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BMW F800GSA - tape the rims? Use tubliss system? Buy new tubeless rims?

4K views 8 replies 5 participants last post by  FraggyFred 
#1 ·
I am ready to do something about the tube rims I have on my 2017 F800GSA. Personally I think the tube rim is the worse thing about the bike (same with my R9T) & I wish I waited for them to wise up as they did on the later models. So, I have been reading all I can on the 3 set ups mentioned above.

Now, I don't air down. I don't go on really bad trails or treat the bike like a dirt bike. I treat it like a road bike that can go on gravel roads(something my K1200 is NOT good at). I just do not want to have to change out a tire/tube on the road or carry tubes & such tools with me (a lot of stuff). I mean, if 1200's can go around the world all these years on tubeless, then why run tubes on a F800 the way I ride.

*So, you guys that have run these systems, what do you still feel about them? Do it again?
problems?
admiration's?

Notes:
I was told, or heard, that a lot of places will not change a tire if you are running the Tubliss system (afraid of damaging the blatters)
Also, taping generally will not be guaranteed(at least Woodie's will not). So it could fail any time out of the box.
Then there is buying rims(covered under cost)

Cost:
I am in CO so I can go to Woodie's & pay what, $150.00 per wheel for taping. I know you can tape the rear for sure, but the front may be to narrow(I was told that once).
New rims, what bout $2,500.00?
Tubliss system, haven't looked at cost yet.

Can you help? That is if you have direct experience with any of these systems.
 
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#2 ·
Hi @jjc
I can't offer any experience, as I'm new to the F8GS, (sorry) but I am definitely going to be looking to do the tubeless conversion using the OutEx tubless kit. Albe's ADV site and the BestRest site videos have me feeling confident that it is worth a try. They both show it on the front and rear wheels. I also don't air down and my off road riding will not be very rough.

I also saw a post here, or on another BMW site from a guy in Qualicum Beach, here in BC, who says he's done five conversions. I'll post the info when I find it.
 
#3 ·
The only thing to be aware of is that the front rim is not designed for tubeless and doesn't have a bead lock design. This means that a decent impact from a pothole, rock, etc can dislodge the seal and deflate the tire without warning. The rear will convert, but you'd need to lace in a new front that is actually designed for it.
 
#4 ·
From what I have read the only time you really need to worry about the front tire deflating from impact is if you purposely deflate the tire for riding off road. Running the tire at normal pressure it should not happen. I have also heard that some shops will not mount a tubeless tire on a non bead lock rim.
 
#5 ·
Hi

I made the move 4 years ago

I taped the back wheel with some 3M tape (as described here : https://advrider.com/f/threads/3m-4411n-sealing-tape-tubeless-conversion.1147330/)
It's easy (clean the rim first, take your time and install a valve on the rim)

For the front, I change the wheel for a 19' tubeless form Alpina/Kite because the front wheel
It's much more expensive but this improves the bike handling pretty much

Rgds
 
#6 ·
Salut and thanks, @FraggyFred,

I have seen some other ADV threads on going tubeless, but not that thread. Perhaps buying one new rim is a good intermediate step rather than two new rims. I'll look for the rim you mention, but any links you have would be much appreciated as well.
 
#7 ·
Hello - Bonjour Damon

The company in Italy
https://www.alpinaraggi.it/en/

In North America, I did not find an official reseller but theses guys sell Alpina rims :
https://sprocketcenter.com/tubeless...ms-bmw-f800gs-includes-free-sprocket-set.html
This link is for a pair of wheel with a 21' in the front

I prefer the 19' because it improves bike handling and gives access to a much wider offer of tires

I got mine for 700 euros but from them (they are located in the Netherlands)

https://www.overlandadventure.com/webshop/p-1/MG161010.html?_globalsearch=alpina

Here are 2 threads that could come in handy

https://www.ninetowners.com/threads/the-alpina-tubeless-wheel-thread.48946/page-6
https://advrider.com/f/threads/tell-me-about-your-alpina-tubeless-wheels.836403/

Let me know

Rgds

Fred
 
#8 ·
Merci bien, Fred.

I appreciate the links. If all else fails, I can have them shipped to our place in Italy; no problem there as I'm always up for another trip. I'll probably try the taping routine, but I also like the Barts approach, which is not so costly. One good approach they have is to tap the rear rim, but get their tubeless front. It is apparently a better wheel as well. But I am determined to go this route as I think it is totally logical. Carry a tube, just in case, but likely never too need it.

I think you are in or near Sete, in France? My parents had a place in San Rafael, near Frejus, years ago. One of the most beautiful parts of the world!
 
#9 ·
Salut Damon

Always difficult to choose (and glad to contribute to the brainstorming)

Sète is 40 minutes drive from my place (and a nice road for motorbikes !)
Lots of café and restaurant by the docks (closed so far …) and a beautiful view from the Mont Saint-Pierre (https://www.tourisme-sete.com/panorama-du-mont-saint-clair-1.html)

San Rafael is also great by usually overcrowded during the season

Rgds
 
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