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New tires on Rebel 250

6K views 4 replies 4 participants last post by  HeavyD_The_Ogre 
#1 ·
Hey there, just got my first motorcycle yesterday! Already falling in love with the thing.
Happened to pick up a 1999 Honda CMX250C Rebel with 2,000 miles for an incredibly reasonable price. It’s been sitting for a while and it definitely needs some new tires.
I understand that with spoke rims you need to have a tube, that much I get.
I’m looking into some high quality tires (or so it seems) as id like to feel COMPLETELY comfortable on my first bike.

Jpcycle.com says that “continental tour” for my rear and “classic attack” for the front will fit my bike.
Exactly what tube do I need to buy to install these tubeless tires?
My father will also be helping me but he hasn’t experienced changing a tire that’s tubeless.

If there are better tires anyone recommends send them my way. Willing to spend up to 300.00 on them (just to be safe). Thank you!
 
#2 ·
Welcome.

I'm not familiar with either of the tire types that were recommended by JPCycle. Two of the most popular tires for Rebels are the Pirelli MT66 and the less expensive Kenda Cruiser. Both have similar grip on wet roads and the Kenda has softer rubber. The difference in cost between the two is more than made up by longer tire life for the Pirellis. I get around 9,000 miles on Kenda rear tires and 14,000 from the Pirellis. The front tires for both last a lot longer than the rear in my experience. Both are well below your maximum price.
 
#4 ·
There are a few motorcycles with spokes that take tubeless tires, the Rebel 450 being one. On those bikes, the spokes do not protrude inside the rim, which allows them to be tubeless.

Changing a tube type tire isn't a whole lot differnt than a tubeless one with the exception that you have to be careful not to pinch the tube when mounting the tire. Doing so usually results in a hole in the tube. There are lots of how-to videos about changing motorcycle tires on YouTube. It's basically the same as changing a tube type bicycle tire. Having several tire levers/spoons the appropriate size helps. New tires go on much easier than the old ones come off!

I have found it's easier for me to cut old, stiff, tires off the rim once the bead is broken and the tube removed than it is to fight getting the bead over the rim. I carefully saw through the tire with a hacksaw until I get close to the steel bead, then use wire cutters to finish the job. Be careful not to damage the rim with the saw.

The old tube may still be good, providing it hasn't been damaged beyond repair during removal. Exposure to the elements and especially sunlight is what damages rubber. If the tube is soft, pliable, and looks as new, it is probably fine to use it. OEM tubes are usually much better quality than replacement tubes.
 
#5 ·
I bought Kenda K657 Challenger Front Tire
& Kenda K657 Challenger Rear Tire
& like soo much.

& I would recommend getting new tubes & rim liner (if your rims use them), they are not expensive & makes good sense.
 
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