did, in your situation, beemer!
 
BMW has been packin' every bit of technology they can on their bikes for years. IMHO, they are worth every penny of their price. I can't think of too many other (motorcycle or otherwise) manufactures that I can say that about.

Glad you were able to safely react Beemer.
 
kozmic said:
BMW has been packin' every bit of technology they can on their bikes for years. IMHO, they are worth every penny of their price. I can't think of too many other (motorcycle or otherwise) manufactures that I can say that about.

Glad you were able to safely react Beemer.
Click to expand...

That technology is the reason I no longer consider BMW when looking for a new bike. For years, BMWs were well-made, but simple and user-serviceable. I put 200,000 miles on a 1972 BMW without once taking ut to a dealer. I have no beef with TPMS, but I won't buy a bike that has to go to the dealer for service.
 
kozmic said:
BMW has been packin' every bit of technology they can on their bikes for years. IMHO, they are worth every penny of their price. I can't think of too many other (motorcycle or otherwise) manufactures that I can say that about.

Glad you were able to safely react Beemer.
Click to expand...

Thanks, and I agree with your assessment of BMW motorcycles: You get what you pay for.

I bought this bike from Max BMW in Troy, New York. To take delivery, I flew to Albany, and the salesman picked me up at the airport and took me to the dealership. My previous BMW was a 1995 K75s, which I'd bought new and rode for 17 years. When I mentioned that to the salesman, he took me over to the Service Department, and showed me an employee's K75...with just under 500,000 miles on the odometer.

Beemers are well-designed, well-built, stable and reliable...everything you could ask for in a bike. :)
 
Marshwheeling said:
That technology is the reason I no longer consider BMW when looking for a new bike. For years, BMWs were well-made, but simple and user-serviceable. I put 200,000 miles on a 1972 BMW without once taking ut to a dealer. I have no beef with TPMS, but I won't buy a bike that has to go to the dealer for service.
Click to expand...

Then your choice of bikes will be severely limited, I'm afraid.

Like modern cars, modern motorcycles are not made to be user-serviceable. I wrenched all my own vehicles for years, but outside of some very minor work, nowadays I take them to the dealer.
 
A lot of bikes from the 60s and 70s have cult-like followings because of the beauty of their simplicity. I get that. I kept my '73 Honda 350-4 for many years (and many bikes later) because it was my first road bike and it was just simple and fun to work on. I finally sold it to a neighbor kid about 12 years ago who still has it. I offered to buy it back from him...he called my a crazy old man! I get no respect!!!

Now I don't mind having to go to a dealer to have my stuff worked on. I have a trailer for just that reason. Beyond and oil change, I have enough in my life to keep me occupied. Besides, technology usually means more reliable, safer, more power and more comfort. Just my opinion. YMMV.
 
kozmic said:
...Besides, technology usually means more reliable, safer, more power and more comfort...
Click to expand...

Years ago, when he was doing public speaking engagements, people would always ask Chuck Yeager what was the best airplane he ever flew. His P-51 in WWII? The X-1 he used to break the sound barrier? The F-104? The F-15?

The General's answer was always the same: "The best airplane I've ever flown is the next one I'll fly." He went on to explain that each new generation of airplanes is safer and more reliable, and has a better performance envelope, than the ones which preceded it. It's the same with motorcycles and cars.

Years ago, you would occasionally see a motorcycle riding down the road with the sidestand down...and you knew what was going to happen the first time the rider made a left turn. New bikes have ignition/sidestand switches that won't let you ride off with the stand deployed. ABS, if you use it properly, can be a lifesaver as well.

Yeah, new bikes and cars are more complicated, and having to go back to the dealer for service is a pain, but I can live with that tradeoff, especially now that I've experienced the benefits of TPMS firsthand. :)
 
ladder13 said:
Funny you mention that, I have a RAV4 also. Probably one of the few men that drive one. :D:p


So that was you driving on 84 last week, nice ride.:)

ladder13car_zps326acbbc.jpg
Click to expand...
 
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