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Im having a problem busting tubes in both front and back tires !!! I've spent maybe 200$ in the last year and I cant figure out why im poping tubes . Around the wheel lock and under spokes but the rims have bands and the spokes are tight ... Help needed .. The mechanic I get the tubes from has no idea why eigther .

what PSI are you riding at?
what tubes are you using ?

(needless to ask, but are you using the right size of tube for your rear tire?)

do you install the tubes or does your mechanic?
is the inside of the tire absolutely clean? (no grit, dirt, pebbles)

when you pull the tire of, does the leak always appear in the same spot or at different places?

and finally, have you ever tried patching them ?
(if you can patch a bicycle tire you can patch a dirtbike tire)

Have you researched duct tape instead of rim bands?

Which tubes are you using?

Also, what PSI are you running at?

What terrain?

Im using heavy duty tubes by apex and it is the right size . We have cleaned the rims and even felt for burrs or anything else that is causing it . The front has 12psi and the back is 10psi . Just normal riding conditions soft and hard dirt /some sandy areas nothing extravagant. The ,mechanic is installing them im beginning to thank he dont know what he is doing !

I would increase your tyre pressures to say between 12-14 psi front & back depending on terrain, don't use the locking nut on the tube valve as this will tear your valve if the tyre slips on the rim..use a quality rim lock too ( these often get over looked ) I use the `duck tape` method instead of the rubber band thing as I find it keeps water out from entering through the spokes nipples & keeps the inside of the rims in good condition & corrosion free! ..you could try running an `enduro` spec tyre as these have a hard carcass design & could help prevent pinch punctures...just some thought as I absolutely hate punctures!!

Personally, it sounds like the guy installing them. Try using baby powder on the tube during install, that will allow the tube to move around when you fill it up. Some tires have rough little ribs on the inside, don't buy those tires, or start spending $50 on a bridgestone tube. Don't tighten the piss outta the nut on the valve stem either, its there to keep the stem from falling in the wheel.

Cool deal thanks for the tips !

The mistake most guys make is not putting some air in the tube before you finish mounting the tire. An uninflated tube will often get pinched under the rimlock, under the tire bead, or have folds, etc. I put in enough air so the tube retains its shape but doesn't hamper mounting the tire.

I also pressurize and deflate the tube after the tire is mounted at least twice to make sure it "sets" without binding somewhere. I too, use powder.

I haven't had a flat in twenty years....

Definitely use Duct Tape as a rim strap!

KDXrider32 wrote:Im having a problem busting tubes in both front and back tires !!! I've spent maybe 200$ in the last year and I cant figure out why im poping tubes . Around the wheel lock and under spokes but the rims have bands and the spokes are tight ... Help needed .. The mechanic I get the tubes from has no idea why eigther .

If these flats are from JUST the rim lock area and under spokes, then duct tape is the only thing I can thnk of.

These are not punctures from the outer side?

These are not pinch flats? I do not mean a pinch flat during installation, as obviously you would not get to ride with a completely flat tire/tube.

Rear PSI seems low, but you did not say a pinch flat.

look on the bright side, your post just saved me from buying a band for the wifeys TTR (it has a flat and when I pulled the tire I found no rimband, no duct tape, nada)

for installing I always use windex , liberally spray it on the tire
never tried baby powder though, not sure where to get it, I got a baby but what comes out of there is mostly liquid or muddy, never a powder

Duct Tape Rim Strap!

Cool deal guys thanks again !! and yes the last time was the front it was pinched under the rimlock It may be just the guy dosent know how to install the tubes

It may have been lightly damaged or "made thin" with a light pinch?

Super Mario duct tape?? Too cool.

diymirage, I stood and watched the Dunlop technicians at the 2010 Budd's Creek national. They had duct tape on the rim. Look on Youtube for Dunlop tire installation. It will be the one with Broc Glover and a tech (same guy I saw working in 2010).

That guy pulled a tire off the rim with a mere 9 total tire irons.

Also, to keep it KDX=centric, on Jeff Fredette's "KDX 200 Setup & Maintenance with Jeff Fredette" video, he recommends duct tape.

Look for the moisture resistant tough duct tape from 3M. A 60 yard roll at Fastenal is only $51.

Oh, and do 2 strips.

Yeah, sounds like installer error on the tubes. Time to learn to do it yourself. It isn't that hard.

I know it isn't as cool as duct tape but I really like the tape Tubliss supplies with their setup. It is perfect width and it is seriously thick. You can buy it separately from places like Slavens for $2 per rim and you don't have to replace it each time you change tires/tubes. Each roll will give you two wraps around the rim.

Now I have to worry about that tape.

THANKS.