I read recently that tubeless tires have a lower blowout risk than tires with tubes. This was based on a tendency for tubeless tires to have a slow leak giving the rider time to notice the soft tires and get off the road. Whereas the tubes tend to loose all their air at once creating a more dangerous event.


I also read that spoke wheels generally have tubes. However, the tires on my 92 FLSTC spoke wheels are marked "tubeless".


Am I correct that the original wheels would have required tires with tubes?


So that would mean that these rims would not be original to the bike? Or that they had been sealed to allow the use of tubeless tires?


Any way to tell by inspecting the rims?

 

Unless modified, spoke wheels require tubes. Just because your tires say tubeless doesn't mean that you don't have tubes.
I've ridden a few miles, the vast majority on spoked wheels because that is what motorcycles are supposed to have. I must be one lucky sumbish because my tubes haven't killed me yet. I do seek out euro tubes because they behave differently than their asian counterparts. When asian tires are punctured they get a "star crack" which loses air quickly. The euro tubes are a different rubber compound that simply punctures.
Buy quality tubes, rimstrips and tires and enjoy your ride.

 

They have tubes in them....

 

That just means you can run them without tubes when mounting them on wheels that don't require tubes.
Spoked wheels (except for the fat spokes) need tubes.

 

This is a common question around HDF. Most of the major tyre brands now make tubeless tyres which can also be used with tubes, not many brands make tyres which are designed to only be used with tubes. You'll be fine, as long as you use tubes.

 

I'm a little confused as my 2012 FLHR Road King has tubeless chrome laced spoke wheels & tubeless tires. Was told is was a option in 2011, 12, & 13, not sure if they are presently available. Buuuut I prefer a tubeless setup as it is a breeze to repair on the road IMHO.

B Bop

2012 FLHR (Road King) Ember Red Sunglo & Merlo
Cruise Control, ABS, Chrome Aluminum Profile Laced Spoke Tubeless Wheels, Security Package, Saddle Bag LED Lid Spoilers, and an array of accessories that enhances nostalgic appearance & blood curdling performance.

A politician is a fellow who will lay down “your” life for his country.

 

From a quick internet search, The MoCo came out with a tubeless laced rim in 2012.