I bought this Suzuki bike secondhand and was surprised to see it still comes with tubed tires. I didn't expect it since the bike is marketed for adventure riding. With how easy tubeless setups are to plug and how much safer they are when punctured, it just seems outdated... Any reason Suzuki (and a few others like Yamaha I think) are still sticking with tubes on front 21" setups? Is it a cost thing?
Suzuki still using tubed tires
- Thread starter PAQUITO
- Start date
StevenStorm87
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- Joined
- Jun 25, 2025
- Messages
- 6
If it has spoked wheels, then those cannot hold pressure if you're going tubeless, you'll need to replace the wheels.
dustyhelmetclub1022
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- Joined
- Jul 8, 2025
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- 6
When I got my first dual-sport bike, I had a similar reaction,I couldn't believe I was back to packing tire irons for my trips. It turns out those wheels have unsealed spokes, so going tubeless isn't really possible without either changing the rims or tackling the DIY sealing method. I ended up having to learn how to patch tubes out on the trail… not the most enjoyable experience, but it's certainly a rite of passage.
Truth is, sticking with tubed tires on adventure bikes in 2025 feels like clinging to fax machines in a smartphone world. It's not just cost, it's laziness and outdated design philosophy. Manufacturers know tubeless is safer and more practical, but they'd rather protect margins than modernize where it counts.
Sigh. Could not agree more with @Kyoshi. Tubes in 2025 make zero sense... @dustyhelmetclub1022 I feel that. I had my first tube patching moment in the middle of nowhere, sweating bullets. Learned fast to carry way more gear than I thought I'd need. It's just such a hassle!!!