06-25-2023, 11:36 PM
(06-25-2023, 10:30 PM)Tev62_imp Wrote: The Transalp would be a very considered purchase with it's tubed tyres, make sure you have "breakdown Insurance" unless you are happy to carry the tools to remove your wheel on the roadside and patch the inner tube. Punctures are rare, until they are not. And spec the Transalp with a centre stand for the same reason, it will make wheel removal a lot easier!
It is one of the reasons I have my EX wheels converted by Bart Factory in Italy. They apply a polymer sheath molded inside the rim that seals the spoked wheel, making it tubeless. They provide a 4-year guarantee by way of a serialised certificate which is quite reassuring. They have worked flawlessly for some time now and lose no more air than any other bike I own.
The V85TT was launched with tubed wheels early on, Moto Guzzi responded very quickly to feedback and made them tubeless which probably saved their sales figures.
I got the impression a couple of years ago they were doing a lot of Africa Twin wheels as the new 2016 models were tubed too along with the entry level model to this day.
Yeah inner tube spoke wheels are a big negative to me also. Some wheels are easier to take on and off than others and having a center stand really helps. My Tenere has a stand but it also has a large, rear axle nut that is recessed so in addition to the other tools and tire irons I need to carry a 1/2" socket and handle for that nut. Carrying all those tools and F&R inner tubes along adds a lot of weight and takes a fair amount of luggage space as well but is doable.
OTOH I wouldn't even bother trying to R&R the rear wheel along the road on an older Goldwing, Harley Tourer, or Guzzi V7 because those were difficult enough for me in my shop, on the lift, with a jack! When you have a flat on a bike like them you better have someone along or cell service, otherwise start walking.
For me I wouldn't completely rule out a Transalp but it better be really special to offset having inner tube wheels.