Tires

Best Practices

Tube Replacement

Tubes should not be reused. They should be changed when the tire is changed.

From the the Metzeler website:

When fitting new TT (tubetype) tires, new tubes have to be used. Tubes

become stretched in service. If a used tube is fitted in a new tire, it

can crease and fail due to thinning of the tube rubber.

Tubes in Radial Tires

Tubes should not be used in radial tires.

From the Metzeler website:

Can radial tires be used with tubes inserted?

No. Motorcycle radial tires have different constructions than a bias ply tire so it is not permitted.

Tubeless Valve Replacement

When mounting tubeless tires (i.e. on tubeless rims, with no tube used), always replace the valve.

From the the same Metzeler page:

When fitting

new TL (tubeless) tires, a new valve should be fitted for safety reasons. Under acceleration and braking, as well as during continuous riding at elevated speeds, the centrifugal forces acting on the valve can bend it down up to 90°. Therefore, short valves should be used. At speeds above 200 km/h, the centrifugal forces acting on the valve insert become so high, that the preload of the valve spring might not be enough to keep the valve closed. Short valve inserts have a higher preload than long ones. Even better are short inserts with a red Teflon-ring. These have further increased spring preload. Whichever type of valve insert is used, it is

very important to carefully tighten the valve cap.

Tire Mounting Orientation

If there's a dot on the tire sidewall, it indicates the lightest point on the tire. It should be mounted next to the tire valve.

From the the same Metzeler page:

Some METZELER tires have a red dot in the tire sidewall to indicate the lightest point which should be positioned next to the valve.

Resources

Wheel Builders

California Bay Area

Chris at Wheel Works in Hayward
From local.google: Wheel Works The - (510) 785-4396 - 1957 W Winton Ave, Hayward, CA 94545