Africa twin tubeless Conversion

[@F.Krueger-cs4vk]

Thanks for the info. I did think of a good quality silastic from my local builder's supply outlet .$5.00 for 450 ml tube a resonable price & a 100 % water proof. A dab on top of each spoke. 24 hours later = rock solid. I'll think about it more & definitely convert my tyres to tubless. Waiting for the new Yamaha tenere 700 to arrive here end of year. Cheers from 🇭🇲.

[@gsd32i]

Finally took the plunge today and did the 3 m install as per Alwyns video. I sourced the 8.3mm 90 valves(bike-it) from demon tweeks and used Meths to clean the rims. The only thing i did differently, as has been done below, was to put 2 layers of tape on. You could use 4412N(2mm thick tape) rather than 2 layers of 4411N(1mm tape) i guess. I simply cut the tape at the end, such that as the wheel rotates it doesn't unwind the tape, if you know what i mean. I didn't wrap the tape around for the 2nd layer, in one hit , i did one, left it overnight, then wiped over the 1st layer(backing tape removed!!) with meths and then applied the 2nd layer with the end cut being directly opposite that of the 1st layer. 2 layers a bit belt n braces incase a spoke head popped through! Unlikely but what the heck!!Again as per video i used blue thread lock on the tubeless valve.Originally i purchased tyre irons and spare tubes etc to do puncture repairs myself, however having practiced in the warmth of my garage and suffered numerous gouges out of my fingers i finally decided to go down the tubeless route. I can't imagine the hassle of doing a tube at the side of the motorway in the rain. I have now got a stop n go kit but will still carry tube for the front , which i intend to convert soon. Once the front is done i will then, as a backup, carry a 19 inch tube on my trips which could do either front or back as a get me home repair if the tyre was badly damaged . I tried to get Isoproplyl alcohol to clean the rims but couldn't so used methylated spirit instead. Worked fine. Great video and hopefully tyre will hold the pressure , fingers crossed.

[@charlesdeakins2546]

Hi Alwyn, Thanks for doing the video, i was looking for someone doing the 3m tape solution without any sealant on the spokes, my bike is a Bmw R 9T, same issue and reason as yourself wanting tubeless, I bought the 3m 4111n extreme tape in 50mm prepared the rear wheel and applied 2 layers of the tape, it went on with virtually no bubbles, I did peel back the rigid separation film before starting and continued to apply the tape which was very easy to work and quite stretchy, to allow hands free i sat in a low chair and held the wheel rim with my feet on the edges , this made it so easy to stretch the tape while working a thumb across the contact area, i used a straight 30 mm valve of e bay, the rubber seal easily took up the curve in the rim and the nut being outside the rim didn't pucker the tape, the reason for 2 layers was to protect the raised spoke heads when changing tyres , i put the tyre on carefully and its been air tight up to now, i was surprised at the weight saving , Thanks again for the motivation,

[@alwynmcmath]

charles deakins - I’m glad it was useful! It’s funny you comment on the R9-T - I’ve been thinking about getting one! Lovely looking bike. If I take the plunge I’ll do the spokes again, so thanks for the input 👍

[@pauldavison2116]

Great video. Thanks. Planning on doing this at my next tire change.

[@sunnyslope9727]

Alwyn, I've used the same tape on six rims so far with mostly good results. Air loss is about half what happens with tubed tires. The only problem I had was on one particular bike which had the spoke nipples sitting fairly high in the valley of the rim. That caused the tire bead to press too hard against the tape where the nipples protruded when installing the tire, when the bead was sitting down in the drop center of the rim. The pressure points caused small tears in the tape at several nipples. So on that particular rim style I had to grind down the nipples to sit lower. Another thing I do is to trim the rim strip with scissors into a zig-zag shape so it is just wide enough to cover the nipples. Then I install it before applying the tape. That gives the tape a bit of protection from puncture by the nipples when changing tires. More importantly it lets me adjust spoke nipples if needed without disturbing the tape.

[@alwynmcmath]

Sunny Slope - very interesting extra detail - thanks. Luckily my AT spokes didn’t really protrude.

[@mamo4104]

Just purchased my new 2021 AT-DCT thinking all new bikes come tubeless. Two questions: 1. Why Honda did NOT give us tubeless? 2. Where did you purchase your 3M tape and tubeless valve-stem? After watching your tutorial video I decided to convert my rims to tubeless too. I appreciate and thank you in advance for your response.

[@alwynmcmath]

The tape is 3M 4411N. I used 50mm width on the rear and 32mm on the front. Re the valves: Choose the smaller 8.3mm one: www.demon-tweeks.co.uk/motorcycle/accessories/bridgeport-tyre-valves

[@mcBiker]

Thank u mate :)

[@fabulous-sport-outdoors]

Good video thanks for sharing! Surprised to see No silicon needed by the spokes?

[@alwynmcmath]

I know others use silicone - but I’m beyond 10,000 miles now with my system and no problems. Second set of Pirellis and no leaks. So my feeling if it’s not needed, don’t bother.

[@fabulous-sport-outdoors]

@@alwynmcmath fantastic, good to know, thank you!

[@gahlanaventis]

Would you give update about this conversion ? Is it reliable

[@alwynmcmath]

Hi, good timing! It’s now three years since I did this job and the rear has just developed a very slow air leak. After a lot of searching with soapy water I have identified the valve as the problem. I think when I replace the tyres (they’re due soon) I’ll also change the right angle metal valve for a conventional tubeless rubber one. When I do it I’ll update everyone and do another video.

[@gahlanaventis]

@@alwynmcmath What type of africa twin do you have manual or dct? Would you give some hints on defects and problems o this bike please?

[@gahlanaventis]

Please you use the same tires after modification or same tires fit for being tubless?

[@gahlanaventis]

Ok it is dct I watched it again Have you any troubles of this bike Mine is 2019 dct as well still new below one thousand km

[@alwynmcmath]

@@gahlanaventis hi, sorry for the delay. Mine is a DCT. It’s great! I hope to do a video review soon.

[@williamkerner]

The front tire does not have the proper internal rim to hold the tire in place, you may be prone to a catastrophic blowout. I would strongly encourage you to purchase another rim for your front tire, you can use the same rims (that are tubeless) from the 2020 Africa Twin but you'll have to make some other changes to the abs / brake rotor (check with a Honda dealer about that).

[@alwynmcmath]

Hi, thanks for watching and the comment. This is a commonly held myth about the rim but an inner tube is just as able to tear and have a blow out - I know because I’ve had one. A deflated inner tube will not hold a tyre on. A tubeless tyre is more likely to let air out slowly. Either way the rim is the same and it’s fine. Having said all that I would not do this conversion for hard core off road, it’s for convenience while road riding. 👍

[@bobwardley1606]

1. Do you have the part numbers for the tape? 2. Did you/can you put the original tire back on? And thank you for the video. Cheers

[@alwynmcmath]

Bob Wardley - The tape is 3M 4411N. I used 50mm width on the rear and 32mm on the front.

[@alwynmcmath]

Bob Wardley - yes straight back on with the same tyre

[@gsd32i]

Hi. After all this time I have ordered the valves and tape for the rear but can’t find a supplier in the uk on the internet for the 32 mm front tape. Any suggestions or just cut the width to fit ? Any other tips you can provide would be appreciated for installing. Hopefully your bike is still fine, if you still have it!

[@alwynmcmath]

GSD321 hi, yes my 2016 AT is still going and still fine. I’d just cut the tape to fit. I did that on a friend’s bike and it’s fine. I stuck it on then trimmed the excess off on one side with a Stanley knife. Have fun!

[@gsd32i]

alwyn McMath AUTO-DIDACT many thanks 😊

[@Bubbyis12]

Is it still holding air?

[@alwynmcmath]

Hi sorry for the delay. No! The rear is losing air very slowly due to a faulty valve. It is so slow I couldn’t even see bubbles when I held it underwater. But eventually traced it. I think I’ll fit conventional rubber valves when I change the tyres fairly soon. 👍

[@jbehzad]

Thank you sharing that nice informative video ! I have a question please : Do we to need to balance wheels after converting to tubeless ? Also why you took wheels to tire shop ? Thanks in advance !

[@alwynmcmath]

I don’t like putting my own tyres on with levers as I’m afraid of scratching the rims and it’s easier at a shop. Also I think it’s best to balance the wheels after. Thanks for watching 👍

[@jbehzad]

@@alwynmcmath You are absolutely made a right decision to take them to the shop . Appreciated for the answers .

[@bernardtabamosr.695]

Sir why you convert from tubeless to non tubeless explain me?

[@mikoaj1321]

I imagine fitting the full metal tubeless valve would influence the wheel balance quite a bit. Haven't you noticed any issues with that?

[@alwynmcmath]

Mikolaj 👋 hi. Two reasons why no problem: 1/ I had the tyres refitted and balanced after installing the tape and valves. But 2/ the valves may look quite solid but they are aluminium and so light I doubt they much difference over standard rubber valves. 👍

[@jamesbennett9654]

Carb spray cleaner, or electric contact cleaner

[@billywhizzy]

Thanks for this! Very inspiring! May I ask you which brand of crashbar you have on the bike? I bought a used Africa twin and it has the same crash bar like yours and i would like to buy the matching engine protection bars but don't know the brand. Thanks in advance!

[@alwynmcmath]

Hi, it was Honda’s own OE bars, cleverly called ‘accessory mounting bars’, I think.

[@billywhizzy]

@@alwynmcmath Thanks for that! I'll have to check with honda if the engine guards are available in addition to the top bars.

[@Itsthejourneynotthedestination]

Great vid, may have to give it a go on my AT AS but tell Me, where can I get both widths of tape as none on eBay nor Amazon.

[@alwynmcmath]

Stuart McIntosh hi, glad you liked the vid. I don’t have a magic answer I’m afraid - just a case of looking around. I got mine on eBay I think. If you can’t find the narrower one, just use 50mm and trim one side with a Stanley knife on the front

[@Full_Deflection]

I'm curious if a silicone RTV would hold up well for this, or even improve the durability when used in conjunction with the tape.

[@alwynmcmath]

Brian, to my mind it’s not necessary. I haven’t gone near mine since I put the tape on about 8,000 miles ago. I’ve had new tyres fitted as well now but no issues to report. I fear the silicone would just get in the way and it would be harder to replace a spoke if you had to. But if you try it, I’d be interested to hear your results. 👍

[@Full_Deflection]

Thank you for the insight and reply. I have every intention of picking up a new ATAS when I get back from overseas and my two biggest issues are tubed tires and no cruise control. Can't do much about CC, but I can definitely fix the tube issue.

[@chnzyrt]

Hi mate, I was also wondering should I do it or not. Through my research I have consulted some advanced riders. They have told me that this might be dangerous especially on the curves at the road. Their main reason was this is a tube type rim and tubeless tyre would go out from the rim. I did not find this answer so explanatory. Have you had any problems and etc. It has been 2 years exactly. Thanks.

[@alwynmcmath]

Cihan Ozyurt - hello and thanks for an excellent question. I may do a short extra video on this because people have lots of needless worries. The so called ‘advanced’ riders may be good but obviously haven’t experience in this area. The Africa twin motorcycle comes with tubeless type tyres! But with a tube inside. The only difference is removing the tube. If you’ve ever had a puncture in a tubed tyre you’ll know they can blow and it can be dramatic. I’ve experienced it and for certain I can tell you a deflated tube won’t keep your tyre on the rim. But let me give you a short answer. In 18,000 miles and 2.5 years i have had no problems at all. And yes i had a puncture and I was able to easily repair it at the roadside. Great question, thanks for watching 👍

[@chnzyrt]

@@alwynmcmath I am riding tenere 660 abs and I have experienced the it. My back tyre had been punctured and i was really close to my flat and it was middle of the night. However, I could not do anything. This is a worst feeling by the way. Day after that I called tow truck and we have carried my bike to a motorcycle tyre repair place. They have changed the tube and it was okey. After that he adviced me to use stg called formulax I don't know if u are familiar with it but when stg sting on you tyre u can pull it out and the liquid is filling that place so that you can continue your road to tyre repair. I really don't understand why they are still producing with tube types(I know that it is much reliable on the off road. But lets be honest 90% of africa and enduro users are not using their bike on hard enduro conditons.).

[@alwynmcmath]

@@chnzyrt hi, I have tried something similar to the formulaX stuff and I wold not rely on them. They may get you home or they may not. Usually they do not work well with tubes.

[@chnzyrt]

@@alwynmcmath Thank u. I have made my mind I am going to change my tyre to tubeless really soon. I have seen how they done it. Safe travel. :)

[@glenj61]

Thanks for the great video - I have a 2018 ATAS & seriously thinking about using your conversion method. I have a couple of questions with regards to tyre pressures after the conversion. Do you use the recommended stock pressures used for tubed tyres and when off road how low have you gone with pressures? Once again thanks for the video.

[@alwynmcmath]

Glen Johannes hi, glad you enjoyed my vid. I stick with standard handbook pressures on road. Off road I’ve only used the Pirelli scorpion trails and to be honest they’re cr@p so I didn’t do much with pressures. Also it was the Stella alpina rallye and it’s very rocky so I didn’t want to risk a pinch puncture or rim damage. If I was using tkc80s or similar I’d happily go to 20psi. I have no doubts at all now about the tubeless conversion as I’ve put about 12k miles on it since I applied the tape. 👍

[@glenj61]

Thank you so much for your quick reply. I am in the process of getting the supplies together based on your experience. @@alwynmcmath

[@muratustaoglu4784]

Thanks for sharing. How many miles have you ridden so far-as tubesess? Did you have any problem with front tyre?

[@alwynmcmath]

murat ustaoglu - hi, I’ve lost count now, must be 5,000 miles at least. No problems at all, negligible air loss.

[@muratustaoglu4784]

alwyn McMath AUTO-DIDACT thnx for quick reply. it's really very good idea. i am afraid to have a problem with tyres during traveling and long jurney. i guess i am gonna try it😀

[@alwynmcmath]

Catherine Cumayas - maybe 3-4psi per year! I wouldn’t call it a leak really, as it’s the same as my other bikes on tubeless alloy wheels.

[@gomariussmith]

@@alwynmcmath wow... might have to try this conversion then. I have a 2018 model, but losing 10% per week! Never gone offroad, just tarmac. My spokes look somewhat corroded though. I took it to Honda, who confirmed the deflation rate. We replaced tubes, and still happened to deflate. They are now ordering new tubes from Japan! Putting all tubes in a water bath, they don't show any leaks... It feels like I'm going insane! These tyres were supposed to be much safer to take the bike around the world, but I'm starting to get scared just to take her out for a weekly ride! Honda wants to tell me it's perfectly normal for tyres to lose pressure... but 10% a week seems crazy to me. I have owned many bikes before, and never ever faced such a high rate of deflation. The next thing I'll do is ask Honda to replace the rims. Any thoughts?

[@pauldavison2116]

@@gomariussmith It sounds to me that you may be having temperature swings in your tires when you are measuring them. May I suggest taking the pressure reading when the bike has not been run for a while and at the same temperature? I know my bike will have a 2-3 psi swing on "cold" tires when measured at different times of the day. Just my opinion.

[@tmaccowboy]

Hows the tubeless conversion holding up so far. Noticed that this vid was a year ago. Updates?

[@alwynmcmath]

Sophian Rahim - 👋 a year passes quickly! I keep planning my next vid, stand by. To answer your question, no problems at all. Same or less air loss than my FJR with standard alloy rims 👍

[@sergioconte9216]

Hi Alwyn, Thanks for sharing the video. The solution you made 2 years ago is still working? Did you re-tape the wheels again in these two years or the sealing is still perfect? Many Thanks sergio

[@alwynmcmath]

Sergio Conte - hello thanks for watching, yes I have never touched them since and even had a few sets of tyres & the odd puncture. No problems at all.

[@abubakarhussein5197]

@@alwynmcmath so no need of marine sealant or silicone in that case? also how often do you tighten the spokes?.

[@1987Sipan]

Thank you for the video. Have some questions. Did you seal then tyre on the rim? Can Royal Enfield Himalayan tubed tyre be converted to tubeless? Also the description of products used in the process .

[@alwynmcmath]

Hi, no need to seal the tyre, it just went straight on like a tubeless. I can't answer definitively for the Royal Enfield but I think it would work fine. You'll see the product numbers in other queries. Thanks

[@1987Sipan]

alwyn McMath AUTO-DIDACT thank you

[@GuidedMotorbikeTours]

Can you provide the part numbers for the tape and valve in the description please. And get a tripod :) Thanks or the video 👍

[@alwynmcmath]

Guided Motorbike Tours Ltd - The tape is 3M 4411N. I used 50mm width on the rear and 32mm on the front. Re the valves: Choose the smaller 8.3mm one: www.demon-tweeks.co.uk/motorcycle/accessories/bridgeport-tyre-valves

[@alwynmcmath]

And point taken re tripod :)

[@stefangerber4415]

Why is he dressed like his working with the ebola virus

[@abubakarhussein5197]

How is it holding up mate? I got a 38mm (1.5inch) only. Can i use it for rear as well? Is there need for 5200 marine sealant?

[@alwynmcmath]

I’ve not tried that but offer it up - if it comfortably covers spoke heads I’d guess your fine.

[@alwynmcmath]

Ps as you can see I didn’t use marine sealant. I sadly sold the bike at 20,000 miles and had no issues.

[@abubakarhussein5197]

@@alwynmcmath thanks, i used polyurethane silicone, the used the 1.5mm 3M 4411 and covered the sides that were not covered properly with a patch. I just did 500kms. I will check the pressure tomorrow morning

[@bobwardley1606]

Hi again. What’s the part number for the valve? I’m doing the conversion as soon as I get all the parts. Thanks again for your video. Cheers, Bob

[@alwynmcmath]

Let me know how you get on!

[@alwynmcmath]

Bob Wardley please check the first comment box - contains all part numbers thanks

[@Hondadctrider]

It would have been helpful to actually see the tape being applied, but other than that, good job.

[@dougmacpherson2610]

Can you still use a tube type tire or do you have to go to a tubeless type after the conversion?

[@alwynmcmath]

Doug MacPherson I only have experience of standard road/trail type tyres such as Pirelli scorpion trail and the original Dunlops. They are both marked as tubeless. I guess a tyre specifically designed for a tube may lack the bead seal or may indeed not be airtight. Sorry, not sure.

[@tonynguyen2601]

Thank for the great video! Did you use the same tube tires after go tubeless rim or we need to change it to tubeless tires? Once again, thank for your helpful video.

[@alwynmcmath]

Hi, I used standard Pirelli scorpion trail II both as tubed and as tubeless after the conversion.

[@tonynguyen2601]

Thank you, so it was a TL tube type, thank you so much!

[@pedroccaroxanne5891]

GOOGLE TRANSLATE: Dear, during the first pressurization of the front and rear tires, should you hear the slam (as on standard tires and tubeless rim) FRANÇAIS: Monsieur, lors de la première mise sous pressions des pneus avant et arrière, faut t'ils entendre le claquement (comme sur des pneus et jante tubeless standard)

[@alwynmcmath]

Yes, of course. There is no change to the tyre or rim.

[@pedroccaroxanne5891]

@@alwynmcmath Thank you sir

[@muratustaoglu4784]

Hello alwyn, did you have any problem with front tyre so far? There isn't enough security beam edge of the rim. I have doubt if there is a very hard leak during or after hard riding. Thnx in advance.

[@alwynmcmath]

murat ustaoglu - hello, thanks for watching. No problems front or rear. I have ridden off road and flat out on road. Over 8,000 miles now. No leaks. It is personal decision whether you wish to try my technique but I can happily say no problems here. 👌

[@gsd32i]

Hi great video, just wondering if you still have the bike and if it worked long term ?

[@alwynmcmath]

GSD321 - yes, all fine. 13,000 miles on the bike and no issue. I’d happily do it again if I got spoked wheels.

[@gsd32i]

Thanks for the reply 👍

[@somestuffithoughtyoumightl6985]

Me thinks you need a tripod ;) Thanks for sharing. Tape width looks perfect; was the rear also this close? Website recommends larger diameter valve, what influenced your choice?

[@alwynmcmath]

Nite Runnr hi- thanks for watching. My local tyre fitters recommended the smaller valve. In hindsight I’d probably just use normal rubber valves next time. May be a better fit on the curved rim as the right angle valve has a flat base. Agreed re tripod 😂

[@alwynmcmath]

Rear was the wider tape and fitted perfectly

[@robbo6799]

Great vid mate. Hey you could pass for the sex pistols lead singer, uncanny resemblance of him in later years. No disrespect intended.

[@alwynmcmath]

Robbo67 ha, that’s a new one! Glad you enjoyed the video. I notice the new Africa twin spy shots indicate tubeless wheels and tyres..

[@benf7460]

Thanks for the info, would like to try. Is the 3M tape width for front standard AT rim 32mm or 38mm? I see you mention both in reply to different comments. Much appreciated

[@alwynmcmath]

Ben O - apologies, pretty sure it was 32mm as I recall. It’s been a while now! What I might do next time is just buy 50mm and trim down the width as necessary for the front. Either way. Thanks for watching 👍

[@markheinig]

Looks easy. Thank you.

[@quimzerwashington]

I don't see where you mentioned the code number for the tape. I would like to order some but not sure what it is.

[@alwynmcmath]

Don Funk hi it’s under the first comment, sorry if it wasn’t easy to see. It’s 3M #4411N

[@wyne8541]

Just picked my Africa twin adventure sport up this morning and planning on doing this mod. What tape did you use please?

[@alwynmcmath]

Wyn Eddy - lucky you! Exciting. The tape is 3M 4411N. I used 50mm width on the rear and 32mm on the front. Re the valves: Choose the smaller 8.3mm one: www.demon-tweeks.co.uk/motorcycle/accessories/bridgeport-tyre-valves

[@2007mp170]

Did you get 2 different widths of the tape?

[@ulihanel4048]

You should, 1" for the front and 2" for the rear wheel.

[@randiruge1265]

Very interesting. Thanks for this…….

[@albaghli]

Hi what is brand and number of the tape ?

[@alwynmcmath]

3M 4411N 38mm (front) and 50mm (rear)

[@ulihanel4048]

Thanks, you are so straight forward and right with this. Congratulations, most youtubers are such big worder bullshitters..10 thumbs up

[@alwynmcmath]

What a great comment, thanks Uli! That's what I aim for! A-D

[@mcBiker]

He mate, nice bike ;) Can u link me the valve that u used ? Thank you.

[@alwynmcmath]

mc Biker www.demon-tweeks.co.uk/motorcycle/accessories/bridgeport-tyre-valves get the SMALLER ones.

[@JayTee416]

Thanks for the video Alwyn. Just wonder if you've had to tighten any spokes and how does the mod hold up?

[@alwynmcmath]

Jay Tee hi, thanks for watching. I must have about 3k miles running these as tubeless now. I haven’t had any need to tension the spokes, I think you’d only face that with these wheels if you had an accident or some brutal off road riding which I haven’t done. But up to 130mph on the road, I’ve had no issues and no air loss. Maybe a couple of psi over long term as you’d expect with any tyre but that’s it. 👌

[@martinscheepers7418]

alwyn McMath AUTO-DIDACT Hi.....will it be possible to direct me to the right people / store for the 3M tape that you’ve used? Greetings, Martin

[@alwynmcmath]

@@martinscheepers7418 - Sorry Martin, I just used a google search. I'm pretty sure it's on the famous auction site.