Anyone run foam instead of inner tubes?

[stef25]

Foams seem to be used a lot by hard off roaders, is there is a reason why they are not really used on 650GSs?

From what I've heard is that they come in various "pressures", so you can but a foam that corresponds to 1 bar, 0.7 bar etc. They last 3-4 years and can take serious abuse. A thick nail could right through your outer tire and in the foam without any problems.

Seems like a no brainer to start using these?

 

[Timolgra]

I think you're referring to using mooses.
They don't last long when used at speed, they tend to break up with heat.
Life can be extended by regularly applying a gel lubricant but getting the tyre on and off is difficult.

Road riding is 'interesting', a bit like riding with a flat.

But they're puncture proof and I rode with a mate on his (now mine) 640ADV offroad across Portugal then blasting back up through Spain, he used mooses without any problems at all over that distance.
One real advantage is the abilty to run the equivalent of low tyre pressure without the risk of compression punctures over rocks.

The 650 runs a 17" rear tyre which may be more difficult to find a moose in that size.

IMO for normal use it's best to fit ultra heavy tubes

 

[stef25]

Yeah mooses is what I meant, sorry.

Road riding is 'interesting', a bit like riding with a flat.

I take that's not a good thing, or does it just take time to get used to the feeling?

ultra heavy tubes

Can you recommend any to be used with TKCs? Getting flats while off road is my main worry, although it's never happened so far.

 

[Loiq]

I've had mooses fitted on my HP2... they're illegal for regular road use (hence I using mine on private roads in and out of london for my daily commute)

don't get caught.... with them on the real road coppers don't like it...

 

[stef25]

with them on the real road coppers don't like it

They'd have to do a pretty thorough inspection to figure that out, no?

 

[Loiq]

well the bloke who stopped me loved the bike and was asking loads of questions, then asked about the tyres...

I said nothing...

he said where are the valves........

I said nothing....

I got a producer.... aka 7 day wonder documents at a specified police station

which was okay....

considering I was on a private road call the M3 owned by HMG....

I've swapped to regular tyres and tubes it makes the bike nicer to ride and is just better...