My stock rear tire was punctured by some sort of steel bar, which I have not pulled out yet so can't say exactly what it was but from what I can see of it it kind of looks like a metal file like you would find in a metal shop. Regardless I need a new rear tire and am going to buy a Metz 880. I assume since I have spokes that I have a tube. Now, does the tube matter? What I mean is, is there a difference between a $8 Kenda tube and a $25 Drag Specialties tube? The DS does say heavy duty and the Kenda does not, does that make a difference? Both are Butyl or whatever and not natural rubber like the $27+ Metz tube if that makes a difference. Thoughts? Also, what size tube do I need? I will be sticking with the stock size of 160/70-17.

 

If your buying the Metzeler tire why not get the matching tube from Metzeler?Then you know you will not have trouble down the rode.It's not a million bucks more!

 

I have had 4 flats while using $10.00 tubes, not one of them was because of tube failure.

Just something to think about, I also ran those tubes in radial tires.

 

A tube is a tube. We always used heavy duty tubes when riding dirt bikes but the punishment on the road is not as severe so a cheap tube replaced with every tire is what is used on the street. JMHO.